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Horford Wins NBA Community Award
In recognition of Al Horford’s outstanding efforts in the community and
for his ongoing philanthropic work, the NBA has honored the Atlanta
Hawks’ big man with the Community Assist Award for February.
Horford’s impact on the court has him leading all rookies in rebounding
and helping the Hawks’ late playoff push. Off the court, the Dominican
Republic native has shown the same dedication, supporting Atlanta-area
Hispanic youth groups including the STAR House and La Amistad, where he
conducted reading timeouts and donated tickets to Hawks games. In
addition, he supports other youth groups through his own initiative,
Al’s Amigos.
“Growing up, I realized that some people are less fortunate than
others,”said Horford. “Now that I am an NBA player and in a position to
help, I have the opportunity and responsibility to make a difference.”
The former University of Florida star also recently met with the Salt
Lake Valley Gator Club before a Hawks game against the Utah Jazz at
Energy Solutions Arena. Horford signed autographs and took pictures with
the club, supporting their effort to raise money for the Florida
Opportunity Scholarship Fund, which gives a full scholarship to a
low-income student who will be the first in his or her family to attend
college.
During NBA All-Star 2008 in New Orleans, Horford hosted a basketball
clinic with the children from Laurel Elementary School, where he also
participated in the dedication of a new mural for the students as well
as the renovation of an outdoor basketball court. In addition, Horford
visited a group of children from the Make-A-Wish Foundation; competed in
the Annual Zo & Magic’s 8-Ball Challenge, which has raised over $750,000
in the past four years for youth endeavors; and participated in the NBA
Cares All-Star Day of Service before competing in the T-Mobile Rookie
Challenge and Youth Jam.
Horford will receive the David Robinson Plaque, with the inscription,
“Following the standard set by NBA Legend David Robinson who improved
the community piece by piece.” In addition to the plaque, a $5,000
donation will be given to the STAR House on Horford’s behalf.
The league presents the NBA Community Assist Award monthly to recognize
players for their charitable efforts. The award honors the NBA player
who reflects the passion that the league and its players have for giving
back to their communities.
Hawks Visit John Hope Elementary
John Hope Elementary got quite a surprise in March when the
entire Atlanta Hawks Roster showed up to their school for Team Reading Day, part
of the Read to Achieve Program presented by Philips and Sprite. As the children
waited for an assembly to start with no answer of what kind of assembly it was,
Coach came out and started announcing each Atlanta Hawk. Josh Childress
announced to all of the students that not only were the Hawks giving their
school 2000 books for their media center, thanks to The Reading Tree, but each
of the children were getting their very own books to take home as well. After
the clapping and cheering settled down, each player went to a different
classroom and read to the children, signed autographs and talked about the
importance of school. Team Reading is sure to be remembered and talked about by
the children for a very long time to come. (photos by Jennifer Boxely)
Stoudamire and Jones Visit Nickajack
Atlanta Hawks players Salim Stoudamire and Solomon Jones hosted a Reading Timeout for students at Nickajack Elementary School (in Smyrna) on Thursday, April 3. Stoudamire and Jones read a selection of books to students before signing autographs and posing for pictures. The event is part of the Read to Achieve program presented by Philips and Sprite.
Hawks Help Open Playroom At Children’s
Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston
The Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Thrashers helped make the world brighter for some
special children thanks to the support of The Home Depot. The Hawks and
Thrashers unveiled two state-of-the-art, team-specific playrooms at Children’s
Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston, on April 17th. The rooms were sponsored by
The Home Depot and designed by Idea-Span.
Hawks play-by-play announcer emceed the event and lent a helping hand for a
special board cutting along with Charlie Criss (former Hawks guard), LaVerne
Henderson (Vice President of Community Development), Thrashers forward Chris
Thorburn, Kamal (Thrashers Radio Play-by-Play Announcer), John Chiasson
(District Manager for The Home Depot) and Martha McGill (Sr. Vice President of
Operations for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston). Adding to the
day’s festivities were members of the Hawks A-Town Dancers and Thrashers Blue
Crew along with mascots Harry the Hawk and Thrash.
Participants later entertained children in the playrooms and made special
room-to-room visits passing out teddy bears, stickers and autograph cards.
Click here for photo gallery.
Hawks Present Collier Memorial Trophy
Before a sellout crowd at Philips Arena on Saturday, April 12th, the Hawks
presented the Jason Collier Memorial Trophy to Marvin Williams. The award, named
after the late center who passed away in October 2005, is presented annually to
the individual who best exemplifies the characteristics Collier displayed off
the court as a community ambassador. Marvin gave tirelessly to the community
this season, including joining the Honorary Board of Special Olympics Georgia,
hosting his second annual holiday event for underprivileged kids with teammate
Josh Childress, participating in reading timeouts at local elementary schools
and much more. Pictured with Williams are Hawks Executive Vice President and
General Manager Billy Knight and Jason’s widow, Katie Collier.
World Malaria Day – April 25
Get in the game and join your Atlanta Hawks in helping to prevent
malaria in Africa. NBA Cares
and Nothing But Nets need your help to deliver
life-saving bed nets to families in Africa. A ten-dollar donation to
Nothing But Nets will provide a bed net to protect children and their
families from the disease.
April 25, 2008 marks the first World Malaria Day. Malaria, a disease
transmitted by mosquitoes, infects more than 500 million people a year
and kills more than a million – one child dies every 30 seconds. With
your support, the insecticide-laden bed nets will protect children and
families from mosquitoes and prevent them from flying on to their next
victim.
Send a net. Save a life.
What You Can Do
Learn More:
Mario’s Second Pizza Party
Atlanta Hawks rookie Mario West hosted a pizza party for patients at Children’s
Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston on March 20. It was the second time this year
the Hawks guard spent the afternoon eating and visiting with patients, passing
out books, playing games and more (having also visited on February 7 with fellow
rookie Acie Law IV). West, a Douglasville native and Georgia Tech alum, has a
longstanding relationship with the hospital and has visited with patients since
his college days.
Dr. Seuss’s Birthday and Read Across America Day
FSN South and Atlanta Hawks play-by-play man Bob Rathbun visited Harmony
Elementary in Buford on March 3 to celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday and Read
Across America with the students. He read “Green Eggs and Ham” before talking to
the kids about the importance of reading in his line of work and encouraging
them to read outside of school. The event was held in conjunction with the Read
to Achieve Program presented by Philips and Sprite.
Tucker High School Visit
A group of students from Tucker High School visited Philips Arena on
February 28 for a unique day with the Hawks and Thrashers. The students
were writing a Dr. Seuss-style book about different sports seasons for
the special needs class at their sister elementary school. They started
off the day watching the Atlanta Thrashers get ready for that evening’s
game at the morning skate, followed by being guests at the Hawks
practice that afternoon. Coach Woods shared Gatorade with the kids
before gathering the players for photos and autographs.
Al and the Gators
Hawks rookie and former University of Florida star Al Horford met with the Salt
Lake Valley Gator Club before the Hawks – Jazz game on February 23 at
EnergySolutions Arena. Horford signed autographs and took pictures with the
club, supporting its effort to raise money for the Florida Opportunity
Scholarship Fund, which gives a full scholarship to a low-income student who
will be the first in his or her family to attend college.
Why is Reading Important to You?
Hawks alumni, Jim Washington and Charlie Criss, made an appearance at the
Atlanta Speech School on February 21 on behalf of the Read to Achieve Program,
sponsored by Philips and Sprite. Both former Hawks spoke to students about the
value of an education and stressed the importance of reading in everyday life. (photos by Alison Church)
Law and West Visit Children's Healthcare
Atlanta Hawks rookies Mario West and Acie Law hosted a pizza party
for patients at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston on February 7. The
two Hawks spent the afternoon eating and visiting with patients, passing out
gift bags, playing games and more. West, a Douglasville native and Georgia Tech
alum, has a longstanding relationship with the hospital and has visited with
patients since his college days.. (photos by Susyn Ahern)
Al Horford Visits Mimosa Elementary School
ATLANTA, GA -- Atlanta Hawks rookie Al Horford hosted a special
English/Spanish Reading Timeout for children from STAR House on March 3. The
event, part of the Read to Achieve program (presented by Philips and Sprite),
took place at Mimosa Elementary School in Roswell. Horford, originally from the
Dominican Republic, read a selection of books in English and Spanish before
signing autographs and posing for pictures. STAR House is an after-school
Hispanic learning group that meets at Mimosa Elementary. Teachers and volunteers
help children learn English, while also assisting with homework and
socialization skills. (photos by Alison Church)
Josh Childress Visits Mt. Olive Elementary School
ATLANTA,
GA ---- Hawks guard Josh Childress joined fifth-grader Kayla Billings for a
special day at Mt. Olive Elementary School in East Point on February 28.
Billings won the visit and an ice cream party with Childress as the Grand Prize
Winner of the “How I Can Improve My Community Essay Contest With J-Chill.”
Billings’ essay, which she read to her class, was selected from nearly 100
entries as the winner. Submissions were judged on creativity, grammar, content
and overall impression. She also won a Hawks prize pack, including four tickets
to the Hawks – Magic game at Philips Arena on March 22. The contest was held as
part of the Read to Achieve program sponsored by Philips and Sprite, and Carvel
donated the ice cream for the party. (photo by Jennifer Boxley).
Hawks Host Jr. NBA All-Star
Lithonia’s Larenz Griggs is one of five boys and five girls selected
to represent the more than 830,000 Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA members as the 2007-08 Jr.
NBA/Jr. WNBA National Team. The group will be honored guests at the 57th NBA
All-Star Game in New Orleans. The showcase event for the National Team will take
place on 2/17, when the squad takes on a team of New Orleans Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA
All-Stars on Center Court of NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by Adidas at the
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The Hawks recognized Larenz and his family
in a ceremony prior to the Pistons game on 2/12 and Hawks Guard Mario West
presented him with his award. Larenz has been a part of the Atlanta Hawks
Saturday clinics this season and plays out of the Dekalb King James Shooting
Stars program.
Marvin Meets With Special Olympic Athletes
Marvin Williams, Special Olympics Georgia Honorary Board Member, met with a
group of Special Olympic Athletes on January 13th after the game against the
Bulls. He signed autographs, took pictures and spoke with the athletes from the
Kay Center, located in Fort Valley, GA. The Kay Center is a Sheltered Workshop
for Adults with Developmental Disabilities. Marvin offered words of
encouragement and heard encouraging stories in return from the athletes.
Chill Participates In Celebrity Wheelchair B'Ball
Jam
Atlanta Hawks guard Josh Childress participated (as one of the head
coaches) in Dream Maker’s Youth Foundation’s Celebrity Wheelchair
Basketball Jam on Saturday, January 12, 2008 at Campbell Middle School
in Smyrna. The event featured celebrities playing ball in loaner chairs
with and against wheelchair athletes. Other festivities included music,
children’s games, giveaways, and live performances by Lil De’, Royale
Fam and the Atlanta Hawks A-Town dancers.
JJ’s Santa-Lanta
On Tuesday, December 18, Atlanta Hawks guard Joe Johnson hosted the third “JJ’s
Santa-Lanta for Kids” holiday event for approximately 100 teenagers from the
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. Johnson, an alumni of the William E.
Thrasher Boys & Girls Club (in Little Rock, Arkansas) treated the kids to
dinner, bowling and holiday gifts. The event was part of Johnson’s continued
support of the Boys & Girls Clubs, which included a $5,000 donation earlier this
year. (photo by Susyn Ahern)
Marv & Chils Flicks and Kicks
Atlanta Hawks forward Marvin Williams and guard Josh Childress hosted the second
“Marv & Chill’s Holiday Flicks & Kicks” event on Sunday, December 16 for
disadvantaged children from MUST, Traveler’s Aid of Metro Atlanta, YWCA and The
Center for Family Resources. The kids joined the two Hawks at the AMC Parkway
Pointe 15 for a special screening of the feature film Bee Movie followed by
dinner at Don Pablo’s Restaurant. Maggie Moo’s Ice Cream Treatery donated
desserts for everyone in attendance. Each child received a number of gifts,
including NIKE or Reebok shoes and additional Hawks items. (photos by Susan
Ahern)
Hawks Visit Children At Area Hospitals
Continuing with the organization’s traditional philanthropic endeavors
during this season of giving, the Atlanta Hawks visited patients at two
local hospitals on December 12. Players, coaches, front office staff,
and mascots split into two groups and spread a little holiday cheer at
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite and Children’s
Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston by visiting with patients and
families, distributing gifts, playing Bingo and signing autographs.
Former Hawks guard Charlie Criss hosted a Reading Timeout, as part of the Read to Achieve program (presented by Philips and Sprite), at Minor Elementary School on 11/13 at 10:30 am.
Marvin Williams Scoops For Charity
Marvin Williams was in attendance at Maggie Moo’s Ice Cream Treatery for
“Celebrity Scoop Night” on Saturday, November 10. The event benefited the
Atlanta chapter of the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation, an
organization committed to helping seriously-ill children and their families cope
with their pain, fear and isolation through entertainment, education and family
activities.
The Atlanta chapter of the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation received
15 percent of the proceeds from the entire day.
Josh Smith Makes Donation To Jobs For Georgia
Graduates
On September 28, Hawks forward Josh Smith presented students from the
Jobs for Georgia Graduates program at Benjamin E. Mays High School (in
Atlanta) with a check for $7,000 which will be used to send some of the
kids to the Jobs for America's Graduates National Student Leadership
Conference (NSLC) in Washington DC.
Childress and Smith join in Hoops Hall Experience
Hawks Host Kids For Thanksgiving Event
The Hawks recently hosted Thanksgiving dinner for young men from Turning
Point and Potter’s House shelter, giving some deserving youth a
once-in-a-lifetime experience. The players and coaches dished up a
special Thanksgiving meal with all of the trimmings, which was
generously donated by Hudson Grille in Brookhaven Station. The players
later dined with the youth and discussed the many things they had to be
thankful for this holiday season. They also shared lots of laughs and
smiles that were captured on camera and guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Photo
Gallery
Watch The Highlights!
Hawks Host Clinic For Special Olympics Georgia
The Atlanta Hawks hosted dozens of Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA)
athletes for a basketball skills clinic on Friday, October 26. The
event, which took place on the Hawks practice court, featured individual
instruction and drills from the entire Hawks team to some deserving
athletes. The athletes also received gift bags with signed Hawks
memorabilia and took a team photo with their NBA idols.
Photo
Gallery
Hawks Paint The Town At The New World Of Coke
To help kick-off the NBA season, the Atlanta Hawks held their Paint the
Town event on Saturday, October 20th at the New World of Coca-Cola. The
entire roster of Hawks players were on-hand to participate in a number
of the festivities, including manning the Tasting Stations, taking tours
with kids, helping customers check-out at the Coca-Cola Store, playing
hoops on the Sport Court, as well as signing autographs and posing for
pictures. Hawks fans also participated in a number of Hawks interactive
elements such as the giant slide, pop-a-shot and prize wheel.
Photo
Gallery
All in a day’s work
Hawks alum
Charlie
Criss with a
CHOA
participant.
Hawks Help Out at 8th Annual Summer Rehab Games
On Monday July 16, Philips Arena hosted for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta rehab patients at their 8th Annual Rehab Summer Games. The Atlanta Hawks and Thrashers Community Development team joined over 350 children competing in events like basketball, tricycle races, wheelbarrow races, dance contests, an obstacle course, and many more. Hawks alumnus Charlie Criss joined in the fun and gave tips on basketball.
Newby goes
to Camp!
On June
19th, former
Atlanta
Hawks center
Ivano
Newbill
joined area
children for
summer camp
at the
Atlanta
History
Center. The
kids spent
the day
learning how
games have
played an
important
role in
Georgia
history –
from
competitions
held by the
earliest
Native
Americans,
to the
present with
professional
franchises
like the
Atlanta
Hawks.
Newbill read
to the
children
about how
basketball
started and
then related
his
experiences
of today. He
then
answered
questions,
signed
autographs,
and passed
out Read to
Achieve
stickers and
bookmarks
from Philips
and Sprite.
The People
in your
Neighborhood
The
Children’s
Museum,
Imagine It!
conducted
its third
and final
week of
summer camp
on June 27th
with a
Sesame
Street
influenced
theme of
“Who are the
People in
your
Neighborhood.”
WSB-TV
anchor
Jovita Moore
made a
special
appearance
to read a
story
featuring
Sesame
Street’s
Elmo to the
campers on
behalf of
Read to
Achieve
(presented
by Philips
and Sprite).
She then
answered
questions
and
discussed
elements of
her career,
including
how she
works with
the Atlanta
Hawks.
On June 7th at Woodruff Park in downtown Atlanta, Hawks scout Harold Ellis teamed with Atlanta Thrashers broadcaster Darren Elliot for a charity two-on-two volleyball match against professionals Casey Jennings and Mark Williams. It was pretty fun for all involved, and Ellis and Elliot (Team E) received oversized novelty checks for $2,500 towards the Hawks and Thrashers Foundations for their efforts.
Team E hung tough, but eventually the skills of the pros won out in a 21-10 win. We still applaud the effort fellas, especially Ellis, who was wearing all black despite the 90-degree heat.
Atlanta Hawks Team Reading Day
Atlanta Hawks players and coaches joined students at Woodson Elementary School
in Atlanta for a special Read to Achieve event on March 8. The Hawks took part
in a school assembly, and visited a number of classrooms to read a variety of
books and discuss the importance of literacy with the children. The event was
held as part of the Read to Achieve program presented by Philips and Sprite.
A Trip to the Highlight Factory
The Russian “White Bears” from Moscow were in Atlanta for a youth hockey
tournament being hosted by Hockey Director Yan Kaminsky at the Thrashers
Practice Facility in Duluth. It wasn’t all work and no play; the team stopped by
a couple Thrasher games and a Hawks game on April 6th where they met Slava
Medvedenko. He spoke to the kids, signed autographs and posed for pictures
before the start of the game.
Josh Childress Visits Essay Contest Winner
The Atlanta Hawks’ Josh Childress joined fifth-grader Richard Guyton Jr. for a
special day at Locust Grove Elementary School on March 22. Childress picked-up
Guyton Jr. for a limousine ride to the school, and appeared with him during the
morning video announcements, before spending some time with the fifth-grader’s
class.
Guyton Jr. was recently selected as the Grand Prize Winner of the “Take Chill to
School” Essay Contest. Atlanta area elementary school students submitted essays
on “Why you should take Josh Childress to school” from November 15 – January 3.
Guyton Jr.’s essay, which he read at school on Thursday morning, was selected
from nearly 100 entries as the winner. Submissions were judged on creativity,
grammar, content and overall impression. He also received four tickets to a
Hawks home game at Philips Arena and other prizes. The contest was held in
conjunction with the Hawks’ Read to Achieve program presented by Philips and
Sprite.
Josh Smith Visits Kennesaw Elementary
Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith took part in a special Read to
Achieve/Scholastic Book Fair awards ceremony and book signing at Kennesaw
Elementary School on Tuesday, March 20.
Smith’s appearance coincided with Scholastic’s release of NBA Reader: High
Flying Stars, which features the Hawks forward, among other NBA stars like
Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade. The book is one of three new NBA-licensed
children’s books designed to help struggling readers.
This season, NBA Cares (the league's social responsibility initiative) and
Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education and media company,
teamed up to recognize hundreds of students nationwide who are reading to
achieve. As part of the program, elementary schools around the country
challenged their students to read as many books as they could. To reward the
high-scoring students, NBA players will honor winners at Scholastic Book Fairs
by presenting awards to children who have read enough books to earn “Rookie
Reader” and “All-Star” status. Outstanding students in each school will receive
the highest honor of “MVP”.
Additionally, Scholastic is donating $10,000 worth of books to Boys Who D.A.R.E.
as part of their partnership with the Atlanta Hawks. Smith’s participation in
the event is part of the Read to Achieve program (presented by Philips and
Sprite).
Read to Achieve Night
The Atlanta Hawks celebrated Read to Achieve Night (presented by Philips and
Sprite) on March 3 at Philips Arena. Fans were treated to a number of promotions
throughout the evening, including the first 5,000 people through the Philips
Arena doors receiving a customized copy of Hawk Dreams, courtesy of Philips and
Sprite. Children of all ages created their own Read to Achieve bookmarks and
book covers at the Kids Table (in the Philips Experience). Additionally, members
of the A-Town Dancers hosted a Reading Timeout for kids, also in the Philips
Experience.
Just before tip-off, the Hawks recognized the winner of the “Take Chill to
School” essay contest, fifth-grader Richard Guyton, Jr. from Locust Grove
Elementary School, as well as the five runners-up, Ellery Payne, Jordan Thomas
Sterling, Joshua Sims, Danielle Usher-Niemi and Brenton Bridges, in an on-court
presentation.
Zaza Pachulia Meets With Georgian Businessmen
Prior to the Atlanta Hawks – Toronto Raptors game (Feb. 2), Hawks
center Zaza Pachulia meets, in the state of Georgia (USA), with representatives
of the Caucasus Business School from his hometown, Tblisi, in the country of
Georgia. The Caucasus Business School partners with Georgia State University’s
J. Mack Robinson College of Business to provide undergraduate and graduate
business programs in Tblisi. Left to right in the photo are George
Simongulashvili, vice president of Caucasus University; Bijan Fazlollahi,
director of the Center for Business Development in Transitional Economies at
Georgia State University in Atlanta; Zaza Pachulia, center, Atlanta Hawks; Kakha
Shengelia, president of Caucasus University and H. Fewick Huss, dean of the J.
Mack Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University.
Chill’s Meet and Greets
Josh Childress and EarthLink have teamed up to donate 300 tickets to
metro Atlanta charitable organizations this season. As part of the
program, kids will be seated in Childress’ “Fro Zone” section, receive
“J. Chill” Spirit Signs and have the opportunity to take pictures and
get autographs during an exclusive post-game meet & greet.
Childress is also an Ambassador for Sickle Cell Disease and will be
bringing out children and their families affected by this disease through
out the season. Along with that, on select games he will do pre-game meet and
greets with the families.
Hawks Honor Black History Month Contest Winner
Atlanta Hawks Hall-of-Famer Dominique Wilkins joined team executives and
representatives from Wendy’s® at a special surprise visit to Creekland
Middle School in Lawrenceville. The group recognized eighth grader Katie
Siegel as the winner of the Hawks’ Black History Month Writing Contest (held
in conjunction with Wendy’s® and the Georgia Department of Education).
Siegel’s book, The Way My Granny Told It, was selected as the winning entry
in the contest held earlier this year. Ten-thousand copies of the book will
be published and distributed to schools and libraries throughout the area.
Additionally, Creekland will receive $1,000 for the school’s media center.
Siegel will also be honored during a halftime presentation at the Hawks –
Suns game on February 25 (6 p.m. tipoff) and host a special pre-game book
signing.
Hawks Host Jr. NBA Tournament
Local Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA members in Atlanta were invited to participate in
this special, mid-season tournament for the area’s elite youth basketball
players. Participating Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA members included Newnan B&GC,
Woolfolk B&GC, Paulding County B&GC, Fulton County Parks and Recreation,
Carver B&GC, Alpharetta Recreation, Corpus Christi Youth Basketball, Fair
Oaks Youth Basketball and B&GC of Hall County. Each team was guaranteed at
least 2 games in this double elimination, 16 team (8 boys and 8 girls)
tournament.
A big ‘thank you’ to Atlanta Hawks Alumni Rick Brown, who stopped by the
tournament and provided the opening jump ball in both championship games.
Rick, along with Hawks mascot ‘Harry the Hawk’, congratulated the
championship teams during the awards ceremony and assisted with the
distribution of the awards. Another ‘thank you’ to the Atlanta Hawks dancers
for stopping by and cheering on all of the participants. The Jr. NBA/Jr.
WNBA would also like to thank the Atlanta Hawks for providing team keychains,
pencils and pocket schedules.
Josh Smith Presents Check To Family Of Fallen Player
Josh Smith (right) and his father Pete Smith (left) presented the family of
the late Joshua Thomas with a check prior to tipoff of the Hawks-Clippers
game on January 6 at Philips Arena. Atlanta Hawks players and coaches, along
with the Atlanta Spirit organization, took up a monetary collection of
$20,000 to aid the family of Thomas, a 14-year-old student and basketball
player at Shamrock Middle School, who collapsed on the court during a game
on December 9, and later passed away. (photo by
Scott Cunningham)
Josh Smith Hosts Shamrock Middle School Basketball Team
The Shamrock Middle School Boys Basketball Team were the guests of Hawks
forward Josh Smith at Philips Arena on Wednesday, December 20 when the Hawks
took on the Utah Jazz. Joshua Thomas, a 14-year-old student at the school
and member of the basketball team, collapsed on the court during Shamrock’s
game against Bethune Middle School on December 9, and later passed away. The
Hawks also observed a moment of silence before the game in Thomas’ memory. (photo by
Scott Cunningham)
Marvin Williams and Josh Childress Host “Marv & Chill’s
Holiday Flicks & Kicks” Event
Hawks forward Marvin Williams and guard Josh Childress hosted “Marv &
Chill’s Holiday Flicks & Kicks” on Sunday, December 17 for 50 disadvantaged
children from My Sister’s House (women’s and children’s shelter). The
children joined the two Hawks at Atlantic Station’s Regal Cinemas for a
special showing of the feature film Happy Feet followed by dinner at FOX
Sports Grill. Each child also received a number of gifts, including Reebok
or NIKE shoes from Dick’s Sporting Goods, Reebok backpacks and hats, and
additional Hawks items.
Hawks Open Reading & Learning Center for Youth Who Are Visually Impaired
The Atlanta Hawks opened the first-ever Reading & Learning Center for youth who are visually impaired on November 2 at the Center for the Visually Impaired in downtown Atlanta. Hawks guard Salim Stoudamire, forward Solomon Jones and assistant coach Greg Ballard helped unveil the new room before reading to children from the center. The event was held as part of the Read to Achieve program (sponsored by Philips and Sprite).
This is the Hawks’ ninth Reading & Learning Center in the Atlanta area, and nationally, the first devoted specifically for the visually impaired. Additionally, the Hawks donated over 300 Braille books for the room, which also includes Braille games, audio descriptive movies and more. The Center for the Visually Impaired is Georgia’s largest comprehensive, fully-accredited, private facility providing rehabilitation services for individuals of all ages who are blind or visually impaired.
Click for More Images of the Renovation
HELP THE HAWKS SPREAD SOME HOLIDAY CHEER
The Hawks are joining forces with the U.S. Marines' Toys for Tots program
this holiday season. And thanks to caring Hawks fans, several hundred
deserving children will receive new toys during the holidays. Fans who
donate new, unwrapped toys at the Dec. 1 (Cleveland), Dec. 12 (Denver) or
Dec. 16 (Chicago) Hawks games will receive a voucher good for two
complimentary tickets to an upcoming home game.
A BIG HOME WIN
The Atlanta Hawks players and coaching staff put on work boots, gloves and
helmets, picked up hammers and
went to work to construct the first of 10 houses that NBA teams will
help construct for victims of Hurricane Katrina as part of a partnership
with Habitat for Humanity International, the NBA, the National Basketball
Players Association and TNT.
More...
Students from Wynbrooke Theme School
Hawks Award Computers To Local Schools for FBFR
The Atlanta Hawks have awarded three area schools new
computers in recognition of their enthusiastic participation in the Fast Break
for Reading program. Presented by Philips Electronics, Sprite and BrandsMart
USA, the program encourages students to read by offering vouchers for free Hawks
tickets to students who finish at least 25 books in a school year. Conley Hills
Elementary, Wynbrooke Theme School and Sherwood Acres Elementary students read
more books than any other school participating in the program and have already
been presented with their new computers. Over 50,000 students in the Atlanta
area took part in Fast Break for Reading this season.
Celebrity Basketball Jam
Hawks guard Josh Childress participated in Dream Maker’s Youth
Foundation’s Celebrity Wheelchair Basketball Jam on Saturday January
13th at Campbell Middle School in Smyrna. Dream Maker’s Youth Foundation
is a non-profit organization that provides educational, recreational and
rehabilitative services to pre-school through high school-aged children
with special needs throughout the Atlanta area.
Joe Johnson Hosts Second Annual “JJ’s Santa-Lanta For
Kids”
On December 18, Joe Johnson hosted the second annual “JJ’s Santa-Lanta for
Kids” event at ESPN Zone in Buckhead. The Hawks guard treated 75 kids from
the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta to an evening of games, dinner and
presents, including Philips MP3 players, posters, player cards and brand new
books courtesy of Philips and Sprite as part of the Read to Achieve Program.
Johnson is an alumni of the William E. Thrasher Boys & Girls Club in Little
Rock, Arkansas. Each of the kids also received free tickets to the Hawks’
annual Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday game against the Boston Celtics on
January 15. (photos by Jason Spruill)
Hawks Host Special Holiday Event For At-Risk Youth
On December 18, the entire roster of Atlanta Hawks players and coaching
staff hosted a special holiday event for at-risk youth at Dick’s Sporting
Goods in Buckhead. The Hawks treated approximately 75 children from O’Gilvie-Carrington
Centers (collection of six group homes for boys) and The Bridge (school and
outreach center for abused children and families) to a shopping spree and
pizza party. The Hawks and Dick’s Sporting Goods donated $150 for each child
to spend and everyone received a Hawks gift bag. (photos by W. Scott
Chester)
Hawks Host Kids For Thanksgiving Event
The Atlanta Hawks tipped-off the holiday season with a special
Thanksgiving event at Philips Arena on November 20. Hawks players and
coaches joined approximately 100 underprivileged children from the Atlanta
area in assisting Levy Restaurants chefs preparing holiday desserts, such as
cupcakes, cookies, and more. The kids and team then dined together in
Philips Arena’s Center Club. The day’s festivities also included a
basketball clinic on the Hawks practice court and an arts and crafts
station. Participating children were from Boys Who D.A.R.E., Nicholas House,
Rainbow House and Genesis Shelter. Levy Restaurants donated all of the food
and services for the event as part of their “Levy Cares” program.
Click here for a photo gallery from the event!
HOF Dominique Wilkins helps in the build
Hawks Build Playground At Fernbank Elementary
Hawks great and 2006 Hall of Fame inductee Dominique Wilkins was one of 250
volunteers who took part in Fernbank Elementary School’s playground rebuild on
Thursday, August 10. Former Hawks Charlie Criss and Jim Washington were also
involved in the event, which lasted over the course of a very steamy day. The
new playground will benefit hundreds of children attending Fernbank Elementary
School for years to come.
Hundreds of volunteers, from the Atlanta Spirit, The Home Depot, KABOOM! and
Fernbank took part in the event, which will benefit all of the students for
years to come at Fernbank Elementary School. (Photo credit: Jason Spruill).
Hawks VP of Basketball and upcoming Hall Of Fame honoree Dominique Wilkins
(above left with Turner broadcaster Bob Neal) participated on May 13 in the first annual Kidney Bowl, presented by the friends
of Walter Ward and The National Kidney Foundation of Georgia, held at Brunswick
Zone in Norcross. Thrashers defensemen Greg de Vries and Jaroslav Modry
(above right) were
also in attendance, as was Thrashers radio voice Dan Kamal. The event was
held in honor of Walter Ward, who served as the Braves' director of
communications before losing a lengthy battle against cancer in 2005, and raised over $29,000. Proceeds from the event fund
summer camp scholarships for children with kidney ailments.
Photos provided by Atlanta Braves
Hawks players join Coach Woodson on stage for an impromptu
dance performance.
Atlanta Hawks' "A Night of Jazz" Raises $100,000 For Charity
“A Night of Jazz,” the Atlanta Hawks’
annual spring charity event, raised $100,000 for the Hawks Foundation and its
various philanthropic projects, it was announced today by Atlanta Spirit
President and CEO Bernie Mullin.
The entire roster of Atlanta Hawks players and coaches, along with team alumni,
ownership and executives, joined over 400 guests for a unique evening of
entertainment highlighted by a performance from award-winning Hidden Beach
recording artist Mike Phillips.
"Our charitable events, such as “A Night of Jazz,” are so important because we
are able to raise funds needed to support a variety of worthwhile causes
throughout the community,” Mullin said. “The entire Hawks organization is
extremely grateful to Coach Mike Woodson, all of his players, coaches and staff;
and to everyone who worked so hard to make this year’s event such a tremendous
success."
Additionally, guests were able to play a number of interactive games with the
players, participate in live and silent auctions, raffles and more. The catered
dinner was provided by Justin’s, Bold American and Chef Eric’s Catering &
Events, and Starbucks served its special brand of coffee all evening. Hawks
public-address announcer and V-103 personality Ryan Cameron served as emcee.
The event was also attended by the Atlanta Falcons’ DeAngelo Hall and Allen
Rossum, HOT 107.9’s Rashan Ali, WSB-TV anchor Jovita Moore, and WXIA-TV
sportscaster Sam Crenshaw.
MVP Partners include Philips Electronics, Bud Light, Comcast, Georgia-Pacific,
Heineken Light and Sprite.
Hawks Host College Media Day
The Atlanta
Hawks hosted its annual College Media Day at
Philips Arena on Saturday, March 25. The event
was spearheaded by the media relations
department, as an opportunity for college
students to gain knowledge in sports journalism
in relation to the National Basketball
Association.
The program was highlighted by a Q & A session
before the tip-off of the Hawks-Mavericks game,
where FSN South’s Sandy Williams, WGCL-TV
sportscaster Gil Tyree and AJC/Hawks’ beat
writer Sekou Smith spoke and entertained 30
students from universities in the Atlanta area.
More...
Team Reading Day at Tilson Elementary
Atlanta Hawks players and coaches joined students at Tilson
Elementary School in Decatur for a special Read to Achieve event on Thursday,
March 9. The Hawks kicked the day off with an assembly for the entire school
with some words from Coach Woodson emphasizing the importance of education and
literacy. The team then each proceeded to a classroom to read and sign
autographs for the children.
Photo Gallery
Hawks Host Braille Reading Timeout
Atlanta
Hawks guards Tyronn Lue and Royal Ivey joined former Hawk Andrew Lang in hosting
the first-ever Braille Reading Timeout for children at the Center for the
Visually Impaired in Atlanta on January 26. The event was part of the Read to
Achieve program presented by Philips Electronics, Sprite and BrandsMart USA.
The Hawks hold monthly Reading Timeouts, hosted by players and local
celebrities, throughout the metro Atlanta area, however this was the first time
the organization has conducted the program with books in Braille. Each child in
attendance at the event also received a book donated by the National Braille
Press.
The Center for the Visually Impaired is Georgia’s largest comprehensive, fully
accredited, private facility providing rehabilitation services for individuals
of all ages who are blind or visually impaired.
Hawks Commemorate MLK
Holiday
In celebration of this year's MLK holiday, the Atlanta Hawks returned
home...so to speak. This year, the organization hosted a group of youth from New
Horizons (an alternative school) for a day of service designed to teach kids
more about Dr. King's life and legacy. The morning began with a tour of the MLK
Birth Home and a special reading timeout with WSB anchor Jovita Moore and Hawks
Alum and TV color analyst, Steve Smith. Following those events the group
participated in a service project, helping restore a historic fire truck while
learning about it's significance. The day ended with the youth enjoying some
basketball action when the Hawks took on the Houston Rockets at Philips Arena.
Hawks
and Wendy's Partner To Celebrate Black History Month
For the second year the Atlanta Hawks and Wendy's®
are partnering to
celebrate Black History Month. In recognition of the month, the Hawks and
Wendy's are conducting an art contest for Atlanta-area middle schools. The
contest theme, "WHAT INSPIRES ME," focuses on people, events and achievements
that helped shape the nation. Winners will be honored with a special halftime
ceremony at the Feb. 25th Hawks game. The lucky students will also receive a
Hawks and Wendy's prize pack and their schools will receive a donation for art
supplies.
Atlanta-area Wendy's are distributing a special Atlanta Hawks Black History
Month tray-liner from Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in January to the end of
February. Featuring Hawks forward Al Harrington and guard Joe Johnson, this
special piece includes a Hawks ticket offer good for select Hawks games in
February and March. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Roots Adoption
Agency.
The Atlanta Hawks and Wendy's...celebrating Black History Month!
Joe Johnson Spreads Holiday Cheer
Growing up in a Boys & Girls Club in Little Rock, Arkansas, Joe Johnson knows
first-hand the role Clubs play in shaping young lives. He also recognizes the
importance of giving back. That’s why Joe held his first annual Santa-Lanta
Holiday Party for Kids on Dec. 17st. Held at the ESPN Zone (Buckhead), the party
was attended by 100 teens from Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. The youth,
chosen based on their leadership skills, academic excellence and community
service, were treated to an afternoon of non-stop fun and excitement. The party
started with Joe dining with the teens and giving words of encouragement before
going head-to-head with them in such games as air hockey and basketball…where he
went undefeated! Rounding out the fun, Santa Joe handed out toys and
goodies…making several lives brighter in the process. (Photos by Colby Kidd)
Toys
For Tots
The Hawks joined forces with the U.S. Marines' Toys for Tots program this
holiday season. And thanks to caring Hawks fans, several hundred deserving
children will receive new toys during the holidays. Fans who donated new,
unwrapped toys at select Hawks games received a voucher good for two
complimentary tickets to an upcoming home game.
Lady Hawks Participate In Festival Of Trees
This holiday Atlanta Spirit, LLC participated in the 29th annual
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Festival of Trees by decorating a special tree
with the cheerful theme of 'Spirit of the Holidays'. This year's tree featured
items from each of Atlanta Spirit's companies; autographed basketballs, shoes,
and ornaments from the Hawks, an Atlanta
Thrashers autographed hockey stick and team signed jersey, and tickets to
upcoming events at Philips Arena. All proceeds from the
Festival will benefit Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.
Atlanta Hawks Host Thanksgiving Event
The Atlanta Hawks tipped-off the holiday season with a special Thanksgiving
event at Philips Arena on November 21. Hawks players and coaches joined
approximately 100 underprivileged children from the Atlanta area in assisting
Levy Restaurants chefs preparing a holiday meal with all the trimmings. The kids
and team then dined together in Philips Arena’s Center Club. The afternoon also
featured a Reading Timeout (presented by Philips Electronics, Sprite and
BrandsMart USA), autographs, and gift bags for those in attendance.
Participating children were from CHRIS Kids, Inc., College Park Housing
Authority, Hillside and My Sister’s House. Levy Restaurants donated all of the
food and services for the event as part of their “Levy Cares” program.
Hawks 2005 Golf Tournament A Huge Success
ATLANTA (Oct. 20, 2005) -- The Atlanta Hawks Foundation held its
12th annual Golf
Classic at White Columns Country Club in Alpharetta on October 20. The
tournament, which benefited the Hawks Foundation and its numerous philanthropic
endeavors, was sponsored by Philips Electronics, Bud Light, Delta Air Lines,
Sprite, Comcast and Fastsigns of Buckhead.
Since its inception in 1994, the tournament has raised well over $1,000,000. The
event also included lunch, dinner and raffles for a number of unique prizes.
Golf Tournament Photo Gallery
Read To Achieve
(Oct 28, 2005)- This weekend the Hawks participated in one of the team's biggest
community initiatives, the Read To Achieve program. Joe Johnson,
Josh Childress, and Zaza Pachulia all went to Imagine It! The
Children's Museum to read stories to children who were in attendance. The event
was held in conjunction with Arthur’s World, the national touring exhibition,
based on the children’s book and PBS television series. Here are a few
pics from the event:
Hawks Help Out Hurricane Evacuees
Left: Atlanta's Joe Johnson signs an autograph for a young
evacuee who has been displaced due to the effects of Hurricane Katrina during
Kenny Smith's Hurricane Katrina relief effort and NBA Players Charity Game event
Sunday in Houston. Right: Al Harrington visits with a young evacuee at a
relief shelter.
Hawks Host Successful Summer Camp Sessions
From July 25-29, the Atlanta Hawks hosted the
annual Summer Basketball camp at Philips Arena.
Under the direction of Hawks great Charlie Criss,
the camp proved to be a huge success. Over 150
kids participated in the camp learning a variety
of skills including shooting, passing, and
defense. Hawks star Josh Smith participated and
instructed the kids in the week long camp. “I’m
amazed at the skill level of these kids,” said
Smith. “I enjoy watching kids have fun in our
house!” (photo by Colby Kidd)
Do you enjoy getting lost in a good book and learning about exciting
adventures? Are you a fan of the Atlanta Thrashers and Atlanta Hawks? Earn
basketball- and hockey-related rewards while reading this summer! Click here to learn more!
Press Pass Program Winners HonoredThis past season the Atlanta Hawks partnered with the Georgia Scholastic Press Association, Atlanta Sports & Fitness Magazine and FSN (Fox Sports News South) to offer the Press Pass Program experience to Georgia high school students. The program gave high school students, with an interest in print and broadcast journalism, the opportunity to attend a Hawks game and spend the evening as a member of the press. Students also competed for the Atlanta Spirit Sports Journalism Award in broadcast and print categories. Press Pass Program participants were honored at an awards ceremony and reception held on May 23rd at the Center Club in Philips Arena.
Click here to read the winning print essays!
On May 13th the Atlanta Hawks and Thrashers visited Fort Stewart in
Hinesville, Georgia to celebrate "Family Day" with Georgia Army National Guard's
48th Brigade. The troops were scheduled to be deployed to Iraq on Sunday May
15th. The Hawks and Thrashers offered sports clinics including a
hoops workshop by Hawks VP - Basketball Dominique Wilkins.
Childress Visits Winner Of got Milk? Challenge
On Friday April 15th, Josh Childress was on hand at Sutton Middle School to congratulate the winner of the Got Milk? essay contest which asked the question: What is your school doing to promote health and fitness?
By being selected as a winner Sutton Middle School received a check for $1,000 from Got Milk? Josh spoke on the importance of staying fit and healthy and answered a few questions the students had.
Josh Smith Presents $25,000
Check To Harland Boys & Girls Club
Atlanta
Hawks rookie Josh Smith, the 2005 Sprite
Rising Stars
Slam Dunk Champion, presented a check for $25,000 to the John H. Harland
Boys & Girls Club on April 6 before joining assistant coaches Bob Bender and
David Fizdale, and former Hawk Charlie Criss for a free youth clinic for club
members.
This year, for the first time, the Sprite Rising Stars Slam Dunk participants
each competed on behalf of a charitable organization, with Smith winning the
$25,000 for the
Harland Boys & Girls Club. As part of the initiative, four children from the
club were flown to Denver and witnessed Smith's feat in person.
Full Story>>
Fifth
Annual Atlanta Hawks Full Court Fest
“Southern Hospitality” met the “Wild Wild West” at this year’s
Full Court Fest, as the Atlanta Hawks’ fifth annual charity gala returned
for a night of fun, food and games, in an effort to raise money for two
worthwhile causes.
The event, which benefited The
AFLAC Cancer
Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta,
along with the
Atlanta Hawks Foundation and its numerous philanthropic endeavors, was held
on March 19 at The Westin Peachtree Plaza in downtown Atlanta.
Full
Story & Photo Gallery >>
Atlanta Spirit Helps To Bridge The Gap
Atlanta
Spirit, LLC and its teams, the Atlanta Hawks and the Atlanta Thrashers,
participated in an unprecedented sports business diversity initiative
entitled, "Bridging the Gap: Facilitating Access to the Sports Business,"
Thursday, Jan. 27 at the Wyndham Atlanta from 6 - 8 p.m. Hawks Executive
Vice President and General Manager Billy Knight and Atlanta Spirit, LLC,
Director of Group Sales and Service Tiffany Walker joined a panel discussion
with representatives from the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Braves, Georgia Force
and other sports business executives. "This is something that is important
to me because it encourages minorities to become involved in the sports
industry , " said Billy Knight (right).
Bridging the Gap: Facilitating Access to the Sports Business is an innovative and unprecedented initiative to encourage more diversity in sports management. Local teams participated in a diversity resources workshop, and diverse students and professionals attended a candidate forum to learn more about the sports business from industry insiders.
The Atlanta Hawks and Wendy's:
Celebrating Black History
Month
Always seeking ways to encourage youth, the Atlanta Hawks and Wendy's® are
celebrating Black History Month with an art contest targeting Atlanta area
middle schools. The contest focuses on the theme "WHAT BLACK HISTORY MEANS TO
ME." The contest gives youth the opportunity to learn about and artistically
express views which shaped our nation and the world. Three winners will be a
part of a pre-game presentation on February 15th and will earn special Hawks and
Wendy's prize packs. Additionally, the winners' schools will receive a donation
of art supplies.
Throughout the month of February area Wendy's® are featuring a unique Atlanta Hawks Black History Month tray liner, which recognizes African-American youth who make contributions in the areas of community service, education, politics and business. The tray liners will feature a special Hawks ticket offer good for select March and April home games. A portion of the tickets purchased will benefit the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Click here to learn more.
Hawks Donate $64,000 To Tsunami Relief
Atlanta Hawks players, coaches and training staff have collected $64,000, which
will be donated to UNICEF in support of tsunami relief efforts in Asia. Hawks
forward Antoine Walker organized the team contribution and personally pledged
$20,000 to the cause. Walker, who is involved in a number of community
activities through the Hawks, also has his own charitable foundation - The 8
Foundation.
“The sheer magnitude of the devastation in Asia is beyond words,” Walker said.
“I think it’s our duty to answer the call for help. Anything anyone can do goes
a long way, and as professional athletes we’re fortunate enough to be in a
position to be able to help.”
Full Story>>
Hawks
Players, Staffers Visit Local Hospitals
Continuing with the organization’s numerous philanthropic endeavors during this
season of giving, the Atlanta Hawks visited patients at two local hospitals on
Tuesday, December 21, while also taking disadvantaged families on Wal-Mart
shopping sprees. Hip Hop star Bow Wow (representing the Bow Wow Foundation) took
part in one of the hospital visits.
Other players and coaches took five area families in need on $500 shopping
sprees at the Wal-Mart located at 4725 Ashford-Dunwoody Road. Wal-Mart donated
$500 Gift Cards for each to shop for food, toys and clothes. The Hawks players
and coaches also made a food donation to the families.
Full
Story>>
Hawks Host Thanksgiving Event
The entire Atlanta Hawks team and coaching staff tipped-off the holiday season
with a
special Thanksgiving event at My Sister’s House on Sunday, November 21.
Players and coaches were joined by Hawks alumni Jim Washington, Wes Matthews and
Rickey Brown; former NBA star Ralph Sampson; and former Harlem Globetrotter
Michael Douglas, to serve Thanksgiving dinners with all the trimmings to
approximately 150 disadvantaged women and children. Players also read a number
of stories to the kids, passed out goodie bags and signed autographs.
The Hawks will be having a Recreational Coaches Clinic coming up, December 3rd. Call Warren Grayson at 404-827-3838 for more information.
The
Atlanta Hawks and Thrashers have initiated a
comprehensive school assembly program that serves elementary and middle
schools in the metro Atlanta area with a focus on reading and learning through
sports. Content for the elementary school program will feature the Hawks’
successful Fast Break for Reading initiative.
Geared
towards a younger audience, Hawks and Thrashers staff, dance team and mascots
present the program that encourages students to read and develop a life-long
love for reading. The middle school program features sports-themed curriculum
and lesson plans. Hawks and Thrashers staff use the elements of hockey and
basketball to make traditional subjects such as history, science and math more
engaging. The program is infused with interactive Q&A, prizes and an exciting
video featuring Hawks and Thrashers players.
Hawks Help Kick Off 2004 Joy Drive
On November 10, the Atlanta Hawks joined forces alongside Starbucks Coffee
Company and the Starlight-Starbright Children's Foundation to kick off the 2004
Joy Drive at the Pink Pig ride at Rich's-Macy's in Buckhead. Atlanta Hawks
alumni Jim Washington and Mike Glenn were on hand to help students from Ashford
Park Elementary School take turns riding Priscilla the Pink Pig at Lenox Mall.
Additionally, Glenn and Washington each shared a story with the students while
they enjoyed peppermint hot chocolate provided by Starbucks. During the holiday
season, the Starbucks Cheer Patrol will be collecting toys and books at events
to give to special children served by Starlight-Starbright Children's
Foundation. Fans who donate at these events will receive a special Hawks ticket
offer.
On December 11, volunteers from Starlight-Starbright Children's Foundation will be collecting book donations at Philips Arena before the Hawks game vs. New Jersey. All donations will directly benefit children served by the Starlight-Starbright Children's Foundation network.
For more information on the Joy Drive, click here.
SkyHawk On Hand As JDRF Raises Over $1.3 million
On October 23, Sky Hawk participated in the Juvenile Diabetes Research
Foundation's Walk For A Cure event in Atlanta. Over 3,000 supporters of JDRF
turned out to walk 3.2 miles and celebrate life along with local mascots,
vendors, dance teams and clowns. Through the Atlanta walk, families and
corporate teams were able to raise over $1.3 million dollars for the Foundation.
Bank Of America Kids Game A Success
The
Bank Of America Kids Game was held Oct. 20, with over 14,000 schoolchildren
invited to Philips Arena to see the Hawks take on the Memphis Grizzlies. The
event was part of the NBA and the Hawks’
Read To Achieve program, where the team and the league aim to encourage kids
to read and achieve success in the classroom. "The Bank of America Kids Game
provides us with a great opportunity to introduce many young people to our new
Hawks team and the NBA, while emphasizing the importance of reading," says Hawks
President and CEO Bernie Mullin. "This annual event has been a huge success with
our sister team, the Atlanta Thrashers, and we were pleased to extend it to the
Hawks, which further strengthens our commitment to educational initiatives and
our bond with the youth in this community."
Dominique Presents Award To U.S. Olympians
The Annual Salute to Women in Sports Awards Dinner was held at the
Waldorf-Astoria in New York City on Oct. 18. Dominique Wilkins was there as a
presenter, giving the Sports Woman of the Year award to Misty May and Kristi
Welch, who won the gold medal in beach volleyball at the 2004 Summer Olympics in
Sydney. Each October, the Women’s Sports Foundation gathers the most decorated
female athletes together with celebrities from film and television to celebrate
the achievements of women in sports and highlight the best individual and team
performances of the year.
Wilder Receives Leadership Award
Philips Arena Environmental Services Manager Anthony Wilder (right) has
received the Marriott Foundation’s Leadership Award for his mentoring work
with students who participate in the Foundation’s “Bridges ... from school to
work” program. Wilder received the honor at the company’s annual Bridges
Employer Recognition Reception, which was held at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis
hotel on Oct. 14. “Bridges … from school to work” is a program that develops and
supports employment opportunities for young people with disabilities who are
completing their last year of high school.
Hawks Visit Robins Air Force Base
The Hawks visited Robins Air Force Base on Oct. 10, spending three hours at the
base and having dinner with the base's servicemen and personnel. While the team
was there they were given a tour of a C-5 cargo plane and an F-15 fighter jet,
and participated in an awards ceremony for the base's SEMAC basketball
tournament. At the conclusion of the tournament, the players signed autographs
and presented Hawks hats to those in attendance.
Hawks' Rookies Participate in Reading Rally
Atlanta Hawks rookies Josh Childress (not pictured), Donta Smith, Josh Smith,
and Royal Ivey joined other NBA Rookies along with Basketball Hall of Famer Bob
Lanier in a Reading Rally at P.S. 8 in New York City tipping off their
participation in the league’s annual Rookie Transition Program. The players took
part in a school Reading Rally before participating in Reading Timeouts with
individual classes.
Children's Healthcare
of Atlanta Host Summer Rehab Games
ATLANTA (July 2, 2004) -- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta held their Fifth Annual Summer Rehab Games at Philips Arena on July 2. The event involved over 350 children from the metro Atlanta area who are currently undergoing rehabilitation services. The children participated in various activities including both team and individual sports such as: basketball, hockey, tricycle races, wheelbarrow races and dance contests.
During the Opening Ceremony, Thrashers Head Coach Bob Hartley and Hawks guard Boris Diaw welcomed participants and their families with encouraging words and thanked Children's Healthcare for inviting the team's to participate. Boris also helped children with their shooting and dribbling skills.
Above Photo: Philips Arena sponsored the Fifth-Annual Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) Summer Rehab Games held Friday in the venue for the second consecutive year. More than 350 children competed in games including basketball, tricycle and wheelbarrow races, dance contests, and obstacle courses, and got to interact with mascots from the Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Thrashers. Gathered at the event are, from left, "Hope" of CHOA, Bert Weiss from Q-100 FM, Atlanta Thrashers Head Coach Bob Hartley, Atlanta Hawks Guard/Forward Boris Diaw, CHOA Rehab Games participant Elijah Scandrett, CHOA therapist Niki Wing, Philips Arena Director of Customer Relations and Community Relations LaVerne Henderson, and "Will" of CHOA.
Full Court Fest
A Rousing Success
On March 6, hundreds of guests wearing their snappiest outfits arrived at Puritan Mill for an evening of games, food and fun all in the name of charity. On this special Saturday night, the Atlanta Hawks hosted the organization’s fourth annual “Full Court Fest” charity gala to raise funds for The AFLAC Cancer Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and the Hawks Foundation.
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