In front of a playground full of kids and with the entire Kings team behind them, Joe and Gavin Maloof announced that KVIE Public Television is this year’s beneficiary of the George J. Maloof Sr. Community Cup. The Community Cup is a $100,000 donation generated by proceeds from a Kings home preseason game and donated to a local charitable cause.

KVIE's Ready To Learn literacy initiative is designed to help parents, caregivers and educators get young children ready for success in school. Educational materials incorporate the latest research about the most effective ways to develop children's language and literacy skills, with a special emphasis on the needs of children from low income and immigrant families.

“We are honored to be able to contribute to an organization that provides such a vital service to children in our community,” said Gavin Maloof, co-owner of Maloof Sports & Entertainment. “KVIE’s commitment to reading and literacy mirrors our commitment to helping young people develop a love for reading.”

Following the announcement at Morey Elementary School, the Kings players put on a Reading Carnival for nearly 300 kids. Some of the players read out loud to the kids, while others worked with the children on their basketball skills and played other fun games. The Kings mascot, Slamson, along with the real Curious George kept the carnival lively, as did the Sacramento Kings dancers and the Hip Hop crew.

“The community has really responded to the call from the Kings to come and celebrate what KVIE is doing in the community,” said Dr. Ramona Bishop, Superintendant of Del Paso Elementary School District. “When the Kings say, “read,” the children are a lot more likely to read when they get home. I’m not sure they (the Kings) realize what a positive impact this really has on the community. It makes a world of difference!”

“Our father was passionate about giving back to the community. He always taught us that making a difference was the right thing to do,” said Joe Maloof. “By dedicating a preseason home game each year to a long-term charitable commitment to children and families in need, we feel we are recognizing and honoring our father’s beliefs in the importance of giving back to the community,” said Joe Maloof.

“It’s fun to touch people,” he said. “We’ve had an opportunity to touch many families here. It’s something we need to do as a professional organization, and as a community.”