Knicks to Honor Young Philanthropists with "City Spirit" Award
NEW YORK, March 23, 2010 – The New York Knickerbockers have announced that Ali and Jared Wasserman (ages 12 & 9, respectfully) of Manhattan, are the recipients of the Sweetwater Clifton "City Spirit" Award for the month of March for their efforts in raising over $300,000 for cancer research. The award, named in honor of Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton, the first African-American to play for the Knicks, recognizes individuals who have made a significant difference in the lives of others. Each month, a winner is chosen by members of the Knicks front office staff and honored at center court during a Knicks game with a $2,000 donation in his or her name made out to a charity of their choice.
On Feb. 21, 2008, Ali and Jared’s father, Craig Wasserman, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. That September, the children took charge and formed “Team Craig” while participating in the “Have a Chance Walk” for charity, that raised over $40,000 for brain tumor research. This inspired the children to do more. Ali worked with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Equinox Gyms to create the first “Kids for Survival” event, a kids only fundraiser for cancer research. The event took place on Jan. 30 and over 100 children participated, raising over $295,000, bringing the grand total raised by Ali, Jared and friends to over $335,000. Every dollar raised went to brain tumor research.
Tonight, when the Knicks take on the Denver Nuggets, Ali and Jared Wasserman will accept the City Spirit Award at Madison Square Garden. They will donate the award money to brain tumor research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, one of the world's premier cancer centers.
On Feb. 21, 2008, Ali and Jared’s father, Craig Wasserman, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. That September, the children took charge and formed “Team Craig” while participating in the “Have a Chance Walk” for charity, that raised over $40,000 for brain tumor research. This inspired the children to do more. Ali worked with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Equinox Gyms to create the first “Kids for Survival” event, a kids only fundraiser for cancer research. The event took place on Jan. 30 and over 100 children participated, raising over $295,000, bringing the grand total raised by Ali, Jared and friends to over $335,000. Every dollar raised went to brain tumor research.
Tonight, when the Knicks take on the Denver Nuggets, Ali and Jared Wasserman will accept the City Spirit Award at Madison Square Garden. They will donate the award money to brain tumor research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, one of the world's premier cancer centers.
