2009-2010 In-Arena Auction Raises Big Money for the Lakers Youth Foundation

The Los Angeles Lakers have the best fans in the NBA and in 2009-2010 season, those fans proved that they may also be the most generous!  During this past season, Lakers fans showed their dedication and their generosity by donating almost $200,000 to the Lakers Youth Foundation, through the Lakers In-Arena Auction. 

The Lakers In-Arena Auction is held on the main concourse of STAPLES Center during every Lakers regular season game and playoff game, and is a chance for Lakers fans to bid on Lakers memorabilia. At each game, three new items are available for auction and the winning bids serve as donations to the Lakers Youth Foundation.

The auction begins before the game, as a silent auction, where fans can submit written bids. At halftime, the highest of these written bids become the opening bids for an exciting live auction. Some of last season’s most desired items included: team autographed basketballs, framed autographed photos, game-worn NBA Finals jerseys, an opportunity to be an Honorary Ball Kid at a Lakers game, and even a postgame meeting with Pau Gasol.

Over the past 14 seasons, the Lakers In-Arena Auction has raised $1.47 million for the Lakers Youth Foundation. This money is used to support the Lakers Youth Foundation’s many programs, such as: the Read To Achieve Reading Challenge, “A Season of Giving” holiday events, “Freedom Through My Eyes” art/essay contest, Jr. Lakers youth basketball initiative and installation of Lakers Reading and Learning Centers. Proceeds from the Lakers In-Arena Auction also allow the Lakers Youth Foundation to make quarterly cash grants and donate over 4,000 tickets per season, to local non-profit organizations.

The Lakers and Lakers Youth Foundation send their gratitude to the Lakers fans that contributed to the In-Arena Auction during the 2009-2010 season, and invite all Lakers fans to participate in the In-Arena Auction next season!