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 NETS MUSIC PROGRAMThis past season the Nets created a music program and its goal was to have aspiring artists create a Nets theme song. As part of the program 15 students from Rosa L. Parks School in Paterson, NJ went on various music related experiences. They went to local studios for vocal lessons, music writing lessons and music production. The winning song, “Nets We Ballin’” by Roger Thomas and Alexander Parchment can be heard below…  SNOWBALL HOLIDAY PARTYThe Nets hosted the Snowball holiday party for 100 kids from the Boys & Girls Club of Newark on December 21st. Nets players, Nets dancers and Sly treated the kids to holiday fun at the Nets practice facility. The afternoon kicked-off with lunch donated by McDonald’s and Domino’s Pizza. Coca-Cola also donated Minute Maid juice for all the kids. In addition, M & M’s provided the kids with M & M’s candy. The players joined the kids and Sly in making snowflakes, ornaments, elf hats, and ice cream sundaes. The highlight of the afternoon was when Santa Sly made a special appearance and assisted the players in handing out gifts to all the children. Photo Gallery  SEASON OF GIVINGFrom November 16 through January 1, NBA teams will celebrate the annual NBA Cares Season of Giving. Teams will bring holiday cheer to thousands of people in need by hosting more than 350 charitable events throughout November and December. Players, coaches, and family members will join with dozens of community partners and thousands of local volunteers to make a difference in the lives of children and families during these difficult economic times. The Nets tipped off the Season of Giving by providing a Thanksgiving feast to homeless and low-income members of the Montclair Salvation Army. Nets players Devin Harris and Brook Lopez joined their teammates in serving the Thanksgiving meal as well as distributing food care packages and frozen turkeys to those in need. The Nets annual Thanksgiving event was sponsored by the Nets Foundation and Domino's Pizza. Photo Gallery  NBA CARES EVENTIn an effort to encourage volunteerism and in partnership with the White House's “United We Serve” initiative, the Nets hosted their NBA Cares Week of Service project on October 20th at Branch Brook Park in Newark, NJ. All 29 teams hosted projects during NBA Cares Week of Service as a way to give back to the community and to promote volunteering and community service. Nets players Devin Harris, Josh Boone, Bobby Simmons and Courtney Lee joined employees from the Nets front office and Nets mascot Sly in creating dress rings, spreading mulch and cleaning up the park. As part of the project, the Nets teamed up with The Land Conversancy of New Jersey and the Partners for Parks program.  DEVIN GOES TO SCHOOLThe Nets and the American Dairy Association held their annual Take A Net to School contest on Friday, September 25, 2009. Michael Ulrich, an 8th grade student from Lincoln Middle School in Hawthorne, NJ was the winner of the contest this year. As the Grand Prize winner, Michael got to take Nets All Star Guard Devin Harris to school. Devin started the day by meeting Michael at his home in Hawthorne where he also met his family and friends and played some ball with them. When it was time to go to school, Devin gave Michael a ride to school in his Ferrari. Once they arrived at school, Michael took Devin to his homeroom and then his 1st period class where they enjoyed a 3 A Day breakfast with Michael's classmates. After breakfast, Devin quizzed the kids, signed autographs and took photos with everyone in attendance. Nets mascot Sly was also on hand for the festivities. Watch Video | Photo Gallery  DEVIN HARRIS GIVE COMMUNITY ASSISTThe NBA will presented Devin with the NBA Community Assist Award for March at the NBA Store on Tuesday, April 28th at 3 pm. Families from the Make A Wish Foundation as well as kids from Big Brothers Big Sisters were invited. Devin ran the kids through a fitness time-out followed by Q&A and then a private autograph session. Devin also hosted a public autograph session for customers who purchase $15 or more worth of store merchandise. Photo Gallery  PROJECT REBOUNDIn partnership with Toyota, the NBA and the Nets teamed up to create a Fun & Fitness Center at East Orange Recreation Center in East Orange, NJ. Nets players Vince Carter, Devin Harris, Jarvis Hayes, and Keyon Dooling along with Basketball Hall of Famer Bob Lanier, Nets mascot Sly and Nets dancers hosted the ribbon-cutting ceremony and then joined members of the center in exploring the new room and trying out the brand new interactive fitness and gaming equipment. The space in the recreation center was completely refurbished and features new flooring, windows, ceiling, bathrooms, cabinets, heating system and paint donated by Sherwin Williams. Now in its second season, Toyota Project Rebound is a community initiative established by the NBA and Toyota. The program includes 15 hands-on community service projects that will be hosted by NBA teams, and will include court refurbishments, the creation of Learn & Play Centers, and other Legacy Projects providing youth safe places to live, learn or play. Projects have been scheduled throughout the 2008-09 season, including during major events like NBA All-Star and The Finals. Photo Gallery |
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