Continuing a commitment he made immediately following the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina, Chris Duhon announced last month that he was making a personal donation of $100,000 to construct basketball courts throughout New Orleans and in his hometown of Slidell, La. As families are returning to the New Orleans area, recreation programs are limited because of the conditions of the courts and play areas in the communities, so Duhon’s commitment will allow for new places for kids to play throughout the city.

Through his Stand Tall Foundation, which has raised more than $450,000 for the victims of Katrina and aided in the reconstruction of Slidell, Duhon has launched “Operation 21” - a project to refurbish 21 outside basketball courts in New Orleans and Slidell. The project will include five courts in Slidell and the remaining 16 courts in New Orleans, beginning in East New Orleans. East New Orleans is where Duhon played basketball, football, track and baseball at an early age.

During November, Duhon also teamed up with the international hunger relief organization, “Feed the Children” to provide 400 families in Slidell with boxes of food and personal care items. He also played in a charity game of “HORSE” with fans to raise money for the Mark Goodman Memorial Fund, which was created in memory of Duhon’s friend, to pay for the college education of his two children.

Throughout the year, Chris Duhon makes himself available for a wide array of events serving children, and this summer he participated in the NBA’s Basketball without Borders Europe and Asia camps and hosted a boy’s basketball camp that he founded and organized in Slidell. Additionally, for the upcoming holiday season, Duhon will continue his charitable efforts by underwriting the cost of a holiday party for Illinois’ Department of Children and Family Services.

As the recipient of the NBA Community Assist Award, Duhon 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 The Stand Tall Foundation on Duhon’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.