This season the Toronto Raptors have teams up with ESQ to presented one Raptor with an award for his outstanding work in the community and his commitment to bringing an extra level of excitement to community initiatives. Along with this player the community relations department also selects a member of the community who has demonstrated a commitment to their field and has made a significant difference in their community.

This season we are pleased to give Raptors fans the chance to nominate a deserving person for the ESQ Community MVP. To nominate someone for the award who has demonstrated leadership and commitment to their local community please fill out this application form (link to application form titled Community MVP application form) and fax to:

Sandra Farfan
Community Relations Department
40 Bay Street, Suite 400
Toronto, ON M5J 2X2
416-359-9213

Nomination will be accepted from November 7, 2008 to March 13, 2009. Winners will be chosen by the community relations department and must be available to attend a Raptors home game between November and March. All winning community MVPs will receive on-court recognition for their accomplishments, an award and a watch courtesy of ESQ.

Fill out the nomination form

2007-08 Community MVPs

February

Jason Kapono

Jason Kapono - During the month of February Jason participated in several community events including a Read To Achieve visit and a playground build during All Star in New Orleans. Over the past several months Jason has taken part in a number of Raptors Foundation events including Tip Off Dinner, the KingPin Bowling Challenge and the annual visit to the Hospital for Sick Children.

Brian Deeks - A teacher at Rolph Road Public School, Brian established the Philanthropy Project in 2002 which encourages youth to be leaders in their community by using their time and efforts to raise money and awareness for local charities. Through the Project Brian has helped his students raise a total of $22,000 for a number of charities. His devotion to helping others and for continually inspiring his students make Brian February’s Community MVP.

January

Kris Humphries

Kris Humphries - During the month of January Kris established a ticket program in support of Boys and Girls Clubs across the city. He also took time to visit a local club to talk to kids about reaching their goals. Over the past several months Kris has taken part in a number of Raptors Foundation events including Tip Off Dinner, a team holiday party for underprivileged children, The Raptors King Pin Bowling Challenge and the annual visit to the Hospital for Sick Children.

Cathy Morrison - Cathy Morrison has participated in the Raptors Read To Achieve program since 2005. A teacher at Darcel Avenue Senior Public School in Mississauga, Cathy has developed a number of literacy initiatives at her school aimed at reluctant readers. She also established the Read To Achieve road show, a student centered play that aims to raise awareness for literacy and the Read To Achieve program at schools across the Peel board. Cathy also ran a school wide book drive to benefit children without resources. Her dedication to her students and literacy efforts make Cathy January’s Community MVP.

December

Jose Calderon

Jose Calderon - Jose exemplifies our community MVP title. Over the past 3 months Jose has participated in several community appearances including an autograph session, Raptors Foundation Tip Off Dinner and a holiday party for underprivileged kids. He also established a ticket program for local youth to attend select home games throughout the season. As an athlete ambassador for Right To Play, Jose has worked hard to raise money and awareness for the organization since last March. During the summer Jose produced his own t-shirts which were sold on his website and wrote a feature column for a newspaper in Spain. All proceeds from both efforts were given to Right To Play. In support of Right To Play night on November 25th Jose pledged $100 for each assist he recorded during the game. Jose’s personal contribution to Right To Play has totaled more than $42,000.

Leisa Washington - Leisa Washington has worked for the Starlight Starbright Childrens Foundation for the past four years. As the Great Escapes Coordinator, Leisa manages programs and events for terminally ill children and their families. Over the past 2 seasons Leisa has worked in conjunction with the Toronto Raptors to help provide live game experiences for children as well. Leisa has consistently demonstrated compassion and dedication to Starlight families. Her passion for her work makes Leisa this month’s Community MVP.

November

Anthony Parker

Anthony Parker - Anthony has done a remarkable job as a representative for the community. In October Anthony participated in a number of community appearances while in Italy for training camp including a Special Olympics clinic. In November he attended the annual Tip-Off Dinner in support of the Raptors Foundation and also established the 18 Parkville ticket program which brings 10 kids from local schools and charities to all regular season games this year.

Tamara Gordon - A York University student and leader in her community has dedicated her life to helping others. Tamara has established and organized a back to school event and a variety of holiday celebrations for residents in her apartment complex for several years, all free of charge. As well as contributing significantly to Tropicana Community Services over the past several years, she also takes time to speak to students about the importance of volunteering and giving back. In addition to this Tamara is an advocate and volunteer for students with disabilities. Her dedication, determination and gift for giving make Tamara November’s Community MVP.

2006-07 Community MVPs

March

Morris Peterson

Morris Peterson - Throughout the season Mo has participated in a variety of community events and initiatives including the Raptors Foundation Court Launch, Sick Kids Hospital visit and KingPin Bowling Challenge. During the month of March Mo attended our final Read To Achieve visit where he spoke about the importance of education to middle school students and took part in a jam session with students. In addition Mo’s ticket program, Mo’s Maniacs has hosted 200 kids from a variety of charities to games this season.

Kieran Thompson - Over the past 4 years Kieran Thompson has raised more than $85,000 that he has donated to urology research at the Hospital for Sick Children here in Toronto. As a patient at Sick Kids himself Kieran chose to use his Starlight Foundation wish to benefit others through the tournament. His goal is to raise $100,000 total for Sick Kids. His continued dedication to fund urology research and passion for helping others makes Kieran this month’s community MVP.

February

Chris Bosh

Chris Bosh - Throughout the season Chris has supported and initiated a variety of community events including a holiday party for more than 300 kids, his first annual basketball tournament and ongoing mentoring, homework and book clubs all through the Chris Bosh Foundation. In addition to being our Read To Achieve spokesman, Chris has attended a variety of Raptors community events including the Raptors Foundation Court Launch, Sick Kids Hospital visit and KingPin Bowling Challenge. During the month of February Chris promoted Black History Month by hosting in school trivia contests culminating in an on-air radio competition. Chris also has a ticket program that provides youth from his program with the opportunity to come to games throughout the season.

Rubicon Publishing - As a supporter and partner of the Read To Achieve program Rubicon Publishing has provided donations of books to our class visits throughout the season. As leaders in the educational publishing field Rubicon and their innovative BOLDPRINT and TIMELINE book series provide innovative, fun, high quality books to students and teachers. Their commitment and passion for providing relevant and imaginative educational resources for kids makes them this month’s community MVP.

January

Joey Graham

Joey Graham - This season Joey has been continuing his good work in the community. In addition to being a spokesman for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada, Joey established a ticket program in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters and donated a bowling team for 5 kids from Big Brothers at the annual Raptors Foundation Kingpin Bowling Challenge in January. In support of the Raptors Foundation, Joey has also attended the Charity Golf Classic, annual Sick Kids Hospital visit and a Christmas dinner for underprivileged families this season.

Mike George - Founder CIA BOUNCE - Michael George is the founder of CIA BOUNCE basketball, a program whose goal is to help youth across the GTA by providing them with mentors, academic development and a place to play basketball. Currently more than 100 kids take part in the program. Recently Michael appeared on Deal or No Deal and pledged half of the money he won to the program. His commitment to the youth in his community and providing them with the means to play basketball makes him this month’s community MVP.

December

Fred Jones

Fred Jones - Since signing with the Raptors in July, Fred has done a remarkable job as a representative for the community. Fred traveled to Quebec to visit with Cree youth on a remote native reserve. In support of the Raptors Foundation, he attended the Charity Golf Classic and appeared at 2 outdoor basketball court launches in the city. In addition to acting as our Habitat for Humanity spokesman in December Fred hosted a holiday party for families from the Jane and Finch area through his foundation which supports single parent homes. Fred also hosts kids to every Raptors home game as part of his High Flyers ticket program.

Byron Gray - As a part of the with the Jane/Finch Community and Family Centre for the past 2 years, Byron has been instrumental in involving children and youth in a variety of Raptors initiatives and events. His commitment to the youth in his community and providing them with positive and unique experiences makes him this month’s Community MVP.

November

P.J. Tucker

P.J. Tucker - Since being drafted by the Raptors in June, PJ has done a remarkable job as a representative for the community. In September PJ traveled to Mistissini, Quebec to visit with Cree youth on a remote native reserve. In support of the Raptors Foundation, PJ attended both the Charity Golf Classic and the annual Tip-Off Dinner. PJ also kicked of the new Read To Achieve season at the launch in November and took also took part in the launch of a new outdoor basketball court at Cornell Public School in October.

Andrea Thibault - Teacher - As one of our participating Read To Achieve teachers, Andrea has dedicated herself to making literacy a priority for her students at St Francis of Assissi Catholic Elementary in Mississauga. Her hard work and commitment to providing new ways to get kids excited about reading makes her November’s Community MVP.