Lewis reads to students as part of Read to Achieve week. Jeff Reinking/NBAE/Getty

Last month Lewis made a personal donation of $125,000 to the Ronald McDonald House located near the Children’s Hospital in Seattle. His donation will fund the Rashard Lewis Theater in the new House so that families who are staying there while their children are patients undergoing treatment at Children’s Hospital are able to enjoy social activities. When the House is completed, it will be able to accommodate more than 80 families when they need a place to stay in Seattle while their children are receiving treatment at the hospital.

Additionally, Lewis purchased 75 season tickets so that underprivileged youth can attend Sonics home games this season. Lewis also participated in the Sonics Read to Achieve week event held at the Pacific Science Center Dinosaur Exhibit in Seattle. Lewis spent the afternoon with students from a third grade class exploring one of the interactive exhibits and later conducting a “Reading Time-Out.”

In September Lewis participated in the Sonics second annual golf tournament benefiting the Sonics & Storm TEAM Foundation. He spent the entire day golfing with donors, helping the Sonics & Storm TEAM Foundation raise more than $70,000. “I’m honored that the NBA has selected me for this month's Community Assist Award," Lewis said. "I pride myself on giving back to the Seattle community and assisting local youth. I'm excited about unveiling to the community the Rashard Lewis Theater at the Ronald McDonald House at Children's Hospital because it provides a new opportunity for kids to have some fun while they receive treatment.” Other nominees for October’s Community Assist Award were the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Ricky Davis, Phoenix Suns’ Scott Williams and Sacramento Kings’ Bobby Jackson.

Players who were awarded the Community Assist Award during the off-season include the New York Knicks’ Dikembe Mutombo (September), Chicago Bulls’ Jalen Rose (August), Dallas Mavericks’ Antawn Jamison (July), Minnesota Timberwolves’ Troy Hudson, Ervin Johnson and Mark Madsen, Phoenix Suns’ Shawn Marion and Los Angeles Clippers’ Cherokee Parks (June) and Washington Wizards’ Jerry Stackhouse (May).

As the recipient of the NBA Community Assist Award, Lewis 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.” Last season, NBA Commissioner David Stern presented former San Antonio Spurs center David Robinson with an honorary plaque and announced that all future winners of the NBA Community Assist Award would receive the David Robinson Plaque.

The NBA Community Assist Award is given out monthly by the league 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 their communities. All 29 NBA teams are able to nominate a player for the award each month. The NBA, its teams and players are committed to programs that improve the quality of life for all people and has created and implemented programs that address important social issues, with a special emphasis on reading and online literacy initiatives for children. The NBA and its 29 teams make a difference in North America through the Read to Achieve Program, donations to charities and the implementation of community outreach initiatives, and through the production and airing of public service announcements.