Oklahoma City, Saturday, Dec. 25 – During tonight’s Thunder vs. Denver Christmas game the team surprised 125 kids from the Boys and Girls Club of Oklahoma City with new bicycles and helmets. The gifts were made possible by financial contributions from the players, coaches and funds raised from the Thunder Community Foundation.
“To be part of something like this is just fantastic for these kids,” said Doug Gibson, Executive Director for the Boys and Girls Club of Oklahoma City. “We're grateful to the Thunder for giving Boys and Girls Club such a special opportunity.”
The bike giveaway highlighted the halftime show for the team’s first Christmas day matchup and is part of the team’s 2010 Holiday Assist initiative, presented by Cox. Children from the Boys and Girls Club were in attendance tonight courtesy of the “Tickets for Kids” program, in which Thunder players sponsor tickets for youth groups. Earlier tonight both teams participated in a special gift exchange prior to the start of the game on behalf of NBA Cares and the Thunder Community Foundation. Thirty members from the Boys & Girls Club of Oklahoma City each received a gift bag from players with Thunder merchandise and a $50 gift card to Barnes & Noble bookstore.
In addition to these gifts, the kids were also given a limited addition, holiday-themed basketball. These exclusive basketballs can also be found at NBA.com to benefit the NBA Cares Season of Giving Auction. The auction features similar basketballs autographed by the entire Thunder team and also one individually signed by Kevin Durant. Fans can visit NBA.com to bid on these exclusive holiday items until Thursday, Dec. 28.About Holiday Assist The Thunder’s Holiday Assist, presented by Cox features charitable team events, visits and donations during the holiday season. This year Thunder players, coaches and staff hosted more than a dozen events throughout Oklahoma City as well as the annual Grandparents Raising Grandchildren shopping spree.