True Blue Blitz Wraps Up

With nine of the ten True Blue Blitz days in the books, the Timberwolves will put a bow on their celebration of the Twin Cities' community Wednesday morning with the True Blue Donut Drop, as Crunch, the Dance Team and staffers will distribute donuts, coffee and Wolves prizes to celebrate the start of the season.

The most recent event took place Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. on the Target Center floor, as Kevin Garnett received the oldest and most prestigious award given annually to an NBA player or coach for outstanding service and dedication to the community.

Kevin Garnett receives J. Walker Kennedy Citizenship Award
On Tuesday, Garnett was selected as the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award winner for his outstanding community work in 2005-06, highlighted by his donation of 1.2 million dollars towards building one home a month for two years for Hurricane Katrina victims.

The Star Tribune's Steve Aschburner, president of the Pro Basketball Writers Association, presented the award to KG in a ceremony on the Target Center's main floor. Past winners of the award include Julius "Dr. J" Irving, Magic Johnson and David Robinson.

"From the many awards that I've won, I'd have to say that this is probably the most gratifying, just because of what comes out of it," said Garnett. "If anything, I'd like to be an example in helping others give also."

The presentation featured a video celebrating Garnett's involvement in the local, national, and international communities, including his work with local charities, Hurricane Katrina victims, and with victims of the Southeast Asia Tsunami. Hugh Parmer, President of the American Refugee Committee, delivered a message of thanks to Garnett and several of his teammates in the video for sponsoring a Fishing Boat Project of over $100,000. Parmer and his staff were on hand Tuesday.

In addition, NBA commissioner David Stern sent a personal video message to Garnett.

"We all know that you are one of the greats of our game today, and a future Hall of Famer, and you work so hard on the court," said Stern. "But we also know that through your commitment to local charities and to really anyone in need, you set a standard that I think is the highest that there is in the NBA. For that, I congratulate you for getting the recognition through (this award) that you so richly deserve."

The Timberwolves, Garnett in particular, were very happy to have special guests Ms. Trinett Joseph and her family -- Courtney, E.J. and Denzel -- in attendence. Denzel stood to share a few words with Garnett on behalf of his family.

"You have truly been a blessing to my family and me," said Denzel. "Because of you and your family and all of the wonderful things you have done, you have made our transition (from New Orleans to Minnesota) so much better! Your loving and giving heart has helped us get through some tough times. We love you so much."

Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce Tipoff Luncheon
Monday's event was the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce Tipoff Luncheon at the Graves Hotel in Block E. Wolves owner, Glen Taylor, and Timberwolves players and basketball staff including head coach Dwane Casey were on hand for the event in which members generously donated $2,000 to the Wolves' FastBreak Foundation. "A lot of good things came out of the luncheon," said Casey. "The Chamber of Commerce donated a lot of money to the FastBreak Foundation, and it was a good occasion. Guys got up and spoke and had a lot of fun with it."

Open Scrimmage - Champlin Park High School
Champlin Park High School was the site of Sunday night's True Blue Blitz event, as the Wolves held an open scrimmage in an effort to reach metro-area Timberwolves fans. A highlight of the scrimmage was a halftime presentation of a $5,000 check by assistant general manager Fred Hoiberg to Champlin Park's athletic department.

"Based on the great relationships we have with its basketball leaders and programs, Champlin Park was a natural and easy choice to hold the scrimmage," said Timberwolves Vice President of Fan Relations & Game Operations Jeff Munneke. "The community has been very involved in many Timberwolves initiatives so we are excited to reciprocate and bring the players into Champlin."

The fans in Champlin may not have realized they were serving as a direct catalyst towards getting Minnesota ready for the regular season.

"It's kind of like a preparation for a game, because with the fans there, it's different than a practice," said guard Troy Hudson. "When you put some people in the stands, even though it's practice, it still got us into a game mindset. It made it more competitive."

Target Distributes Tickets
The True Blue Blitz also received a lift from Target, as the company distributed free tickets at each Target store location on Saturday to a selected number of guests who stopped by the respective guest services departments. Target, along with fellow Timberwolves partner U.S. Bank, will also be presenting the home opener against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday evening.

Last week, the Blitz took the Wolves through reading and learning center dedications at the St. Joseph's Home for Children and the St. Paul YWCA, a basketball court dedication and clinic at St. Paul's Sheffer Park and preseason games featuring grant recipient announcements.

"We're trying to get out in the community, and it's all on a positive note," concluded Casey.