Monday, August 16 (4:06 p.m.)
Warriors.com Blog: Monta Ellis Gives Back
Monta Ellis interacted with kids at the ME8Foundation Community Picnic and School Supply Giveaway in Jackson, Miss., on Saturday. (ME8Foundation Photo) |
Monta Ellis has been flying under the radar this summer, and that’s the way the Warriors guard wants it. For the most part, Ellis has enjoyed a quiet summer at home with his family, far from the national spotlight.
That’s not to say that it has been an uneventful summer for the Warriors guard. Quite the contrary, actually. Ellis was married at the end of July and he continues to do what he loves most – being a dad to 14-month-old Monta Jr.
Warriors fans have seen Ellis mature over his five-year career in the NBA from a fresh-faced 19-year-old to the man that he is today. And being a father has brought out a nurturing side of the Warriors playmaker that fans don’t usually see during interviews immediately after an intense game or practice. Behind the scenes at Oracle Arena and removed from the crowds, Ellis is often seen holding his son or playing with him hours before or after a contest.
Along with being committed to his family, Monta has always been committed to giving back to his community. This summer he launched the ME8Foundation, which serves to “strengthen the fabric of our community through philanthropic gifts in the areas of public service, education, preventive health, community development as well as broadening the awareness of issues that plague our community.” Specifically, Ellis’ foundation will create opportunities for underprivileged kids and contribute funds for medical research.
On Saturday, Ellis was at a park in his native Jackson, Miss., for the ME8Foundation Community Picnic and School Supply Giveaway. In addition to providing kids with barbecue and supplies for the upcoming school year, Ellis also made a contribution to the American Cancer Society for breast cancer research. One night earlier, on Friday, Monta made a $5,000 donation to Jackson State University to establish a scholarship that will assist a Lanier High School graduate in attending Jackson State. For more on Ellis' charitable contributions, check out this story from The Clarion-Ledger (daily newspaper in Jackson).
Ellis recently made a $5,000 donation to Jackson State University to establish a scholarship that will assist a Lanier High School graduate in attending Jackson State. (ME8Foundation Photo) |
With his foundation, wife and son, Ellis has definitely kept busy this summer off the court, but he’s also found time to work on his game. Assistant Coach Stephen Silas traveled to Memphis earlier this summer to conduct individual workouts with Monta, who splits his summers between Tennessee and Mississippi.
Ellis will certainly be ready for training camp in a month and a half, but until then he will continue to be happy to remain out of the spotlight.
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