Hunter Recognized for Exemplifying Compassion and Dedication to Community Service, Continuing the Legacy of Jason Collier
ATLANTA – The Atlanta Hawks announced before the game tonight that forward De’Andre Hunter has been honored with the Jason Collier Memorial Award for the 2023-24 season.
The annual award recognizes the Hawks player who embodies the spirit of community engagement exemplified by the late Atlanta center, Jason Collier, who passed away in 2005. Hunter joins a distinguished list of recipients as the 17th player to receive this accolade.
“I’m grateful to be receiving the Jason Collier Memorial Award,” said Hawks forward De’Andre Hunter. “I am so happy to have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the great people and great city of Atlanta and am deeply committed to continuing Jason Collier’s legacy of community service.”
Throughout the 2023-24 season, Hunter has shown his continued commitment to making a positive impact by investing time and money into HOPE Atlanta, an organization dedicated to combatting homelessness and empowering individuals towards stability and self-sufficiency. Hunter donated more than $10,000 directly to the nonprofit, gave away tickets, and had hands-on involvement with the organization.
In November, Hunter spent an evening with HOPE families grocery shopping for Thanksgiving during his ‘HoliDre’ event, with Hunter’s mother also partaking in the effort. Further showcasing his commitment, De’Andre hosted HOPE Atlanta families at a Hawks game in late February.
Hunter’s initial $10,000 donation was matched by both the Atlanta Hawks and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), resulting in a combined financial contribution of $30,000. The donation helped provide Christmas presents to HOPE Atlanta families during the holiday season and continues to extend support for the organization’s ongoing initiatives encompassing permanent supportive and special needs housing as well as the immediate needs of food insecure families through community kitchens, food boxes distributions, and their Smart Lunch Smart Kid initiative.
Hunter’s involvement with HOPE Atlanta is distinguished by both personal touchpoints and significant financial contributions, totaling more than $76,000 over the last four years.
“On behalf of the Collier family, we would like to congratulate this year’s recipient, De’Andre Hunter,” said Katie Collier. “We thank him for his continued dedication to the community through his work with HOPE Atlanta and helping keep Jason’s spirit, legacy, and passion to serve alive.”
Past recipients of the Jason Collier Memorial Trophy include: Josh Childress (2005-06 and 2006-07), Marvin Williams (2007-08 and 2010-11), Al Horford (2008-09), Josh Smith (2009-10), Zaza Pachulia (2011-12), Devin Harris (2012-13), Kyle Korver (2013-14), DeMarre Carroll (2014-15), Mike Muscala (2015-16), Paul Millsap (2016-17), Malcolm Delaney (2017-18), Kent Bazemore (2018-19), John Collins (2019-2020), Cam Reddish (2020-21), Trae Young (2021-22), and Onyeka Okongwu (2022-23).
Visit Hawks.com/community to learn more about Atlanta Hawks’ community efforts.