Awardco

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Jeremy Rincon

“All-In”, “Community Obsessed”, and “One Team” are just a few of the values that are held by the Utah Jazz organization. These values go beyond basketball. They extend beyond the walls of Delta Center. After all, they are the Utah Jazz.&nbsp;

The organization is “all-in” on being a part of and giving back to the community. Every fan is a team member, and as one team, we all make our community better.&nbsp;

Together with Utah Jazz partner and local business, Awardco, the two organizations have recognized five individuals who have gone above and beyond in their community. These people were surprised by members of the Utah Jazz at Delta Center, recognized during a home game on the Delta Center video board, and gifted Jazz apparel.&nbsp;

Introducing the 2023-24 Utah Jazz and Awardco “Recognize the Good” recipients:

Jessica Moran is a teacher in the Davis School District. Recognizing the rise of mental health concerns, she took it upon herself to enroll in courses and get certifications to learn how to help. Since then, she has developed a free, multi-week program for her community. Jessica and her program have become an invaluable resource for local youth and looks to expand her reach and impact.

Lisa Feist is the founder of Dollies 4 Doctors, a nonprofit that provides handmade dollies to hospitals and therapy centers to provide comfort to children who are undergoing treatment or procedures. The custom dolls allow doctors to bandage, stitch, or mark places where the children are being treated–giving them a companion during their treatment.&nbsp;

Matt Bowen is the founder of the Utah Chapter of Wheelchair Lacrosse, the first pick-up style of play for wheelchair users in Utah. Driven by his love for lacrosse, Matt has increased awareness for adaptive sports and given many people with disabilities the opportunity to feel safe and welcome in sports. He provides resources to bring people together in the community through free monthly wheelchair lacrosse clinics and events.&nbsp;

Katie Jensen is the co-founder and director of the English Language Center in Cache Valley. Katie and the ELC provide English, life skills, and US citizenship preparation classes to refugees and immigrants. Affectionately known as “Mama Katie”, she supports human rights and believes that everybody has the right to dignity and respect.&nbsp;

Feli Ika is the Polynesian Club advisor at Lone Peak High School where she teaches special ed. and acts as an assistant girls basketball coach. She started the Polynesian Club to create a nurturing and empowering environment for students to explore and embrace Polynesian culture. Through engaging workshops, events, service opportunities, and activities, she strives to foster a sense of belonging among students, empowering them to embrace their heritage while also embracing their potential as future leaders.

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Utah Jazz and Awardco Celebrate “Recognize the Good’ Program and Awardees

Ryan Kostecka

To say it was a special season for the Utah Jazz is an understatement.

On the court, the team overcame insurmountable odds to battle for a play-in spot right up until the final games of the season. It was a season of discovery that helped the team establish an identity and set the stage for a bright future.&nbsp;

"The team was scrappy, connected," Jazz GM Justin Zanik said. "We got to find out a lot of different things about our players, things that we really needed to know as we continue to try to open up a championship window."

With the team thriving on the court, the organization and Awardco partnered up to honor those thriving off the court. In conjunction with the Awardco "Recognize the Good," the Utah Jazz celebrated five people throughout the season who've become positive influences in their respective communities.&nbsp;

The individuals chosen were then treated to a VIP experience with the team as they went on a behind-the-scenes tour, met a Jazz coach, and sat courtside for pre-game warmups. While enjoying the Jazz game from the Awardco suite, the individuals chosen were allowed to double their $1,000 prize money by participating in the Awardco Skills challenge promotion during the game.

Here's a brief summary of the five individuals chosen:

Rachel GarrettTuesday, January 10— Garrett created "Common Thread," an organization that puts together activities for kids in the foster care system to help them connect with and support each other.

Albert and Marita FarleyMonday, February 6— Helping to support the remote parts of the Navajo Nation, the Farleys often deliver firewood, food, and other supplies to help them with their basic day-to-day needs.

Loretta McClureTuesday, February 28— A special education teacher at Westlake High School, McClure works primarily with students with moderate to severe disabilities. A prominent member of the Westlake community, she created the Unified Champion School philosophy at the school while also teaching a Life Skills classroom. Lastly, she's also heavily involved with the Special Olympics through Westlake's Youth Leadership and Unified Sports programs.

Angela GewondjanWednesday, March 22— The creator of Angel's Landing Foundation, Gewondjan works seven days a week getting her horses in shape to help those who need it most and allows volunteers to work with her to learn the valuable lesson of compassion. The foundation is an Equine Therapy program that takes in people with special needs and those recovering from traumatic life events and teaches them to cope with stress by teaching trust, discipline, and confidence.

Eddy ThompsonTuesday, April 4— Thompson directed a Black History Fair for the Intermountain General Baptist Convention called "Taste of the Culture," bringing Community members, Community partners/businesses, & Black-Owned Food Vendors together. The Fair featured Poets from UBLAC, youth singers, dancers, and two Youth Wax Museums highlighting the contributions of African Americans past & present. Youth and guests experienced a Tea party, a music listening lounge by SpyHop, and the Utah Black History Museum Bus.

utah-jazz-partner-with-awardco-for-recognize-the-good-program

Utah Jazz Partner With Awardco For "Recognize the Good" Program

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Delta

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