Team Spreads Cheer Through the Sacramento Region with Player Surprises, Volunteer Events, Holiday Decorations, Gifting and More
The Sacramento Kings are dedicated to bringing the franchise together to volunteer, host community members and spread cheer through their annual Season of Doing Good. This year marked the Kings 21st Annual Season of Doing Good, presented by Raley’s – celebrating the holiday season with the community through festive events, gifts, volunteer opportunities and more.
When asked about the impact of Season of Doing Good, Sacramento Kings President of Business Operations John Rinehart said, “It’s great to give back to the community and to use our platform for doing good and our Season of Doing Good emphasizes that. There’s no better time to give back to the community than the holidays to celebrate everything we’re thankful for.”
And of the partnership, Raley’s Executive Director of Community Impact and Public Affairs Chelsea Minor shared, “Raley’s is proud to partner with the Kings on the Season of Doing Good as our collaborative work is more important than ever. The organizations and individuals supported this year were provided hope, nutritious food and experiences they will never forget.”
Blanket Drive with Sacramento Self Help Housing
The Sacramento Kings and Yolo Transfer Moving & Storage partnered with Sacramento Self Help Housing to host a blanket drive at the Kings game on Thursday, November 17. This year, with the help of various community organizations, Sacramento Self Help Housing collected 45 boxes of donations totaling approximately $20,000 in in-kind support, along with $15,000 in financial contributions.
Community Feasts at Golden 1 Center During Annual Eat Like a King
On November 16, the Sacramento Kings with Raley’s hosted Eat Like a King, a holiday-themed feast, where players, coaches and staff served and ate meals with more than 200 local youth and their families associated with more than 20 local nonprofits. After a delicious meal, attendees engaged in interactive games with the players and enjoyed music by a Kings DJ, performances by the 916 Crew, a hot chocolate bar and a photo booth.
Kings Treat Families to a Ride on the Polar Express
On November 22, the organization along with Raley’s treated community members to a ride on the California State Railroad Museum Foundation’s Polar Express, complete with a stop at the North Pole, hot chocolate and cookies. Attendees were also surprised with a special visit from Slamson and his good friend Santa. Each participant received a gift bag with a co-branded ornament and Kings blanket and dinner at a local restaurant.
Kings Team Up with Les Schwab for a Toy Drive
On November 30, as the Kings took on the Indiana Pacers, the team hosted a Toy Drive with Les Schwab and the first 200 fans who brought a toy valued at $20 or more received two tickets to a future Kings home game.
Kings, SMUD and Delta Dental Keep Community Warm with Coat Drive
On December 12, the Kings partnered with SMUD and Delta Dental to host a Coat Drive at Cal Expo to benefit Mustard Seed patrons. Staff from the three organizations greeted fans as they dropped off winter coats to keep community members warm this winter season.
Kings Thank Service Members with the Help of Crown Royal
On December 13, the Kings assisted Crown Royal with their Purple Bag Project, preparing care packages for active service members. In addition, Crown Royal provided fans an opportunity to prepare care packages at the arena as the team took on the Denver Nuggets on December 27.
Malik Monk Surprises Families with Holiday Shopping Spree and Treats
On December 18, Kings guard Malik Monk hosted families associated with Saint John’s Program for Real Change for a shopping spree at Target and joined the 916 Crew and Kings Dancers in the shopping experience. In addition, the families were provided gift cards to Chipotle and Crumble Cookies for after-shopping treats, memorabilia signed by Monk and tickets to a future Kings game.
Kings Bring Holiday Cheer to Local Seniors
On December 14, Kings team members decorated The Mill residents’ doors with holiday wreaths and other seasonal ornaments, ribbons, wrapping paper and more.
On December 20, Kings rookie Keegan Murray and forward KZ Okpala, President of Business Operations John Rinehart and staff joined Raley’s and Delta Dental employees in serving holiday meals to residents of The Mill. Each resident was also gifted Kings socks provided by Delta Dental and a bag of non-perishable food items and gift cards courtesy of Raley’s.
Domantas Sabonis Provides Books and Coats to Local Elementary School
On December 20, Kings forward Domantas Sabonis surprised children at Caroline Wenzel Elementary’s after-school program with books to read over the holiday break, coats courtesy of Old Navy and food courtesy of Dos Coyotes. This event marked the first of the Sabonis Squad campaign, a broader effort to support Caroline Wenzel Elementary, and students who finish their book over the break will have the chance to win Kings swag or tickets to an upcoming game. During the event, Kings Dancers performed, and Stockton Kings emcee Tony Gladney spoke with Domantas about the importance of giving back and his commitment to the Sacramento region.
De’Aaron Fox and Wife Recee Surprise Kids at the Boys and Girls club
On December 22, Kings guard De’Aaron Fox and his wife Recee surprised several families associated with the Boys and Girls Club of Central Sacramento with gifts, dinner, Kings tickets and signed memorabilia. The Fox family provided items off holiday wish lists including gift cards, clothing, toys, household items, electronics and more. The festive celebration also included dinner from Mikuni and appearances by the 916 Crew, Kings Dancers and Slamson.
During the Season of Doing Good and year-round, the Kings are committed to giving back to the community. The Kings Foundation is a nonprofit organization that works to support the Sacramento region through special events, unique programs and volunteer opportunities. Serving as an agent of change, the Foundation’s ongoing efforts seek to #DoGood, impact the world and make #SacramentoProud.
For more information on the Kings ongoing efforts to give back, visit Kings.com/Community.
All Season of Doing Good event benefactors and audiences were predetermined and selected in collaboration with Raley’s, local nonprofit partners and community organizations.