NEW YORK, Dec.15, 2015 –- New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony has received the November NBA Cares Community Assist Award presented by Kaiser Permanente in recognition of his generosity and dedication to empowering children and families in need, the NBA announced today. The award recognizes an NBA player each month who best reflects the passion that the league and its players share for giving back to their communities.
Kaiser Permanente and the NBA are honoring Anthony for his work with the Carmelo Anthony Foundation and The Garden of Dreams Foundation, which strives to positively impact the lives of children facing obstacles. In partnership with Feed the Children and Avon Products Inc., Anthony recently brightened the holidays for 800 Bronx families, providing them with healthy food, personal-care items and much-needed living essentials. Feed the Children has worked with the Carmelo Anthony Foundation for more than seven years, aiding nearly 5,000 families throughout Denver, Baltimore and New York City, including those affected by Hurricane Sandy. Anthony also spent time visiting young men at New York’s Rikers Island, encouraging them in their rehabilitation.
Committing his time to continuous outreach, Anthony has used the game of basketball to encourage healthy activity and create lasting memories for countless youth. At the recent refurbishment of “The Cage” for Jr. NBA Week and Basketball in the Boroughs presented by Chase, Anthony hosted a skills clinic for 50 local boys and girls. He also joined teammate Kristaps Porzingis to unveil a newly refurbished court at the SCO Family of Services’ Ottilie Residential Treatment Facility, a 24-hour residence that provides mental health services for youth. Additionally, Anthony worked with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and The Garden of Dreams Foundation to meet and spend quality time with Andrew, Edward and Max, three young boys facing life-threatening illnesses.
“Giving back to the community is where my heart is, so if I can help even a couple people then I’m doing my job,” said Anthony. “I’m blessed to be able to do this work and much more is still to come.”
Later today, Anthony will continue to spread holiday cheer when he hosts a special screening of “Alvin and The Chipmunks: The Road Chip” for children from the BELL and Tech International Charter After-School programs, as a part of his foundation’s A Very Melo Christmas 2015.
During tomorrow’s home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA Cares Ambassador Bob Lanier and Knicks Legend John Starks will present Anthony with the David Robinson Award during an oncourt ceremony. In addition, Kaiser Permanente and the NBA will donate $10,000 on Anthony’s behalf to the Carmelo Anthony Foundation.
To learn more, please visit https://www.nba.com/communityassist/.