Eight 76ers will team up to donate $760 per assist over the first four games of the Second Round to local gun violence prevention organizations.
PHILADELPHIA – MAY 1, 2023 – The Philadelphia 76ers announced today details for its “Assists for Safe Communities” initiative, part of the 76ers Gun Violence Prevention Platform. Select 76ers players will pair together over the course of Games 1-4 of the 76ers-Celtics Eastern Conference Semifinals series to donate $760 per assist recorded by the team (ex. If the team records 30 assists in Game 1, then two Philadelphia players will contribute $22,800 to a community organization). The funds raised from each game will benefit local non-profit organizations specializing in gun violence prevention and services for victims. This initiative is part of the 76ers ongoing commitment to raise awareness and help prevent gun violence.
“Gun violence is a serious issue in this country. Last year alone, in Philadelphia, over 1,700 gun crimes were committed,” said 76ers Head Coach Doc Rivers. “Our coaches and players are humans, too. We all live in these communities and join the countless others that are impacted by these senseless acts. We have a responsibility, coaches and players alike, to use our platform and play our part in helping clean some of these issues up.”
The 76ers’ organization and players will utilize a national audience during the playoffs to raise awareness and donate funds to help improve the Greater Philadelphia community.
Eight 76ers players have teamed up in pairs to sponsor a local beneficiary organization. Each group chose their organization based on their own beliefs and how they connect with the organization. The groups are as follows:
Game 1: De’Anthony Melton and Montrezl Harrell
- Ones Up – Focuses on career and education development for minority youth in Philadelphia. Since its start in 2010, they have served over 3,500 community members through job training and career exposure.
Game 2: Dewayne Dedmon and Lou King
- Every Murder Is Real (EMIR) – Specializes in victim support and trauma services for those who have lost a loved one to homicide. EMIR has evolved healing through education advocacy, art, and activism.
Game 3: Shake Milton and Paul Reed
- Boys and Girls Club of Camden County – Values recreation & youth development through life-enhancing programs and character-building experiences. As a Boys and Girls Club, they provide a safe place to learn and grow, enabling young people to reach their full potential.
Game 4: Jalen McDaniels and Jaden Springer
- Mural Arts Philadelphia Guild Program – The Guild is a restorative justice program that gives justice-impacted young people the opportunity to develop job skills. This experience is guided by trained professionals, allowing participants to obtain valuable life skills and job expertise.
The 76ers will invite all four organization leaders to a playoff game for an on-court recognition at The Center, highlighting their involvement and efforts in this initiative.
Philadelphia is facing a systemic issue with gun violence and the 76ers are committed to creating a safe environment that benefits all Philadelphians. Through the day-to-day operations, the 76ers will continue to spread awareness and develop new ways to create a positive impact on gun violence in the Greater Philadelphia area.
The 76ers-Celtics Eastern Conference Semifinals series begins on Monday, May 1 in Boston at 7:30 p.m. on TNT. Game 2 (Wednesday, May 3, 8 p.m., TNT) will also be played in Boston before the series shifts to Philadelphia for Games 3 (Friday, May 5, 7:30 p.m., ESPN) and 4 (Sunday, May 7, 3:30 p.m., ESPN).