TEEING OFF FOR A GOOD CAUSE
It was a beautiful 82 degrees and sunny…the perfect day
for teeing off for a good cause. These were the
conditions for the Atlanta Hawks Foundation annual golf
tournament held on Thursday, October 16 at Flat Creek
Country Club in Peachtree City. The highlight of the
afternoon was the Hawks team mixing and mingling with
sponsors off the court and on the greens. Whether taking
a putt, signing autographs or posing for photos, the
players, coaches and Hawks GM Rick Sund demonstrated
their appreciation for the foundation sponsors.
Since the golf tournament’s inception in 1994, more than
$1,000,000 has been raised in support of the
organization’s charitable endeavors. Such efforts
include providing college scholarships to high school
seniors, awarding grants to local youth charities, and
opening Reading & Learning Centers at Boys & Girls Clubs
and YMCAs.
Platinum sponsors included Philips, Coca-Cola, Comcast,
Delta Air Lines, Fast Signs of Buckhead, Kia Motors and
UPS. Breakfast was provided by Chick-Fil-A®, lunch by
Locos Grill, and dinner by Outback Steakhouse of
Peachtree City.
PHOTO GALLERY
Rick Brown Pitches In at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Rehab
Summer Games
Former Hawks player Rick Brown was on hand for
the annual Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta “Rehab
Summer Games”, which took place at Philips Arena on
Monday, July 28 from 9:30 a.m. – noon. The “Rehab Summer
Games” allowed more than 350 area children to compete in
various events such as basketball, wheelbarrow races,
tricycle races, dance contests, obstacle courses and
more.
The Games are a unique and motivational way to
incorporate therapy goals into a patient’s summer
activities. The patients train hard during physical,
occupational and speech therapy sessions and the Games
give them a chance to show off all of their skills.
Brown was on hand to meet the children and their
families, play games and sign autographs during the
event.
Atlanta Thrashers player Chris Thorburn was in
attendance as well.
This was the ninth annual event for Children’s
Healthcare of Atlanta and the sixth consecutive year
that Philips Arena has hosted the event.
Hawks and Thrashers Encourage Summer Reading
Thrash visited children at
the LaGrange Memorial Library to help kick off this
year’s Check It Out Reading Challenge. This is the 4th
straight year the Atlanta Hawks and Thrashers have
partnered with the Georgia Public Library Service to
offer the summer reading program.
This year’s program runs from June 2nd through August
15th. Designed for students in grades K-12, the Check It
Out Reading Challenge encourages youth to read
throughout the summer months. This year’s program marks
the first time it has been offered state-wide, with over
33% of the libraries in Georgia participating.
Participants register on
www.checkitoutreading.com to receive their rewards.
By reading at least five books, participants can earn a
free ticket to an Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Thrashers
game. In addition, reading challenge bookmarks are
available at any of the participating libraries. For
more information on the Check It Out Reading Challenge,
visit
www.checkitoutreading.com.
Zaza Visits Ron Clark Academy
Atlanta Hawks center Zaza Pachulia made a surprise visit to students at The Ron
Clark Academy on Thursday, June 12. Prior to the Academy’s intramural basketball
championship, Pachulia spoke to the kids about the importance of education,
pursuing your dreams and hard work. He also signed autographed, took photos and
answered questions. For the students, who will visit six of the seven continents
by the time they finish 8th grade, the chance to meet international NBA player
was an example of how dreams really do come true.
Zaza greeting some of the students from Ron Clark
Zaza with famed educator school co-founder Ron Clark
Horford Wins NBA Community Award
In recognition of Al Horford’s outstanding efforts in the community and
for his ongoing philanthropic work, the NBA has honored the Atlanta
Hawks’ big man with the Community Assist Award for February.
Horford’s impact on the court has him leading all rookies in rebounding
and helping the Hawks’ late playoff push. Off the court, the Dominican
Republic native has shown the same dedication, supporting Atlanta-area
Hispanic youth groups including the STAR House and La Amistad, where he
conducted reading timeouts and donated tickets to Hawks games. In
addition, he supports other youth groups through his own initiative,
Al’s Amigos.
“Growing up, I realized that some people are less fortunate than
others,”said Horford. “Now that I am an NBA player and in a position to
help, I have the opportunity and responsibility to make a difference.”
The former University of Florida star also recently met with the Salt
Lake Valley Gator Club before a Hawks game against the Utah Jazz at
Energy Solutions Arena. Horford signed autographs and took pictures with
the club, supporting their effort to raise money for the Florida
Opportunity Scholarship Fund, which gives a full scholarship to a
low-income student who will be the first in his or her family to attend
college.
During NBA All-Star 2008 in New Orleans, Horford hosted a basketball
clinic with the children from Laurel Elementary School, where he also
participated in the dedication of a new mural for the students as well
as the renovation of an outdoor basketball court. In addition, Horford
visited a group of children from the Make-A-Wish Foundation; competed in
the Annual Zo & Magic’s 8-Ball Challenge, which has raised over $750,000
in the past four years for youth endeavors; and participated in the NBA
Cares All-Star Day of Service before competing in the T-Mobile Rookie
Challenge and Youth Jam.
Horford will receive the David Robinson Plaque, with the inscription,
“Following the standard set by NBA Legend David Robinson who improved
the community piece by piece.” In addition to the plaque, a $5,000
donation will be given to the STAR House on Horford’s behalf.
The league presents the NBA Community Assist Award monthly to recognize
players for their charitable efforts. The award honors the NBA player
who reflects the passion that the league and its players have for giving
back to their communities.
Hawks Visit John Hope Elementary
John Hope Elementary got quite a surprise in March when the
entire Atlanta Hawks Roster showed up to their school for Team Reading Day, part
of the Read to Achieve Program presented by Philips and Sprite. As the children
waited for an assembly to start with no answer of what kind of assembly it was,
Coach came out and started announcing each Atlanta Hawk. Josh Childress
announced to all of the students that not only were the Hawks giving their
school 2000 books for their media center, thanks to The Reading Tree, but each
of the children were getting their very own books to take home as well. After
the clapping and cheering settled down, each player went to a different
classroom and read to the children, signed autographs and talked about the
importance of school. Team Reading is sure to be remembered and talked about by
the children for a very long time to come. (photos by Jennifer Boxely)
Stoudamire and Jones Visit Nickajack
Atlanta Hawks players Salim Stoudamire and Solomon Jones hosted a Reading Timeout for students at Nickajack Elementary School (in Smyrna) on Thursday, April 3. Stoudamire and Jones read a selection of books to students before signing autographs and posing for pictures. The event is part of the Read to Achieve program presented by Philips and Sprite.
Hawks Help Open Playroom At Children’s
Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston
The Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Thrashers helped make the world brighter for some
special children thanks to the support of The Home Depot. The Hawks and
Thrashers unveiled two state-of-the-art, team-specific playrooms at Children’s
Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston, on April 17th. The rooms were sponsored by
The Home Depot and designed by Idea-Span.
Hawks play-by-play announcer emceed the event and lent a helping hand for a
special board cutting along with Charlie Criss (former Hawks guard), LaVerne
Henderson (Vice President of Community Development), Thrashers forward Chris
Thorburn, Kamal (Thrashers Radio Play-by-Play Announcer), John Chiasson
(District Manager for The Home Depot) and Martha McGill (Sr. Vice President of
Operations for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston). Adding to the
day’s festivities were members of the Hawks A-Town Dancers and Thrashers Blue
Crew along with mascots Harry the Hawk and Thrash.
Participants later entertained children in the playrooms and made special
room-to-room visits passing out teddy bears, stickers and autograph cards.
Click here for photo gallery.
Hawks Present Collier Memorial Trophy
Before a sellout crowd at Philips Arena on Saturday, April 12th, the Hawks
presented the Jason Collier Memorial Trophy to Marvin Williams. The award, named
after the late center who passed away in October 2005, is presented annually to
the individual who best exemplifies the characteristics Collier displayed off
the court as a community ambassador. Marvin gave tirelessly to the community
this season, including joining the Honorary Board of Special Olympics Georgia,
hosting his second annual holiday event for underprivileged kids with teammate
Josh Childress, participating in reading timeouts at local elementary schools
and much more. Pictured with Williams are Hawks Executive Vice President and
General Manager Billy Knight and Jason’s widow, Katie Collier.
World Malaria Day – April 25
Get in the game and join your Atlanta Hawks in helping to prevent
malaria in Africa. NBA Cares
and Nothing But Nets need your help to deliver
life-saving bed nets to families in Africa. A ten-dollar donation to
Nothing But Nets will provide a bed net to protect children and their
families from the disease.
April 25, 2008 marks the first World Malaria Day. Malaria, a disease
transmitted by mosquitoes, infects more than 500 million people a year
and kills more than a million – one child dies every 30 seconds. With
your support, the insecticide-laden bed nets will protect children and
families from mosquitoes and prevent them from flying on to their next
victim.
Send a net. Save a life.
What You Can Do
Learn More:
Mario’s Second Pizza Party
Atlanta Hawks rookie Mario West hosted a pizza party for patients at Children’s
Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston on March 20. It was the second time this year
the Hawks guard spent the afternoon eating and visiting with patients, passing
out books, playing games and more (having also visited on February 7 with fellow
rookie Acie Law IV). West, a Douglasville native and Georgia Tech alum, has a
longstanding relationship with the hospital and has visited with patients since
his college days.
Dr. Seuss’s Birthday and Read Across America Day
FSN South and Atlanta Hawks play-by-play man Bob Rathbun visited Harmony
Elementary in Buford on March 3 to celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday and Read
Across America with the students. He read “Green Eggs and Ham” before talking to
the kids about the importance of reading in his line of work and encouraging
them to read outside of school. The event was held in conjunction with the Read
to Achieve Program presented by Philips and Sprite.
Tucker High School Visit
A group of students from Tucker High School visited Philips Arena on
February 28 for a unique day with the Hawks and Thrashers. The students
were writing a Dr. Seuss-style book about different sports seasons for
the special needs class at their sister elementary school. They started
off the day watching the Atlanta Thrashers get ready for that evening’s
game at the morning skate, followed by being guests at the Hawks
practice that afternoon. Coach Woods shared Gatorade with the kids
before gathering the players for photos and autographs.
Al and the Gators
Hawks rookie and former University of Florida star Al Horford met with the Salt
Lake Valley Gator Club before the Hawks – Jazz game on February 23 at
EnergySolutions Arena. Horford signed autographs and took pictures with the
club, supporting its effort to raise money for the Florida Opportunity
Scholarship Fund, which gives a full scholarship to a low-income student who
will be the first in his or her family to attend college.
Why is Reading Important to You?
Hawks alumni, Jim Washington and Charlie Criss, made an appearance at the
Atlanta Speech School on February 21 on behalf of the Read to Achieve Program,
sponsored by Philips and Sprite. Both former Hawks spoke to students about the
value of an education and stressed the importance of reading in everyday life. (photos by Alison Church)
Law and West Visit Children's Healthcare
Atlanta Hawks rookies Mario West and Acie Law hosted a pizza party
for patients at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston on February 7. The
two Hawks spent the afternoon eating and visiting with patients, passing out
gift bags, playing games and more. West, a Douglasville native and Georgia Tech
alum, has a longstanding relationship with the hospital and has visited with
patients since his college days.. (photos by Susyn Ahern)
Al Horford Visits Mimosa Elementary School
ATLANTA, GA -- Atlanta Hawks rookie Al Horford hosted a special
English/Spanish Reading Timeout for children from STAR House on March 3. The
event, part of the Read to Achieve program (presented by Philips and Sprite),
took place at Mimosa Elementary School in Roswell. Horford, originally from the
Dominican Republic, read a selection of books in English and Spanish before
signing autographs and posing for pictures. STAR House is an after-school
Hispanic learning group that meets at Mimosa Elementary. Teachers and volunteers
help children learn English, while also assisting with homework and
socialization skills. (photos by Alison Church)
Josh Childress Visits Mt. Olive Elementary School
ATLANTA,
GA ---- Hawks guard Josh Childress joined fifth-grader Kayla Billings for a
special day at Mt. Olive Elementary School in East Point on February 28.
Billings won the visit and an ice cream party with Childress as the Grand Prize
Winner of the “How I Can Improve My Community Essay Contest With J-Chill.”
Billings’ essay, which she read to her class, was selected from nearly 100
entries as the winner. Submissions were judged on creativity, grammar, content
and overall impression. She also won a Hawks prize pack, including four tickets
to the Hawks – Magic game at Philips Arena on March 22. The contest was held as
part of the Read to Achieve program sponsored by Philips and Sprite, and Carvel
donated the ice cream for the party. (photo by Jennifer Boxley).
Hawks Host Jr. NBA All-Star
Lithonia’s Larenz Griggs is one of five boys and five girls selected
to represent the more than 830,000 Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA members as the 2007-08 Jr.
NBA/Jr. WNBA National Team. The group will be honored guests at the 57th NBA
All-Star Game in New Orleans. The showcase event for the National Team will take
place on 2/17, when the squad takes on a team of New Orleans Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA
All-Stars on Center Court of NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by Adidas at the
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The Hawks recognized Larenz and his family
in a ceremony prior to the Pistons game on 2/12 and Hawks Guard Mario West
presented him with his award. Larenz has been a part of the Atlanta Hawks
Saturday clinics this season and plays out of the Dekalb King James Shooting
Stars program.
Marvin Meets With Special Olympic Athletes
Marvin Williams, Special Olympics Georgia Honorary Board Member, met with a
group of Special Olympic Athletes on January 13th after the game against the
Bulls. He signed autographs, took pictures and spoke with the athletes from the
Kay Center, located in Fort Valley, GA. The Kay Center is a Sheltered Workshop
for Adults with Developmental Disabilities. Marvin offered words of
encouragement and heard encouraging stories in return from the athletes.
Chill Participates In Celebrity Wheelchair B'Ball
Jam
Atlanta Hawks guard Josh Childress participated (as one of the head
coaches) in Dream Maker’s Youth Foundation’s Celebrity Wheelchair
Basketball Jam on Saturday, January 12, 2008 at Campbell Middle School
in Smyrna. The event featured celebrities playing ball in loaner chairs
with and against wheelchair athletes. Other festivities included music,
children’s games, giveaways, and live performances by Lil De’, Royale
Fam and the Atlanta Hawks A-Town dancers.
JJ’s Santa-Lanta
On Tuesday, December 18, Atlanta Hawks guard Joe Johnson hosted the third “JJ’s
Santa-Lanta for Kids” holiday event for approximately 100 teenagers from the
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. Johnson, an alumni of the William E.
Thrasher Boys & Girls Club (in Little Rock, Arkansas) treated the kids to
dinner, bowling and holiday gifts. The event was part of Johnson’s continued
support of the Boys & Girls Clubs, which included a $5,000 donation earlier this
year. (photo by Susyn Ahern)
Marv & Chils Flicks and Kicks
Atlanta Hawks forward Marvin Williams and guard Josh Childress hosted the second
“Marv & Chill’s Holiday Flicks & Kicks” event on Sunday, December 16 for
disadvantaged children from MUST, Traveler’s Aid of Metro Atlanta, YWCA and The
Center for Family Resources. The kids joined the two Hawks at the AMC Parkway
Pointe 15 for a special screening of the feature film Bee Movie followed by
dinner at Don Pablo’s Restaurant. Maggie Moo’s Ice Cream Treatery donated
desserts for everyone in attendance. Each child received a number of gifts,
including NIKE or Reebok shoes and additional Hawks items. (photos by Susan
Ahern)
Hawks Visit Children At Area Hospitals
Continuing with the organization’s traditional philanthropic endeavors
during this season of giving, the Atlanta Hawks visited patients at two
local hospitals on December 12. Players, coaches, front office staff,
and mascots split into two groups and spread a little holiday cheer at
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite and Children’s
Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston by visiting with patients and
families, distributing gifts, playing Bingo and signing autographs.
Former Hawks guard Charlie Criss hosted a Reading Timeout, as part of the Read to Achieve program (presented by Philips and Sprite), at Minor Elementary School on 11/13 at 10:30 am.
Marvin Williams Scoops For Charity
Marvin Williams was in attendance at Maggie Moo’s Ice Cream Treatery for
“Celebrity Scoop Night” on Saturday, November 10. The event benefited the
Atlanta chapter of the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation, an
organization committed to helping seriously-ill children and their families cope
with their pain, fear and isolation through entertainment, education and family
activities.
The Atlanta chapter of the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation received
15 percent of the proceeds from the entire day.
Josh Smith Makes Donation To Jobs For Georgia
Graduates
On September 28, Hawks forward Josh Smith presented students from the
Jobs for Georgia Graduates program at Benjamin E. Mays High School (in
Atlanta) with a check for $7,000 which will be used to send some of the
kids to the Jobs for America's Graduates National Student Leadership
Conference (NSLC) in Washington DC.
Childress and Smith join in Hoops Hall Experience
Hawks Host Kids For Thanksgiving Event
The Hawks recently hosted Thanksgiving dinner for young men from Turning
Point and Potter’s House shelter, giving some deserving youth a
once-in-a-lifetime experience. The players and coaches dished up a
special Thanksgiving meal with all of the trimmings, which was
generously donated by Hudson Grille in Brookhaven Station. The players
later dined with the youth and discussed the many things they had to be
thankful for this holiday season. They also shared lots of laughs and
smiles that were captured on camera and guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Photo
Gallery
Watch The Highlights!
Hawks Host Clinic For Special Olympics Georgia
The Atlanta Hawks hosted dozens of Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA)
athletes for a basketball skills clinic on Friday, October 26. The
event, which took place on the Hawks practice court, featured individual
instruction and drills from the entire Hawks team to some deserving
athletes. The athletes also received gift bags with signed Hawks
memorabilia and took a team photo with their NBA idols.
Photo
Gallery
Hawks Paint The Town At The New World Of Coke
To help kick-off the NBA season, the Atlanta Hawks held their Paint the
Town event on Saturday, October 20th at the New World of Coca-Cola. The
entire roster of Hawks players were on-hand to participate in a number
of the festivities, including manning the Tasting Stations, taking tours
with kids, helping customers check-out at the Coca-Cola Store, playing
hoops on the Sport Court, as well as signing autographs and posing for
pictures. Hawks fans also participated in a number of Hawks interactive
elements such as the giant slide, pop-a-shot and prize wheel.
Photo
Gallery
All in a day’s work