POSTED: Thursday February 26th 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NBA COMMUNITY ASSIST AWARD FOR JANUARY

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard has been named the recipient of the NBA Community Assist Award for January

 
NEW YORK, Feb. 26, 2009 – Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard has been named the recipient of the NBA Community Assist Award for January in recognition of his outstanding efforts in the community and for his ongoing philanthropic and charitable work.
 
Howard is being honored following his recent support of the newly created Parramore Kidz Zone Teen Shack in Orlando.  Howard donated $25,000 to assist in the Teen Shack renovation and later participated in the ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony.  The Teen Shack will provide a safe haven for local teens and features a library, technology area, game room, photography lab, and music room.  Orlando’s Downtown Recreation Complex, the former practice facility for the Orlando Magic, houses the new space.
 
“Whenever I get the opportunity to do something to help others, I run to it,” said Howard.  “It means a great deal for me to see young people smile and know that I’ve been able to make a positive impact on their lives.”
 
Howard is also involved in a number of other charitable efforts, including the newly launched Blessings in a Backpack program, a national nonprofit initiative that tipped off in October 2008 and seeks to support low-income children and their families.  The program provides students with six take-home meals each weekend in an effort to ensure that they receive proper nutrition to help them learn and grow.  Howard has committed an additional donation of $25,000 to assist local students through the national program’s upcoming activation at Lake Como Elementary School in Orlando. 
 
Howard, together with his parents Dwight, Sr. and Sheryl Howard, began their effort to empower young people across America to reach their highest potential when they established the Dwight D. Howard Foundation in 2004.  Over the years, the foundation has provided students with scholarships to attend Howard’s alma mater, Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy, and has provided financial assistance to Central Florida schools Lovell Elementary and Memorial Middle.  Howard is also heavily involved with the Magic’s community service initiatives throughout the season.
 
As the January NBA Community Assist Award recipient, Howard 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, a $5,000 donation will be given by the NBA to Howard to be donated to the charity of his choice.
 
The league presents the NBA Community Assist Award monthly to recognize players for their charitable efforts. The award honors the NBA player who best reflects the passion that the league and its players have for giving back to their communities. 
 
Contact:  Madeline Wehle, NBA Communications, (212) 407-8284 or mwehle@nba.com.

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Keywords · Dwight Howard · NBA · Community Assist Award

Name: Trish Wingerson
Organization: Orlando Magic
Email:
Phone: +1.407- 916-2635 Direct
URL: http://www.nba.com/magic/Papa_Johns_VIP_Experience_Spl-302153-1664.html

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