Nowitzki honored by NBA for charitable work

From the NBA offices

In recognition of Dirk Nowitzki’s outstanding efforts in the community and for his ongoing philanthropic work, the NBA has honored the Dallas Mavericks forward with the Community Assist Award
for December.

Nowitzki, a six-time NBA All-Star, provided a special holiday moment for children who wouldn’t be able to be at home for the holidays. Nowitzki, along with teammate Devin Harris, purchased $10,000 worth of toys to be delivered to the patients at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital. The two delivered the toys, visiting 20 rooms where they spoke to each family, signed autographs and posed for photos.

“There are so many different ways to help our community,” Nowitzki said. “Whether it is through a team event or something I can do on my own, I just enjoy the opportunity to give something back to the Dallas community that is always there to support me. Helping kids is one of the best things I get to do as a professional athlete and it is a privilege to be a part of those events.”

Also during the month of December, Nowitzki granted two wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The seven-foot forward met with the children following games at the American Airlines Center, signing autographs, taking pictures and spending time with the families. Nowitzki has also donated a locker-room sleepover to Make-A-Wish for a charitable event where he will give the kids a tour of the lockerroom, sign autographs, take pictures and play H.O.R.S.E on the court.

Understanding what kind of impact fund raising can have, Nowitzki auctioned himself off to raise money for the incredible work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at their annual auction.

Additionally, on December 8, the Mavericks hosted their Fourth Annual Seats for Soldiers event, where front row season ticket holders give up their seats for soldiers injured serving our country. During the event, Nowitzki made sure to meet each soldier in attendance and shake hands, take photos and sign autographs.

Nowitzki also regularly meets with sick or terminally ill children after home games ,including 10 kids this past month. And, he was a huge hit at the team’s annual Holiday Party with children from Gilda’s Club North Texas and Parkland Hospital’s Pediatric Burn Unit, signing every t-shirt or poster put in front of him and making each child feel special.

Nowtizki will be recognized at the January 27 home game, where he’ll 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 Dirk Nowitzki Foundation on Nowitzki’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.