The Dirk Nowitzki Foundation, founded by Dirk in 2001, was established to make a difference in the lives of children around the world. He regards himself very fortunate to have realized his dream in becoming a professional athlete. Through his success he wants to help provide education, health and well being to children in need.
Recently, Dirk organized the second annual Dirk Nowitzki Pro Celebrity Tennis Classic to raise funds for Hurricane Harvey Relief. The sold out tennis event featured Andy Roddick, Tommy Haas, actor Owen Wilson, Mav’s J.J. Barea and others. Dallas Maverick’s owner Mark Cuban pledged to match all proceeds up to 2 million dollars. Dirk has been very active with his foundation in organizing soccer and baseball games to raise funds; funds are used to provide grants to several organizations across the world.
During his free time Dirk often make visits to the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas & Cook’s Children Medical Center in Fort Worth. Every Christmas he gets a wishlist from all the kids in the hospital and then personally delivers the gifts. Along with his wife, Jessica, he provides backpacks of food and donations to the North Texas Food Bank.
On an international level, Dirk made a huge contribution to the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation that set up a hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He supported Habitat for Humanity in Africa that provides housing for families. He is now working on starting a recreation center in Kenya which will be ready in the near future.
Dirk looks up to former Dallas Maverick guards, Steve Nash and Michael Finley who have been involved with charity throughout their career and post retirement. Just like his role models, Dirk too plans to continue his charity work after he’s done playing.
To read more about Dirk and the Dirk Nowitzki foundation please visit http://dnfoundation.org/
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