Fan voting for the 2013 Season-long Kia Community Assist Award tipped off today and will continue through May 17. The award recognizes the NBA player who best reflects the passion that the league and its players have for giving back to their communities.
The 2013 Season-long Kia Community Assist Award winner will be determined by fans – for the first time – and a distinguished panel of NBA judges, including past J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award winners and NBA Legends Bob Lanier and Dikembe Mutombo. Fan voting will take place on a dedicated tab on the NBA Facebook page. The winner of the Season-lone Kia Community Assist Award will receive a $25,000 donation from Kia and the NBA that will go towards towards a charity of their choice.
This year’s 10 nominees for the award are:
Tyson Chandler, New York Knicks
In wake of Hurricane Sandy, Chandler and his wife established Rebound 4 Rockaway, an initiative to aid victims and support rebuilding efforts. He also became a strong supporter of UNICEF after traveling to Africa with the organization this past summer. His trip to Africa also led him to film a PSA for WildAid, an organization dedicated to reducing the human threat to endangered species.
Charity of choice: U.S. Fund for UNICEF
Kenneth Faried, Denver Nuggets
Faried recently joined Athlete Ally, a non-profit sports resource encouraging all individuals involved in sports to respect every member of their communities, regardless of perceived or actual sexual orientation, gender expression or identity. Faried also supported the message of inclusion by participating as an honorary coach at the 2013 NBA Cares Special Olympics Unified Sports Basketball Game during the NBA All-Star weekend in Houston. He also participated in a Denver Nuggets Special Olympics clinic for 125 athletes from Special Olympics Colorado.
Charity of choice: Lupus Colorado
Kia Community Assist Award: February 2013
Tyler Hansbrough, Indiana Pacers
Hansbrough provides support to Voices Against Brain Cancer, a non-profit organization that raises funding for research and treatment for the disease. Hansbrough watched his older brother battle brain cancer so it’s something that is close to his heart. He also shows appreciation for the military members and their families by treating them to Pacers games throughout the season as part of his Hansbrough’s Sideline Soldiers initiative.
Charity of choice: Voices Against Brain Cancer
David Lee, Golden State Warriors
This season, Lee continued his work as a St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital ambassador and lent his support to Us Against Cancer, an organization that is devoted to funding cancer research and raising awareness. He also donated $25,000 to support the City of Oakland’s annual Thanksgiving Dinner, which was being threatened by budget cuts.
Charity of choice: Us Against Cancer
Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
In just his first NBA season, rookie Damian Lillard has made a name for himself in the city of Portland and throughout the entire NBA. As the face of the Trail Blazers’ anti-bullying campaign, Respect, Pass It On, Lillard is passionate about promoting a message of respect for all. He also supports breast cancer awareness and has a genuine connection with the Portland community, particularly within the local schools where he has spent time with the teachers and students.
Charity of choice: Portland Parks & Recreation
Kia Community Assist Award: March 2013
Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves
Despite having his season shortened to just 18 games, Kevin Love continued to be as active in the community as ever. Love is an active supporter of local children and families. His annual Kevin Love Coat Drive has resulted in thousands of coats donated to individuals in need throughout Minneapolis over the past 5 years. This season, he also supported Special Olympics Minnesota as a participant in the Polar Blear Plunge. Also, as an ambassador for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Love has spent time with patients in both Minnesota and Memphis.
Charity of choice: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Kia Community Assist Award: December 2012
Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers
Through his CP3 Foundation, the six-time NBA All-Star continues to have a positive impact on communities in Winston-Salem, North Carolina; New Orleans and Los Angeles. Paul is also an active member of the President’s Council on Sports Fitness and Nutrition, and supports the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Share our Strength, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Prevent Child Abuse America.
Charity of choice: CP3 Foundation
Kia Community Assist Award: April 2013
Zach Randolph, Memphis Grizzlies
A longtime supporter of Make-A-Wish America, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Humane Society of Memphis, Randolph continues to make a difference any way that he can in the community. A standout during holiday initiatives, Z-Bo has also hosted a number of events and shopping sprees for the local community and continued to pay utility bills for residents in need.
Charity of choice: Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis
Kia Community Assist Award: January 2013
Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat
Dwyane Wade and his Wade’s World Foundation have supported a number of non-profit organizations this season, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The nine-time All-Star continues to be an active voice in the promotion of fatherhood and family. He most recently joined best-selling author James Patterson for a national online webcast to help promote literacy among young people.
Charity of choice: Wade’s World Foundation
Deron Williams, Brooklyn Nets
Williams supports autism awareness and organizations that directly impact the lives of children through his Point of Hope Foundation. He was very active in the Brooklyn community this season, particularly through work with the Food Bank for New York City and Hurricane Sandy relief and rebuilding efforts. He is a spokesperson for Autism Speaks and he also raised awareness and funding for research for autism awareness during National Autism Awareness Month.
Charity of choice: Point of Hope Foundation
Kia Community Assist Award: November 2012
Kia Motors has been an NBA Cares partner since 2010 and in addition to the Season-long Kia Community Assist Award, the NBA presents the Kia Community Assist Award monthly throughout the season to recognize players for their charitable efforts.
To learn more, please log on to www.nba.com/kiacommunityassist
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