Utah Jazz Do Good by Larry Miller

On February 20 of this year, Utah Jazz owner, Larry Miller passed away from complications relating to type 2 diabetes. Prior to his death, Miller established himself as a true giver- supporting a number of causes and in 1995 Miller formed the Larry H. Miller Charities, whose mission statement is to “give back to our communities by focusing our united service and corporate giving on youth and children with an emphasis on health and education.”

Since its inception, the foundation has raised more than $1 million for charitable organizations in the communities where the Larry H. Miller Group does business.

And as expected, the Utah Jazz players didn’t hesitate when asked to take part in the ‘Leapin’ Leaners and Low Tops’ event to raise money for Larry H. Miller Charities on March 18.

According to what little information I can find, Leapin’ Leaners & Low Tops is an event not to be missed. For all my readers with a Jazz’d up libido- I suggest heavy sedation should you partake next year…

Leapin Leaners offered the opportunity to (a-hem) hang out with Utah Jazz players while participating in fun-filled activities that “let you get close to the team”. While my definition of ‘fun-filled activities that get me closer to the team’ is vastly different than theirs-I gotta say, I might make the trip next year…activities included: shooting baskets against (are-you-kidding-me) Kyle Korver on the Jazz home court; playing ping-pong against a sexy suited-up Carlos Boozer; competing against Deron Williams in video games and getting hoisted up to the basket by Andrei Kirilenko…yeah, I’ll see you in ’10 boys.

Thanks to Deron Williams, C.J. Miles, Coach Jerry Sloan, Ronnie Brewer, Carlos Boozer, Andrei Kirilenko, Paul Millsap, Mehmet Okur, Kyle Korver and all the other Utah babes for making at least half the female tween-population in Utah squeal for delight as they raised cash for charity.

And since we touched on the topic of diabetes, I’m also going to give a shout out to someone who’s been working hard to provide free glucose meters, testing strips and substantial discounts for insulin pumps and insulin pump supplies. His name is Charles Ray III, the President of the Charles Ray III Diabetes Association. This year, the organization’s annual Diabetes Golf Classic fundraiser is being held Monday, July 13, 2009 at North Ridge Country Club in North Carolina. Check ‘em out here to support the event or learn more about participating. (Charles Ray III)

As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com