Is Jamie Gold Misunderstood?
IS JAMIE GOLD MISUNDERSTOOD?
“I feel I’m doing as much as I can possibly do to try to make the world a better place.” `Jamie Gold
Some of you may recognize the name, Jamie Gold, as the 2006 World Series of Poker Champion. His first place prize of $12M was the largest in the history of the ‘sport’ and didn’t come without controversy. Controversy that led this curious writer to follow the career of the ‘Poker Philanthropist’, on and off the felt, for the last few years.
Is Jamie Gold misunderstood? Greatly so. Many have been asking where the poker champ has been for the last few years, and from my perspective, he’s been lying low on the pro-poker circuit for a very good reason. Humanity.
Gold was kind enough to allow me to pick his brain about philanthropy, poker, stereotypes, humanity, the misconception surrounding the gambling industry and his love for helping others. (The full interview will be posted on Look to the Stars later this week and linked up HERE.)
Gold recently attended the ‘Get Lucky for Lupus’ celebrity Poker event in Los Angeles where he admittedly was a bit star-struck when meeting rocker Slash.
“I’ve always wanted to meet him and I couldn’t believe he said he was a fan of mine,” Gold told me, “I don’t think about myself other than how I am, so I don’t see myself in that way (as a celebrity). When you respect and admire someone so much and they’re interested in meeting you, it’s incredible.”
The incredible thing is, while most poker players don’t see themselves as celebrities, most celebrities are the ones star-stuck when meeting pro-poker players. As they should, Gold has co-hosted, emceed or played in over 100 celebrity charity poker events which have raised over $170M.
And he’s just getting started. In addition to his non-stop support towards making this world a better place, he has just launched his own free legal on-line poker site-(FreeGoldPoker) with a twist. Using a platform created by Zen Entertainment, donations are garnered through profits.
“What we are in the process of doing now with my free poker site, we are pledging ten-percent of all of our profits to charity. This new aspect of site allows us to be more productive for the causes that need my help the most and those that are more personal to me.”
One personal pet project Gold had been heavily involved with is the Global Creative Forum, an involvement that aims to help effect positive change in the world.
“We can all raise as much money as possible but to effect real change, I think its important to do what we’re doing,” he said about the Global Creative Forum, “Which is taking this large number of superstars, people who can really get something done when there’s a problem in the world and then bring together some of the smartest people, the best scientists, and put them together with the wealthiest people we know and really try to create and effect change in the world.”
In fact, Gold was the first to successfully host a fundraiser for the Global Creative Forum- the Global Creative Forum Fundraiser for United Nations-which marked the first time ever that the UN Nations has allowed a poker event to be associated with the organization.
“What I find beautiful and wonderful about the poker community, that doesn’t exist in all communities-it would be great if it did but it doesn’t-you can be the wealthiest person in the world, a homeless person, any race or religion and you can all be equals and sit down at a poker table together. There is no where else where you could have that kind of group working together like that.”
A partial list of what Gold has been up to for the last few years (as emcee, host or participant): Big Slick Charity Tournament; Dallas Superbowl Charity Event for Troops; The Global Creative Forum Fundraiser for United Nations; 4th Annual Monte Carlo Night; Foundation Charity Event at Poker in the Park; Sunflower Children Charity Poker Night at Cannes Film Festival; Children Uniting Nations: Oscars After-Party; Ante Up For Africa; Michael J. Fox Foundation Celebrity Poker Tournament; Montel Williams MS Foundation Pro-Celebrity Poker Challenge; Operation: All-In, Randy Couture Charity Poker Tournament; and many others.
Gold spoke at length about his professional poker career, when and if he will return to the tour, what inspires him and what was important about the 2006 WSOP win, all to be posted in my interview on Look to the Stars.
Cue music: Jamie Gold’s perceived theme song when asked, and of course my chosen theme song for him.
As always, thanks for reading~
delinda@athlebrities.com
Magic Johnson is Hiring
Magic Johnson is Hiring
Lakers legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson played 13-years in the NBA, won five national championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, 3 MVP awards, appeared in 12 NBA All-Star games, took home a gold medal at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, has been induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and is currently Vice President and part owner of the Los Angeles Lakers.
And he’s also helping people find jobs. That’s right, Magic is also Chief Executive Officer of Magic Workforce Solutions, a first-rate staffing services company committed to building a diverse workforce.
Admittedly, I was thrown off at first…Magic Johnson advertising available jobs? But after much thought, it makes sense. As part of Magic Johnson Enterprises, Magic Workforce Solutions supports the umbrella organizations commitment to providing products and services that particularly focus on ethnically diverse urban communities…the long-arm of his business portfolio includes (among others): Urban Coffee Opportunities (making MJE the only joint venture partner of Starbucks); Canyon-Johnson Urban Fund; over 30 Burger King restaurants; a dozen 24 Hour Fitness Magic Sport centers; a T.G.I. Fridays restaurant; a long-standing partnership with AMC Magic Johnson Theatres; partnerships with Aetna and Best Buy and has entered into a multi-year relationship with retail giant Best Buy to enhance urban retail growth strategies and implement diversity outreach with multicultural consumers.
So, for those looking for a job or companies looking for good people, check out Magic Johnson’s staffing service. NBA players need not apply.
As always, thanks for reading~
delinda@athlebrities.com
Founded in 1991, the Magic Johnson Foundation (MJF) has become one of the most recognizable charitable organizations around the world, awarding more than $1.1 million to community based organizations that focus on HIV/AIDS education and prevention.
Justin Timberlake’s Charity Golf Event
Justin Timberlake’s Charity Golf Event
“You always want to find good ways to give back, and I just thought this was a fantastic way.” Justin Timberlake
Last week was a big week for Justin Timberlake as he hosted the annual Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospital for Children Golf Open which concludes today…it started on Monday when JT attempted a hole-in-one at the Callaway Golf Center…Callaway offered Timberlake a $1 million charitable donation to Shriners Hospitals for Children if he could make a hole-in-one at a 180-yard, par-3 hole…he missed, but the good peeps at Callaway still gave a $5,000 donation…great video HERE of JT wearing sexy J Lindberg garb while speaking about the “sweet spot” and raising money for a good cause with sleepy eyes…
On Tuesday, Timberlake and the tournament hosted a Team Smile program where children were able to receive free dental care at the course…
Wednesday was the Pro-Am Tournament, where Timberlake was joined by a slew of celebrities, golfers, actors, comedians and poker stars such as Phil Hellmuth, Daniel Negreanu, Oscar De La Hoya (L), George Lopez®, Alfonso Ribeiro, Alice Cooper, Kenny G, Anthony Kim, Davis Love III, Sal Masekela and David Bomar…Saturday night, the fundraising continued at the ‘Justin Timberlake and Friends’ concert at Mandalay Bay which featured TLC, Taylor Swift, Alicia Keys and Ciara…
Thank you JT, Thank You.
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
Chris Paul Grants a Wish
Chris Paul Grants a Wish
Last week, New Orleans Hornet, Chris Paul held his annual charity event, the Chris Paul Winston-Salem Weekend to raise funds for the CP3 Foundation and to give back to the community he came from…the Winston-Salem Weekend activities included a ‘Day of Service’ on Friday where CP stuffed care packages for American troops overseas and distributed food to needy families…he also hosted a free youth basketball clinic, worked with Special Olympic athletes and held a gala honoring the late Wake Forest Coach Skip Prosser…the first three years of the event have raised over $325,000 for a variety of programs and charities in the Winston-Salem area.
And it’s not just about community, giving back and raising money- it’s about raising spirits: “Today is always a special day,” Paul told the kids. “It’s an opportunity to give back to the community, to you kids and to all the different families who need it.” One such way he gave back to the kids came when he read his new book, Long Shot: Never Too Small to Dream Big
But those who know CP, know he’s not gonna stop at reading, donating, or rebuilding when he can do more-when he wants to do more…
- Jarrell Marshall’s day went from special to unforgettable at the Carlson Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club. It was already shaping up to be a red-letter day when Marshall got to meet Chris Paul, his favorite NBA player. Marshall, who has Hodgkin’s lymphoma, was representing the regional office of the Make-A-Wish Foundation at a check-presentation ceremony at Paul’s annual Winston-Salem Weekend yesterday. Shortly after shaking Marshall’s hand, Paul told him not to go anywhere. “What’s your wish?” Paul asked. “To meet Chris Paul,” Marshall quietly answered. “That and what else?” Paul asked. “To take my family to Jamaica on a cruise.” “I’m here to tell you,” Paul said, “that your wish has been granted.” (Full story can be read HERE)
I try my best to keep up with athletes and their philanthropy. I can count on one hand the number of players who go out and spread love without asking for a pat on the back…players that are so active and sincere about their off-field giving that it’s difficult to keep up with them…Chris Paul is one of those athletes. He’s an exceptional human being who hasn’t been tainted by celebrity and we could certainly use more mighty-mighty-fine CP’s in this world…for more about hot-stuff and his foundation, please visit his website CHRISPAUL3.COM. On behalf of humanity, thank you Chris Paul. (All images courtesy of the CP3 Foundation)
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
Carmelo Anthony’s Syracuse Basketball Center Opens
Carmelo Anthony’s Syracuse Basketball Center Opens
Last week, after years of construction, the Carmelo K. Anthony basketball center officially opened its doors to the Syracuse men’s and women’s basketball teams. “I would never in a million years think I would be sitting here today six or seven years after winning a national championship, doing the ribbon cutting for my building,” said Melo…
Melo’s 54,000 square foot Center – located adjacent to Manley Field House and smack dab in the middle of my libido- includes: two practice courts, a strength and conditioning room, an athletic training suite, locker room facilities and offices for both the men’s and women’s coaching staffs…but the best thing about it (aside from the name of course) is that fact that it’s a LEED building. (The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), provides a suite of standards for environmentally sustainable construction.) Melo’s building is designed to use 30% less water than a typical new building…it’s designed to use almost 20% less energy than a typical new building…more than half of the construction and demolition waste was recycled or reused…approximately 20% of the materials used in the building are made from recycled materials.
“We ask our student-athletes to be champions on and off the field, that is one of our missions here and it’s very important, Carmelo Anthony epitomizes that,” said Dr. Daryl Gross, Director of Athletics, “When you think about Carmelo being a gold medalist, Final Four Most Outstanding Player, national champion, and then what he does outside of basketball. He gives back to the community and donates his time, then as one of the few student-athletes in the country to make such a significant donation, to give back to his alma mater, that is outstanding, it’s wonderful and Carmelo we thank you.”
And for those who are unaware, precious Melo kicked in $3 million toward the construction of the facility. “I’ve been ready to cut this ribbon for about two years now,” said Melo, “I want to thank the Syracuse community for allowing me to come back here to my second home, I take great pride in this city. I want to thank the men’s basketball team and the women’s basketball team, Coach Boeheim and I were saying hopefully we can be in the top five recruiting class for both programs next year. Once again I just want to say thank you, I’m proud to be opening this building with my name on there and when I’m dead and gone this building will be here for generations after. Thank you, and let’s cut this ribbon.” A full transcript of the speech can be found HERE.
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
Adonal Foyle’s Foundation Refurbishes Public Basketball Court
Adonal Foyle’s Foundation Refurbishes Public Basketball Court
Fresh off the heels of an amazing camp for the kids in SVG, Adonal Foyle and his Kerosene Lamp Foundation have partnered with the Good Tidings Foundation to host a free hoops camp for kids on a court they just refurbished.
The grand re-opening takes places this morning at 10:30 in Oakland, California (98th St. & C St.)…Foyle will be there hosting a free basketball clinic for all the kids in the neighborhood…seriously, what more can I say? Even I have trouble keeping up with all the love he’s been kicking down…thank you Adonal and congratulations for re-signing with the Orlando Magic!
Please visit Adonal’s Kerosene Lamp Foundation for more info, or join his Facebook group to be kept in the loop of love.
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
Muhammad Ali Honored In the UK
Muhammad Ali Honored In the UK
The greatest boxer of all time is making the rounds in the UK to raise money for various charities including his Muhammad Ali Center in Kentucky. Accompanied by Greg Roberts, the head of his center, and his amazing wife Yolanda, Muhammad Ali stopped by a new gym owned by a group of amateur and professional boxers, including British boxer Ricky Hatton. “When they told me Ali wanted to come and visit the gym my jaw nearly hit the floor,” said Hatton. “He always did what he did for the people, and this fund-raising trip to the UK is no different. I’ve met the greatest sportsman of all time. It is a day all of us here in the gym, and in Hyde, will never forget.”
Hatton presented Ali with a cake, in the shape of a glove, with a figurine of Ali on top, with the letters GOAT embossed on it… “Greatest Of All Time,” said Hatton after Ali had left. “I have watched videos of The Greatest, and now The Greatest has come to my gym to visit us. It made me incredibly proud, and it brought a tear to my eye when he arrived. It was very emotional.” Emotional indeed. The ‘Greatest of All Time’ lives by six core values: Respect, Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Giving and Spirituality…so its no surprise that the legend himself will appear at three dinners held in his honor at British sports stadiums during his visit to the UK.
Each year, here in the States, Ali is the guest of honor at Celebrity Fight Night…it’s recognized as one of the most elite charity events in this country…and after attending a few years ago, I can see why…the line-up of celebrity and athlete supporters that Ali attracts makes the Academy Awards look like a tea-party…throughout Celebrity Fight Night’s fourteen year history they’ve raised over $52 million for the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute (among others). Takes a mighty-mighty-fine man to improve this world and I’d say Ali has contributed more than his share of Love to better the lives of others. Keep on going strong Champ~
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
David Beckham Taking Aim at Mosquito’s
David Beckham Taking Aim at Mosquito’s
The good peeps from Malaria No More have just launched Malaria No More UK…and in conjunction with the launch, they’ve named Sir Golden Balls- David Beckham, tennis beast Andy Murray and Olympic Gold Medallist Denise Lewis as members of the leadership council for the new campaign.
The trio have pledged their backing for this British extension of a US charity that aims to prevent millions of deaths worldwide…I don’t think I need to remind you that malaria is a preventable and treatable disease-killing one child every 30 seconds in Africa.
“When you think that malaria kills one child every 30 seconds and three times as many under-5s as HIV/Aids, there is a desperate need in increase our understanding and awareness of this disease,” said Sarah Kline, the charity’s executive director.
Beckham: “It’s truly incredible to think we can stop this killer disease forever and it’s such a simple thing to do. For less than the cost of a football you can protect a family from dying. I urge the UK public to get behind the Malaria No More UK campaign to save a life and make malaria no more.”
Murray chimed in: “This is the first global charity I’ve been involved with in this capacity and it was an easy decision. Malaria is completely preventable and stoppable but yet it still kills more children in Africa than any other single disease. We can radically change this, it is a huge opportunity and I’m urging the UK public to help save a life and get behind Malaria No More UK, a truly world-changing and life-saving initiative.”
You know what to do…visit MALARIA NO MORE UK, buy a net, and save a life- it’s as simple as that.
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
Dwight Howard Takes Kids on Shopping Spree
Dwight Howard Takes Kids on Shopping Spree
The sexiest Superman in the NBA just got a little bit hotter. Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard spent time yesterday afternoon making 50 kids from the Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida ecstatic. First, Howard presented the B&G Club with a check for $20,000. And then, he took the kids on a shopping spree at Finish Line…each kid was given a $100 gift card to the store located at the Mall at Millenia in Orlando, Florida.
“I bought two pair of shoes, I bought a pair of Pumas and a pair of Chucks. Red Chucks. I really wanted the shoes,” said one kid.
“It was pretty fun, you know. We laughed around, made a couple of jokes. I’m very appreciative for what he did for us,” said another.
Each year, the Orlando Magic Youth Fund (OMYF) honors a player who has dedicated his efforts off the court for the purpose of enhancing others’ lives. So it’s no surprise that Howard has won the award three times. In addition to receiving the award, the player is granted $50,000 from the Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation to donate to the charity of his choice.
Just a few things sexy D-How has done to enhance the lives of others:
Donated $25,000 to the Parramore Kidz Zone to refurbish the locker room area.
Donated $25,000 to “Blessings in a Backpack” to provide kids from Lake Como Elementary with a nutritious meal on the weekends.
Visited children over the holidays at Florida Children’s Hospital.
Gave 160 children per game a chance to see the Magic play through his ticket program ‘Friends of Superman.’
Gave away 100/$100 Publix gift cards and 100 emergency preparedness kits to 100 Central Florida families.
Donated gifts and met with families for the Magic holiday party with underprivileged children and their families…
I think you get the idea. Dwight Howard is indeed a mighty-mighty-fine man…
Keep on keeping on D-How…I like what I see.
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
Dikembe Mutombo: A Humanitarian for Life
Dikembe Mutombo: A Humanitarian for Life
“This is something I will do the rest of my life. No matter what I go do, whether it is working for the league or business for myself, doing humanitarian work, I don’t think there will be anybody who can stop me.”
After 18 seasons in NBA, Dikembe Mutombo is just a few weeks away from retirement. “I don’t want to leave this game and have something haunt me, like I complained about playing or my minutes. I just want to be happy. One thing I’m very happy with is the transformation that has happened inside our locker room,” said the Rockets center, “The joy, the peace, the smiling on the guys’ faces are very rewarding to see. That is what made me happy, like I accomplished something.”
Accomplished something? While Dikembe is speaking about what he accomplished with the Rockets, my mind drifts elsewhere. It drifts all the way back to the early 80’s. When Bono and the boys were going Into The Heart of a child alongside Bob Geldof who was busy Feeding the World and Elvis Costello was asking us What’s So Funny About Peace, Love and Understanding.
‘We’ve been waiting all year, for you…for you…into the heart of a child, I stay a while…into the heart of a child I can smile, I can see my way. Into the heart of a child, I can go back, I can stay a while…into the heart, to the heart of a child…’ U2’s ‘Into the Heart’ lyrics seem to reflect something that Dikembe can relate to.
After all, he’s spent the last decade raising funds for the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital & Research center in Kinshasa (Dem Rep of Congo). Even though the mighty-mighty-fine man has already donated $19M of his own cash, he still needs more, and so he presses on. And he is asking all of us for a little help.
“The latest campaign is to try to go after the grass roots,” Mutombo said. “We can get at least the American people to participate in the treatment of women and children at the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital by donating $20 or more a year. The goal is to get 100,000 people to sign up with our Web site (www.DMF.org) or call 1-877-funddmf. We want to get 100,000 people to respond by the end of June.”
Now I’m no stranger to the slumping economy, but I do know most of us wouldn’t miss $20 a year? To save lives? This isnt just a plea, but a movement. And Dikembe is about to go nationwide with it. “I’m going to go nationwide. My prayer is that as many people as we have in Houston, maybe 100,000 will respond to my call to donate $20 or more. After that, I’m planning to go after every city that I played for (Denver, Atlanta, Philadelphia and New York) and see how many people will sign up to the Web site or pick up the phone. This is to run the hospital for medicine and treatment and paying the staff, the doctors and nurses.”
“People would understand and know this is a good cause,” he said. “This is not a cause that Dikembe is calling on us to donate money so he can buy more equipment or more beds. This is now something we already accomplished. The beds are there. The equipment is there. You just want us to buy medicine and buy Tylenol and buy IVs and all that. Malaria is killing more than 1.3 million children alone in the African continent. The Congo lost more than 300,000 children last year alone from malaria. The treatment will cost no more than $10. If we can come up with $2 million for treatment, with 100,000 people donating $20, there is a chance for us to really eradicate malaria in that particular area.”
Think about that people. Together, we CAN eradicate malaria in the Congo. I don’t know about anyone else, but even with an overdue cable bill, I’m still sending 20 bucks. The life of a child shouldn’t be cut short because someone opted to buy a bottle of wine instead of saving a life…but hey, that’s just me.
“Our goal is to prevent as many deaths as we can,“ Dikembe continued, “I know it is going to be difficult to stop people from dying, because death is part of our lives. But to prevent as many deaths as possible, it is up to us to do so.”
It is indeed Dikembe, and this girl’s got your back every step of the way.
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
Jamie Gold Lands Richest Online Sponsorship Deal in History
Jamie Gold Lands Richest Online Sponsorship Deal in History
“I am looking for, and will find a (poker) site that we can all trust, accepts US players, and will teach and support their players without worry of impropriety or monies not being safe,” Jamie Gold stated late this past week.
Most of you will scratch your head while asking ‘Who is Jamie Gold?’ Unless you’re addicted to Poker After Dark, the humor of Phil Laak, the sex appeal of Antonio Esfandiari and the philanthropy of Don Cheadle, Jennifer Harman and Phil Ivey, then I wouldn’t expect you to recognize his name. But take notice, Jamie Gold is the 2006 World Series of Poker champion and the all-time money leader in the game – And he has just inked the industry’s most lucrative multi-year contract in history with upstart poker brand Aced.com.
“We’ve been careful and patient in waiting for the right deal,” stated Gold’s agent Sean Fredericks. Now here’s the 8-10 kicker, Gold turned down several endorsement offers over the past two years because they didn’t mesh with his philosophy of charitable giving. Since his 2006 WSOP win, Gold’s been heavily involved with over 50 charity related events, he’s helped raise more than $110,000 for such charities as MDA/ALS Division, The Sunflower Organization, Montel Williams MS Foundation, and The Michael J. Fox Foundation. He’s not just a poker player-he’s a philanthropist.
“I’m really proud of the example we, as a poker community, are setting,” he said, “Professional poker players, celebrities, athletes, and captains of industry have worked tirelessly and participated honorably in support of charitable gaming events to impact important world causes. I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to give back,” added Gold. “But it’s only the tip of the iceberg. Aced and I plan to leave our mark, not just on poker, but on the world, making it a better place for future generations.”
So, how much is the deal worth? Mums the word…but according to “sources,” Gold is about to earn upwards of eight figures. Aced.com will also fund Gold’s participation in major USA, European, and Asian events. “I am not at liberty to disclose details of the arrangement,” commented Gold’s attorney Les Abell. “However, I can say that this contract is valued at more than any deal I’ve ever heard of.”
Not convinced that Jamie Gold is worth the price of Tiger Woods? Think again. His name is one of the most searched on the Internet and his compassion is infectious. I dare you to read this amazing piece Gold wrote about Parkinson’s Disease and Michael J Fox without being moved. It appeared in Bluff magazine in 2006. In part, Gold wrote:
- I have a new hero, not to replace my others, but one who has already motivated me to be a better person. For years, I have been aware of the fight to cure Parkinson’s disease. I have been intimately aware of the issues facing those who have PD, but had yet to get involved in the cause. I heard about a Hollywood poker event for PD and I just had to be a part of it. The more research I did about the organization behind the event, the more impressed I became. Then I attended the event and was blown away. From an opening speech to tireless involvement throughout the evening, the force leading this charge was truly inspiring. His name is Michael J. Fox.
Aced.com launched in September 2008…Aced poker room manager Brandon Berndt stated in regards to signing Gold, “We are extremely excited to have Jamie on board, not only because of his obvious value as an ambassador for us within the poker world, but for the unparalleled enthusiasm, insight, and creativity he brings to the ongoing development of our brand. He could have chosen so many other sites, but we share his values and vision. He is worth every penny—or billion pennies.”
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
Yao Ming Foundation Cut Out of the Loop by the NBA
Yao Ming Foundation Cut Out of the Loop by the NBA
The Yao Ming Foundation has been cut out of the charity loop and is no longer one of the beneficiaries of next week’s Tux & Tennies Charity Gala. Apparently, there are some new “NBA Guidelines” is place to prevent salary-cap circumvention…now, I’m not going to pretend that I’m well versed on all these ‘rules’ but apparently, because Yao can opt out of his contract with the Rockets after the 2009-10 season, the ‘league’ office said donations to his foundation could be interpreted as influencing negotiations. “I know, it’s all about 2010,” Yao said. “They have rules. All we want to do is help people who were hurt by the earthquake in the Sichuan Province.”
The NBA is also claiming that after the Rockets named Yao’s Foundation as a beneficiary, commissioner David Stern’s office received complaints from several other NBA teams…if I were to guess…my money would be on the Cav’s and the Lakers as the cry babies who messed it up for Yao. “We appreciate the league’s position and will work with them and will certainly abide by their wishes and work according to their direction on how we can make the event as successful as possible while supporting Yao to the best that we can,” said Tad Brown, Rockets chief executive officer.
This is straight-up BS if you ask me. Even though the proceeds from the event still go to charity, the Rockets have one of the hottest rosters in the NBA-in terms of charitable work. Between Dikembe Mutombo, Tracy McGrady, Shane Battier, Yao, and yes, even Ron Artest, they’ve got some mighty-mighty fine men shooting hoops, helping kids, and bettering humanity.
Since 1996, the Tux & Tennies Gala has raised nearly $5 million. Last year and in 2006, proceeds benefited the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation, with a portion of the proceeds being used to help build the Women & Children’s Center of the Biamba Maria Mutombo Hospital. The NBA takes issues because Deke twice signed free-agent contracts to return to the Rockets during that period. GOOD. That’s how it should be. Wouldn’t it be great to see the NBA encouraging free-agent signing by greasing players-foundations with hefty donations? Or would you prefer to see players driving around in $100,000 vehicles purchased with bonus money or bribe money or whatever you want to call it?
I’d like to see players hold out from signing unless there is a guaranteed yearly donation to the players foundation or charity of choice. But hey, that’s just me…
Proceeds from the event this year will go to the ‘Bush-Clinton Coastal Recovery Fund’ and to various organizations providing humanitarian relief to earthquake victims in China…
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
Steve Nash Grants Make-a-Wish, ‘Nash Bash’ All Star Event
Steve Nash Grants Make-A-Wish
Phoenix Sun Steve Nash recently hung out with some kids from the Make-a-Wish Foundation…the video pretty much covers it all…the mighty-mighty fine beast always goes above and beyond to make wishes come true…my wish? A ticket to the vitaminwater Nash Bash to benefit the Steve Nash Foundation. “All-Star’s in Phoenix this year, and I’m really looking forward to hosting some of my Foundation’s best supporters, new friends and just having my family around’” said Nashty. “All-Star Weekend is one of the most entertaining events of the year, and, for me, it’s another opportunity to mesh my job with my other passions.” If you wanna mesh your job with other passions, the love fest goes down on Friday, February 13 at the Mondrian Scottsdale. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Steve Nash Foundation’s local initiative, Educare Arizona. “Educare is one of the best things we can do for our community,” said Steve. “It’s a holistic approach to the child and family, and will make an incredible impact nationally.” (Stevenash.org)
As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com
THAT’S AMARE
THAT’S AMARE
When the man hits the wells and the kids are all swell, that’s Amare…my humanitarian bells are ringing loudly for one of the sexiest philanthropists to pick up a ball, Amare Stoudemire. Last September, the beast took a trip to Africa to help make a difference for communities in need…specifically, rehabbing old water wells and fixing ‘em up so kids are given a chance to surpass the expected live span in Sierra Leone of 26 years-old.
Sexy Stoudemire went to Sierra Leone, West Africa on behalf of his foundation Each 1, Teach 1, and the Zee Community Development Foundation. Amare has already donated heaps of money to fix the wells, and even got down and dirty while doing so. But Amare isn’t one to make a trip halfway cross the world and not make the most of it, so while there, he also met with the Minister of Sports, Vice President, and President of Sierra Leone in efforts to improve the quality of life.
David Zimmerman chronicles part of Amare’s visit in the below video.
And who said one man can’t make a difference?
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As always, thanks for reading.
Delinda Lombardo
Carmelo Anthony Cares
MELO ON EXHIBIT
My legendary Melo has been a busy little bee lately. Aside from his stint with the Men’s Olympic hoops team, the mouthwatering Melter has finally officially launched his Carmelo Anthony Foundation…yes, Carmelo Anthony does care…and no, I don’t wanna hear from you Melo-bashers either. It’s my blog and until he causes a riot by making it rain in a Vegas strip club, assaults a woman, punches a child or steals a half-pound of weed for his posse, he’s still a good guy on my book…
And he must be doing something right…otherwise, its hard to imagine why he would be the first NBA player to earn a spot at the Sports Legends Museum at Camden Yards. The (gulp) Carmelo Anthony Exhibit includes, among other things; a plaque for being named a Naismith high school All-American, a ball signed by his teammates on the 2003 Syracuse NCAA championship team, another signed by teammates at the 2006 World Championships and last year’s Olympic qualifying tournament, his ring from this past season’s NBA All-Star Game, and the 2006 Sports Illustrated cover he shared with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and his lips. “There’s a lot of history in the Baltimore community in sports,” said Melo, “and I’m glad I’m part of it.” The museum is a 22,000 square-foot shrine to Baltimore and Maryland sports…and I’m sure you know by now that Melo hails from Baltimore?
Last week, for the fourth consecutive year, Carmelo Anthony took over Cloverdale Park for his H.O.O.D. (Holding Our Own Destiny) Movement, where more than a thousand lucky local families and several A-list buddies such as T.I. and Sam Cassell joined him. “It’s always good to give back. This is my home, this is my city … I can never forget where I came from.” The sexy All-Star forward said his desire to give back to the community stemmed from the lack of positive role models he had as a child. “Growing up, I didn’t have anybody to do this for me,” he said. “It was guys on the corner I had to look up to.” But now, Melo is the one kids are looking up to, and it’s a beautiful thing…and once again, before you email me some crap about Melo being selfish or whatnot…think again- Carmelo isnt just an on-court beast, his philanthropic efforts to improve not just the communities, but the way of life for disadvantaged children landed him (8th) on the Giving Back Fund’s list of 30 celebrity philanthropists in America for their “The Giving Back 30” report. He was the only basketball player named, and was listed alongside Oprah Winfrey and Tiger Woods for making charitable donations in excess of $4 million for projects in Baltimore, Maryland and Syracuse, New York…With all this said, I have Carmelo on my radar as I hit up Chris Webbers Bada Bling this weekend in Vegas…if the gods are smiling upon Delinda, she will get her long-overdue hug from Melo for giving him so much love over the years-and heads-up LaLa, loosen the leash girl, I ain’t after your man, you got the baby- the least I can get is a quote, no?
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As always, thanks for reading. Delinda Lombardo
delinda@athlebrities.com
