NYC was filled with activities during NBA All-Star Weekend 2015. From events hosted by athletes and celebrities, to Fashion Week crowds sharing the same spaces and different floors, the full court press of activity didn’t hinder Dwyane Wade from having an event focused on giving back and raising awareness for organizations that assist children in need.
Before the League’s sharpest shooters, playmakers and dunkers lit up Barclays Center for State Farm All-Star Saturday night, celebrities, philanthropists and their families came to support Wade as he held his annual fundraiser at Bowlmor Lanes in Times Square.
The snow and cold did not stop stars from turning up the heat for some healthy bowling competition and to support a great cause. In addition to Wade’s wife and Valentine, Gabrielle Union, celebs such as Katie Couric, Jerry Seinfeld, T-Pain, Black Thought, Kelly Bensimon and more came through to support Game Changer, the collaborative integrated sports program created by the Sandals and Wade’s World Foundations, to assist youth in underserved communities.
Each year Wade’s World Foundation takes the platform of All-Star weekend to bring awareness and financial support to programs that fulfill their mission of “helping inspire and provide support to community—based organizations that promote education, health and social skills for kids in at—risk situations.” The Executive Director of Wade’s World Foundation, Dwyane’s sister Tragil Wade, was on site and shared that because Wade came from humble beginnings, he understands the importance of reaching back and is passionate about programs such as Game Changer that provide resources to children that may not have them otherwise.
Wade’s World’s partnership with the Sandals Foundation is an outcome of Dwyane and his family visiting the resorts and learning about their charitable programs that help those in need throughout the Caribbean. The unique partnership will allow children to experience the game of basketball with refurbished courts and safe spaces where they can learn the game to stay fit and even potentially gain scholarships with their new found skills in the future. Dwyane and Gabrielle shared that their favorite caribbean destination was Turks and Caicos, where they had their honeymoon.
The event itself was very family friendly with children, including Wade’s sons, playing games, running around and enjoying the lively atmosphere that makes All-Star weekend so special. Dwyane shared that he enjoys those types of events where he can have fun and be around his children and family. Thanks to Wade, Sandals and all of the supporters, many more children will be able to have an all-star experience like they never have before.
For more information on Wade’s World Foundation visit wadesworldfoundation.org.
