Maurice Lucas Foundation Gala Raises Record-Breaking $757,000

Maurice Lucas Foundation Gala Raises Record-Breaking $757,000

Portland, OR. A special celebration dinner and auction held at the Portland Hilton raised over $757,000 for the Maurice Lucas Foundation. The funds will support the foundation’s after-school programs for under-served students at Harriet Tubman Middle School and six high schools throughout the Portland area. A tradition at the gala is presenting the Maurice Lucas Enforcer Award. The recipient this year was the late Howard Hedinger, a philanthropist and friend of Maurice Lucas. His family members were on hand to accept the award. The award presentation photo included Bobby Gross, Bill Walton, Lionel Hollins, Zach Collins, Huston Hedinger, David Lucas, Barkley Hedinger and Hillary Hedinger. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)

Foundation Academy students ranging from Sixth Grade through college had a chance to have their photo taken with Executive Director David Lucas and High School Program Manager Karen Barker. (Photo by Naim Hasan)

David Lucas with his daughter, Nahla Lucas; mother Pam Lucas; his nephew, Lucas Tiefenthaler; and his brother, Maurice Lucas II. Photo by Andie Petkus.

The gala included over 600 attendees who participated in activities like a paddle raise, silent auction and live auction to raise record-breaking numbers for the Maurice Lucas Foundation. Maurice Lucas was the leading scorer on the 1977 NBA champion Portland Trail Blazers, and an advocate for young people. Following in his father’s footsteps, David Lucas continues to to be involved with the organization in his father’s memory.

The dinner also included students who have benefited from the foundation’s programs. “Our students are hungry for the future, and they stand on the shoulders of so many of you in the room tonight to be able to pursue their dreams,” said David.

Terry Stotts helps auctioneer Brett Richards raise funds at the Maurice Lucas Foundation gala. Photo by Andie Petkus.

Joe Wiser from title sponsor Whittier Trust tells the gala attendees about his long relationship with the Lucas family. Photo by Andie Petkus.

Following in his father’s footsteps, David Lucas served as the gala’s master of ceremonies. Photo by Andie Petkus.

Whittier Trust served as the gala’s lead sponsor. Other sponsors included the Portland Trail Blazers, Jordan Brand, Fred Meyer Jewelers, Mercedes Benz of Portland, Mercedes Benz of Beaverton, the Hedinger Family Foundation, Columbia Distributing, B&V Philanthropy, Darkhorse Entertainment, Loosen Bros.USA, Moda Health, North American Spirits and Wine Brokerage, Pivot and Marios.

From the Maurice Lucas Foundation:

Our mission: Teaching life lessons through education and sport.

Maurice cared immensely for the Portland community. He sought to empower youth by creating opportunity, especially where little existed. He was devoted to helping kids learn, achieve, and grow through sport, helping them build positive values. The Maurice Lucas Foundation is carrying on Maurice’s work by creating these opportunities for inner-city middle school students by providing a combination of education and activity-based after-school programs. Through positive interactions with program coaches, team members, and community role models, we help youth develop their cognitive, emotional, intellectual and social skills in a fun environment. Our youth programs develop personal and life skills, positive adult and peer relationships, and create a supportive environment of learning, mastery, teamwork, and autonomy.

 

Maurice Lucas Foundation Celebrity Golf Tournament Raises Nearly $100,000 for Kids

Maurice Lucas Foundation Celebrity Golf Tournament Raises Nearly $100,000 for Kids

Portland, OR. The Maurice Lucas Foundation held its 16th annual Celebrity Golf Invitational tournament at The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club in Aloha on July 25th. Pam and David Lucas address the crowd at Invitational tournament. David is the son of the late Trail Blazer and NBA all-star, and Pam is his widow. They started the foundation to honor Maurice’s legacy of serving the needs of local children. David serves as the executive director of the foundation and Pam serves on its board. The event raised almost $100,000 to support the academic and athletic programs, sports camps and post-secondary education scholarships the foundation provides to underserved middle school students in the Portland area. (Photo credit, Kris Cavin)

Former Portland Trail Blazer announcer Bill Schonely was among the celebrities and local sportsmen who competed in16th annual Celebrity Golf Invitational tournament.

Former Trail Blazer Cliff Robinson and former Jackass cast member Ehren “Danger” McGhehey were among the celebrities participating.

The winning team of the Maurice Lucas Foundation’s Celebrity Golf Invitational tournament pose with their trophies. From Mass Mutual, they are Kasey Closs, Jason Daily, Justin Smithhiesler and Robbie Ziegler. The team will receive a free trip to Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina, where it will compete in the Mercedes Benz national golf tournament in October.

The 150 participating golfers prepare to start their carts at the beginning of the Maurice Lucas Foundation’s Celebrity Golf Invitational in Aloha.

Executive Director David Lucas poses with former Trail Blazer Martell Webster.

First Republic Bank was the title sponsor. Mercedes Benz of Portland and Mercedes Benz of Beaverton were among the additional sponsors.

The field of 150 golfers included many celebrities and former members of the 1977 champion Trail Blazers, including Bill Schonely, Larry Steel, Bobby Gross, Lloyd Neil, Cliff Robinson, Ehren “Danger” McGhehey, Greg Smith, Tom Gorman, Mike Walters, Antonio Harvey, Ken Boddie, Martell Webster, Michael Allen Harrison, Scott Haskins, Charlie Sitton, Steve Johnson, John McCullough and Dale Osbourne.

The winning team from Mass Mutual included Kasey Closs, Jason Daily, Justin Smithhiesler and Robbie Ziegler. They will receive a free trip to Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina and compete in the Mercedes Benz national golf tournament in October.

From The Maurice Lucas Foundation:

The golf tournament is one of the nonprofit foundation’s major sources of funds. The tournament continues a tradition started decades ago by the late Maurice Lucas, the leading scorer on the 1977 NBA championship Trail Blazers team. The foundation’s other major fundraiser, its ninth annual Celebration Dinner and After Party, will take place Saturday, Sept. 7, at the Portland Hilton. Go to ML20.org for tickets and more information.