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.
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.
Portland, OR. 600 supporters were on hand for the Maurice Lucas Foundation dinner including, David Lucas, CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard. The seventh annual benefit on raised a total of $520,000 (including proceeds from the dinner on September 22nd and a golf event on the 23rd) to support the foundation’s after-school education, mentoring and sports programs for under-served children in Portland, including its newly established Howard Hedinger College Scholarship Fund.
Damian Lillard and Maurice Lucas Academy students
David Lucas and Howard Hedinger
The benefit was sponsored by Nike, Jordan Brand and the Portland Trail Blazers. A number of current and former Trail Blazers attended the dinner in honor of their late teammate: Bill Walton, Bobby Gross, Lloyd Neal, Lionel Hollins, Corky Calhoun and announcer Bill Schonely from the 1977 NBA Championship team; as well as head coach Terry Stotts, announcer Michael Holton and players Damian Lillard, C.J. McCollum, Noah Vonleh and Pat Connaughton from the current roster.
Foundation Ambassador Board members Walton and Hollins joined foundation Executive Director David Lucas in presenting the Maurice Lucas Enforcer Award to Nike executive Larry Miller.
The award is given annually to an individual who best embodies many of the characteristics that its namesake displayed both on and off the basketball court, including motivating and empowering kids. Walton and Hollins are among the award’s past recipients.
2017 Enforcer of the Year Award Larry Miller along with David Lucas, Lionel Hollins and Bill Walton
Bill and Lori Walton
Lionel Hollins and Bill Walton
Vanessa Morgan, Bob Quillin and David Lucas
The After Party
Mercedes Benz of Portland was a sponsor.
Fall Fundraisers for the nonprofit included both a dinner at the Portland Hilton and a Celebrity Golf Tournament on, Sept. 23rd, at the Reserve Golf Course in Aloha. The 14th annual golf invitational attracted 115 competitors and raised $70,000. Each foursome included a celebrity, such as former Blazers Brian Grant, T.R. Dunn, Michael Harper and Terry Porter; and NBA Hall of Fame member Alex English and former player Gus Williams. Wildhorse Resort & Casino served as the presenting sponsor and Mercedes-Benz of Portland served as official vehicle sponsor.
“These funds will enable us to continue providing life-changing opportunities for under-served middle school students,” said Executive Director Lucas, son of the late Maurice Lucas. “Our foundation stands as a continuance of my father’s dedication to helping kids learn, achieve, grow and build positive values. The Maurice Lucas Foundation is proud to carry on his work.”
Maurice Lucas Academy Volunteers along with David Lucas and Pam Lucas
Maurice Lucas Academy Volunteers
John Bladholm, David Lucas, Lionel Hollins, and Bill Schonely
The winning team won the opportunity to compete at the Mercedes-Benz Sectional Championship at Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla on Oct. 5-9.
From The Maurice Lucas Foundation:
The Maurice Lucas Foundation teaches kids lessons they can use to help them realize their dreams. Our academies show the importance of hard work, respect and leadership both in the classroom and on the court.
The number 20 hangs in the rafters of The Rose Garden, home to the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers, honoring a great man. Maurice Lucas had a storied 14-year career in professional basketball, but off the court is where Maurice built his legacy. Maurice was truly a pillar in the Portland, Oregon community he called home. He touched the lives of many through his giving ways. Maurice passed away on October 31, 2010 at the age of 58. Today, the Maurice Lucas Foundation carries on his legacy by working with youth to help them realize their individual potential.
NONPROFIT BENEFIT TICKET GIVEAWAYS!
Sign up for our free weekly highlights for the chance to win two tickets terrific nonprofit events! If you "like" us on facebook, or sign up for our weekly news highlights, you'll be entered to win! Sign up today!
Look for another ticket giveaway soon! Are you a nonprofit looking to bolster your publicity with facebook and tweets? Email us and we'll run a contest with tickets to your event! [email protected]
