SPRINGFIELD, MA – The Board of Directors of The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) Foundation, led by President Chris Paul, has agreed to make a major contribution of $1 million in support of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame's "It's Time to Step Forward" Capital Campaign. The contribution is part of a $30 million capital campaign that the Hall of Fame has orchestrated over the last two years to fund the renovation of the Hall of Fame's entire interior space and virtual capabilities.
“We are so proud to make this contribution on behalf of our Foundation and the NBPA,” said Sherrie Deans, Executive Director of the NBPA Foundation. “The Hall of Fame honors the history of the game and celebrates the achievements of so many of our players and others. Our commitment is to help preserve this legacy while supporting the Hall of Fame as they move forward in their renovation.”
As a result of this contribution, the Hall of Fame in partnership with the NBPA, will create a virtual exhibit which will provide fans the opportunity to learn about the history of the NBPA, the compelling story of its formation, key milestone moments, and current involvement in the game. The virtual exhibit will live on a unique website hosted by the NBPA and Basketball Hall of Fame. In addition, a kiosk will be located in the Basketball Hall of Fame Museum to allow guests to access the website. The virtual exhibit will be launched by summer 2018 coinciding with the opening of the first phase of the Hall of Fame's renovation
Capital Campaign Committee member and former NBPA President, Junior Bridgeman played a major role in securing the gift on behalf of the Basketball Hall of Fame.
“We are so pleased to include the NBPA Foundation as one of the many contributors from the basketball community who have supported the Hall's Capital Campaign,” said Jerry Colangelo, Chairman of the Board of Governors for the Basketball Hall of Fame. “This gift is especially meaningful as it represents a major commitment from today's players and indicates their respect and acknowledgement of those that paved the way for them in this great game.”
The gift was announced during Class of 2017 Enshrinement Reunion Dinner.
The Class of 2017 inductees include all-time winningest boys high school coach Robert Hughes, WNBA icon and ESPN Analyst Rebecca Lobo, two-time NBA scoring champion Tracy McGrady, three-time Consensus National College Coach of the Year from Notre Dame Muffet McGraw, and two-time AP College Coach of the Year Bill Self. Distinguished committees focused on preserving all areas from the game also selected George McGinnis from the Veterans Committee, Nick Galis from the International Committee, Zack Clayton from the Early African American Pioneers Committee, and Mannie Jackson, Tom Jernstedt and Jerry Krause from the Contributor Committee.
About the NBPA:
The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) is the union for current professional basketball players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Established in 1954, the NBPA mission is to ensure that the rights of NBA players are protected and that every conceivable measure is taken to assist them in maximizing their opportunities and achieving their goals, both on and off the court.
About The NBPA Foundation:
The NBPA Foundation is the charitable arm of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), the union for current professional basketball players in the NBA. The Foundation provides strategic funding and support for players' community engagement initiatives worldwide. For more information about the Foundation, visit www.nbpafoundation.com
About the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame:
Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the city where basketball was invented, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame promotes and preserves the game of basketball at every level – professional, collegiate and high school, for both men and women on the global stage.
For more information:
Visit us on the web: www.hoophall.com
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