Jason Kidd Receives NBA Cares Award

Jan. 15 -- The NBA has named Dallas Mavericks guard Jason Kidd the recipient of the NBA Cares Community Assist Award for December in recognition of his outstanding efforts in the community and for his ongoing philanthropic and charitable work.

The NBA is honoring Kidd for his work helping children and families in need throughout the Dallas area and beyond. Most recently, in an effort to bring holiday cheer to kids, he treated 50 youngsters from the Dallas Children's Advocacy Center to a shopping spree.

Kidd also made a personal donation to the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children to be spent on gifts for the boys and girls who had to spend the holidays undergoing difficult medical treatments. Finally, during the annual Christmas in the Park event, Kidd helped brighten the holidays for more than 15,000 Dallas youngsters by handing out toys. The yearly event provides toys, food, clothing, and more to local families in need thanks to the generosity of local residents, businesses, and organizations.

Kidd continued his efforts to make the holidays bright for kids in need by inviting two Make-A-Wish youngsters - 4-year-old Caleb and 18-year-old Jonte - and their families to Mavericks games in December. After the games, he visited with his young fans and introduced them to all of his teammates. Kidd also made time during the Mavs' sixth annual Seats for Soldiers Night on Dec. 12 to meet each soldier in attendance and thank them for their service and dedication.

In 1999, Kidd established the Jason Kidd Foundation in an effort to help youngsters reach their full potential. Through the foundation, he hosts numerous outreach events and supports local and national organizations that work to provide young people with tools and opportunities that they need to succeed in life. This season, Kidd's pledge to donate $100 to the Jason Kidd Foundation for every assist he makes has already resulted in more than $29,000 in donations.

As the December NBA Cares Community Assist Award recipient, Kidd will receive the David Robinson Plaque with the inscription, "Following the standard set by NBA Legend David Robinson who improved the community piece by piece." In addition, a $5,000 donation will be made by the NBA to the Jason Kidd Foundation.

The league presents the NBA Cares Community Assist Award monthly to recognize players for their charitable efforts. The award honors the NBA player who best reflects the passion that the league and its players have for giving back to their communities.

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