There is no doubt that Legends Care was in action during the 2022 NBA All-Star Weekend in Cleveland. As the charitable initiative of the NBRPA, the Legends Care game plan makes a positive impact on children, families and communities. That game plan was successfully executed in Cleveland during All-Star Weekend.
With one of the highest child poverty rates in the country, Cleveland has a fight on its hands against hunger and food insecurity. The NBRPA committed to joining the battle during All-Star Weekend through a Legends Care Drive-Thru Food Distribution.
Assembling a team of partners that advocate for the children of Cleveland was the first step. We found that in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD), which educates and assists 35,696 economically disadvantaged students. CMSD joined the Legends Care All-Star team and provided the site for the Legends Care Drive-Thru Food Distribution and the 500 families who would be served through the community event.
“Hunger is one of the very significant barriers that our students and families face living in a city that ranks at the top nationally for child poverty,” Cleveland Metropolitan School District CEO Eric Gordon explained. “It interferes with the ability of our children to learn and succeed.
"We are deeply grateful for the assistance that partners like the National Basketball Retired Players Association and Greater Cleveland Food Bank provide to our families in need.”
The Sherwin-Williams Company was the second corporation to join the Legends Care All-Star team as a volunteer partner. Founded in Cleveland in 1866, a significant component of Sherwin-Williams' mission is to give back through community engagement.
“It is an honor to take part in an event that will have a positive impact on fighting hunger in our local community,” Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sherwin-Williams John G. Morikis said. “Our team is proud to celebrate Cleveland’s hosting of the NBA All-Star Game by lending our support to the Legends Care Drive-Thru Food Distribution.
"We want to thank all those who are made this event a reality for our neighbors in need.”
The Cleveland Food Bank rounded out the Legends Care All-Star team by providing the fresh fruits, vegetables and nonperishable food that the families needed for the Legends Care Drive-Thru Food Distribution.
“We are proud to be a part of this effort!” President and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank Kristin Warzocha exclaimed. “We’re so honored to be included in this NBA Legends Care event where families are getting the nutritious food they need to help them in these continued challenging times.”
On Saturday, Feb. 19, before the sun had even risen, the Cleveland Food Bank trucks arrived at the site while CMSD and Legends Care staff prepared the snow-covered campus for the arrival of volunteers and participating families.
Close to 30 Legends volunteers braving the cold and wind joined approximately 40 Sherwin-Williams volunteers in CMSD’s massive parking lot. When they arrived, there were rows of pallets and tables containing food boxes and prepared lunches from the Cleveland Food Bank as well as additional donations of backpacks, school supplies, toiletries and diapers from CMSD.
By the start time of 9 a.m., vehicles were lined up waiting to enter. As the day went on, the Legends Care Drive-Thru Food Distribution evolved into a wholly inclusive community event. The volunteers welcomed families arriving on foot with shopping carts and strollers.
