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When a team puts their heart into making their community a better place, it goes noticed. One WNBA team this season stood out above all the rest: the New York Liberty.
The Liberty made history as they received the inaugural season-long WNBA Community Assist Award presented by State Farm. New York is being rewarded for its remarkable efforts to make a difference in both New York City and New Jersey communities.
“This is a tremendous honor for the New York Liberty to receive the very first season-long WNBA Community Assist Award,” stated team President Isiah Thomas. “Our players and coaches have showed a true commitment to making a difference in the community and creating lasting memories for our loyal fans. I am proud of everything our team accomplished this season.”
To be able to give back to your community is an honor in itself, but to be recognized for the work you put in, comes back full circle.
The WNBA Cares Community Assist Award presented by State Farm is a monthly award given throughout the season to players and/or teams who best represent the passion of the WNBA to make an impact in the community. This is the first time State Farm has recognized season-long contributions for incredible, ongoing team efforts.
In honor of the Liberty’s devoted community assistance, the WNBA and State Farm will make a generous $20,000 donation that will be divided between The Ali Forney Center, Hopey’s Heart Foundation, Garden of Dreams Foundation, Nissan’s Place, Girls for Gender Equity, and Ingersoll Community Center.
New York’s community efforts were recognized throughout the entire 2017 season. The Liberty received the May 2017 WNBA Cares Community Assist Award presented by State Farm for their outreach to make a difference in their 2017 season launch, and also New York Forward, Tina Charles, received the August 2017 WNBA Cares Community Assist Award presented by State Farm for her personal community efforts.
Charles made ongoing community strides throughout August, and also pledged to donate her entire 2017 WNBA salary to the Hopey’s Heart Foundation, which she founded in 2013.