2018-2019 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT TABLE OF CONTENTS
4 Letter from the Chairman 68 Additional Ways We Are Involved Prologue: A Brief History 30 Acts of Kindness By the Numbers Hurricane Florence Relief Efforts Black History Month Celebration Our Mission Hornets Legacy Project Our Vision Jr. NBA Clinic Season of Giving 12 Education 50/50 For Change Night Barings Book Bus Pride Night Day of Service Pick & Read 78 Ways You Have Helped Education Grants Heroes and Legends Gala Ride at the Hive 42 Hunger Ally Community Corner Cornucopia Dunk Hunger Food Drive 84 Partners Food Lion Feeds Initiatives Corporate Partners Pass the Plate Community Partners Hunger Grant 85 Join Us 54 Military Care Charlotte Hornets Foundation & Veteran Internship Stipend Program Military Care Corporate Social Responsibility Staff Yellow Ribbon Program Credits Hornets Salute Military Grants
26 Wellness Children’s Hospital Night Hospital Visits Hugo’s Little Heroes Lending Tree Kicks Special Olympics Clinic Wellness Grants LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Through our corporate social responsibility department and the Charlotte Hornets Foundation, Hornets Sports & Entertainment is committed to supporting our community. With a primary focus on our four key pillars of education, hunger, military care and wellness, we are constantly seeking ways in which we can make a positive impact.
This Annual Report highlights our community outreach efforts during the 2018-19 season. Our annual events include the Heroes & Legends Gala, Cornucopia, Military Care and Day of Service, as well as basketball clinics for groups such as Special Olympics of North Carolina. Our community programs include the Barings Book Bus, Hugo’s Little Heroes, Hornets Salute and Yellow Ribbon. Additionally, we provide grants to organizations in each of our four pillars.
We also look for opportunities where we can help those in need. I was proud of how our organization stepped up after Hurricane Florence hit the Carolinas last September, raising money and donating time to relief efforts. Seeing our entire staff, including our players and coaches three days before they started training camp, pack boxes to send to those on the coast was a great feeling. When I had the opportunity to visit my hometown of Wilmington shortly thereafter, I saw firsthand just how much our contributions were needed.
In the pages that follow, you can learn more about all of these initiatives, along with the other ways we assist with the important needs of the Charlotte area.
We are dedicated to this community and we will continue to find ways to contribute and serve. With the help of our partners, ticket holders and fans, we can keep building momentum. Together, we can truly make a difference.
Sincerely,
Michael Jordan Chairman Hornets Sports & Entertainment
4 5 PROLOGUE: A BRIEF HISTORY
The Charlotte Hornets Foundation is a 501c3 with the sole purpose of building a stronger community, from our community, for our community.
When NBA legend Michael Jordan became majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets (then Charlotte Bobcats) in 2010, one of his top priorities was reinvesting in the community this team calls home. This led to creation of the Charlotte Hornets Foundation (previously Cats Care under the Bobcats).
The Charlotte Hornets Foundation aims to create a stronger Charlotte community. After research, surveys and discussions with community leaders, the organization selected four pillars on which to focus: Education, Hunger, Military Care and Wellness. Individual initiatives have been established in these focal areas to reaffirm the mission that drives the work of the Charlotte Hornets Foundation and the Corporate Social Responsibility department. Through all of our efforts out in the community, we use the slogan “Swarm to Serve” to help show the collective impact that we have.
The Hornets owner and executive staff have led in a way that enables the Hornets brand to be synonymous with commitment, compassion and kindness, and the team’s players follow in the vision set forth by their owner. They attend and participate in community events, engaging with partners, nonprofits and other organizations in the process. They partake not to be seen, but because they truly care.
Since its inception in 2010, the Charlotte Hornets Foundation has awarded over 250 grants, inspired over 10,000 individual volunteers and seen over 500 player appearances in the community participating in events. With the help of over 120 partnerships, the Charlotte Hornets Foundation has grown into the robust organization it is today.
In order to fund the numerous programs, the Charlotte Hornets Foundation relies heavily on contributions from corporate partners, individuals and fundraising events.
The impact the Charlotte Hornets Foundation makes is because of our partners, sponsors, fans and supporters. For that, we thank you.
#SWARMTOSERVE
BOARD MEMBERS
MICHAEL JORDAN JAMES JORDAN BETSY MACK FRED WHITFIELD JOE PIERCE JIM DUNLEVY Chairman President Executive Director Board Member Board Member Treasurer
6 7 BY THE NUMBERS BY THE NUMBERS
5,000 7,000 900 7
Over 5,000 emergency meal kits packed and distributed to aid in Over 7,000 care kits packed by volunteers and distributed to U.S. Over 900 students will be able to learn through a newly transformed Exactly 7 courts were refurbished in the West disaster relief and recovery efforts military members overseas through the USO of North Carolina. empty school yard at Lebanon Road Elementary into an engaging Charlotte community outdoor classroom
267 80 75,000 100%
Precisely 267 community appearances by Hornets players, coaches, Over 80 Special Olympics athletes individuals spent the day at a Around 75,000 students visited by the Barings Book Bus, Nearly 100% of Hornets Staff participate in volunteer executives, broadcasters, and ambassadors. basketball clinic with the full Hornets Basketball team promoting the importance of reading. opportunities throughout the year. one one one 1 one one one One local NBA team that works hard on the court, so that off the court they can lead the way in creating a stronger community for all.
8 9 OUR MISSION
To be a catalyst of change in the areas of Education, Hunger, Military Care and Wellness
OUR VISION
Shaping the Carolinas through our Swarm to Serve initiatives
10 https://s.cdn.turner.com/drp/nba/hor- nets/sites/default/files/180226_pillar_ Presented By: education.jpg PHOTO
Education is the cultivation of knowledge in preparation for a quality life. It is the development of intellect, reason and judgement.
Education is an action of welcoming possibility, of encouraging and giving time to discovery. It is a social process to prepare one for his or her future and a belief that people may flourish. Education is a
EDUCATION cooperative and inclusive activity that looks to help people make the most of their lives.
13 EDUCATION | HUNGER | MILITARY | WELLNESS
BARINGS
BOOK BUS BOOKS DISTRIBUTED:
The Barings Book Bus and Hugo’s Dream Readers presentation is a part of the Charlotte Hornets’ “Excellence in 14,750 Education” initiative. The purpose and goal of this program is to demonstrate the importance of reading to elementary MILES TRAVELED school children in an effort to address one of Charlotte’s greatest educational issues – youth literacy. 6,343 This full-service literacy bus encourages reading and learning programs for youth between the ages of 5 and 11 and holds STUDENTS VISITED approximately 3,000 books. The Barings Book Bus travels to elementary schools in and around the Charlotte area, where Hugo the Hornet performs an interactive and entertaining program that inspires students to pick up a book and read 75,685 every day. After the program, two classes from each school SHOWS PERFORMED are able to go through the Barings Book Bus and pick out a new book to take home. 173
14 CHARLOTTE HORNETS // CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT // 2018 - 2019 EDUCATION | HUNGER | MILITARY | WELLNESS
DAY OF SERVICE
The Charlotte Hornets, in partnership with Bank of America, THE SIX LOCAL held their 12th annual all-staff Day of Service on June 26, NONPROFITS WERE: 2019. This year’s Day of Service focused social economic mobility. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Charlotte Charlotte was ranked 50th out of 50 for largest US cities for Camino Community Center social economic mobility. Ramifications from this statistic are felt throughout the city in all zip codes and in all phases of Crisis Assistance Ministry life. Through this event, volunteers dove deeper into different areas, showcasing that needs are not exclusive to a select Dress for Success group or part of town, but are widespread throughout. Friendship Trays
More than 300 volunteers from the Hornets and Bank of Second Harvest Food Bank America visited six local nonprofits to assist their efforts to of Metrolina provide members of the community with essential items such as food and clothing. Sites were spread throughout Charlotte to show the economic mobility needs are not exclusive to select groups or areas but are widespread and impact the city as a whole.
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PICK & READ
The Hornets Pick & Read literacy program is an incentive- based reading program designed to promote the importance of self-selected reading and help develop avid, high-volume readers in our community.
The Pick & Read program encourages reading.
18 CHARLOTTE HORNETS // CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT // 2018 - 2019 EDUCATION | HUNGER | MILITARY | WELLNESS
EDUCATION GRANT
The Charlotte Hornets Foundation presented Winding Springs Elementary with a $25,000 grant to complete a Technology Lab Makeover as part of the Education Pillar.
The Barings Book Bus surprised the school with a show for third, fourth and fifth grades which was live streamed throughout the school.
The makeover included 30 new laptops, mice, desks and chairs, along with a laptop cart and new décor and branding.
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Everyone feels hungry on a daily basis. Most people are able to satisfy this need. However, some people don’t have the option of eating when they are hungry. They do not get enough calories or essential nutrients. They have one primary focus — how to feed themselves and their children today and tomorrow – and they have little energy for anything else.
HUNGER The cause of hunger is not a shortage of food but rather a lack of access to food. People living with food insecurity do not have a stable, reliable means of getting the meals they need to lead an active and healthy life. Because food is one of our most basic needs as humans, it can affect nearly everything we do.
Hunger can tear people and families apart emotionally, physically and spiritually. Hunger threatens our children and our nation’s future.
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CORNUCOPIA
The Charlotte Hornets and Food Lion Feeds provided Thanksgiving meals to 1,000 families in need at the Hornets’ eighth annual Cornucopia event on Friday, November 16, at Spectrum Center. The entire Hornets team and coaching staff helped distribute food, along with Hornets executives, Food Lion leadership and associates, Coca-Cola Consolidated employees and Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina.
The Official Hunger Relief Partner of the Charlotte Hornets, Food Lion Feeds donated all the ingredients for a warm Thanksgiving meal: turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, a variety of canned vegetables, macaroni and cheese and cranberry sauce. Hornets partner Coca-Cola provided a two- liter bottle of Sprite for every meal. The event impacted 1,000 families in need, providing each with the ingredients to prepare a warm Thanksgiving meal for a family of four, resulting in approximately 4,000 people served.
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DUNK HUNGER FOOD DRIVE
The Charlotte Hornets and Food Lion Feeds partnered to host the team’s 12th annual Dunk Hunger Food Drive benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina.
Volunteers from the Hornets, Food Lion and Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina built a “Canstruction” structure made of donated Food Lion-branded food cans and boxes in Spectrum Center to encourage fans to donate non-perishable food items. The structure, which was designed by Odell architecture firm, included unique features to raise awareness about hunger in the Charlotte community.
The 2018-19 Food Drive resulted in the donation of 10,000 pounds of food for neighbors in need. That is enough food to provide more than 8,000 individual meals.
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FOOD LION FEEDS INITIATIVES
The Hornets and Food Lion Feeds also partnered to donate turkeys to WFNZ’s annual Street Turkeys initiative, which benefits local feeding agencies. Ambassadors, executives, and volunteers distributed 500 turkeys provided by Food Lion to Second Harvest Food Bank and Loaves and Fishes. Hugo was spotted standing on the street collecting donations from passing cars.
The following week, in partnership with Food Lion Feeds and Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, two families were treated to a shopping experience at a local Food Lion with Hornets players, Hugo, and the Honey Bees.
Through Cornucopia and other events, the Hornets and Food Lion Feeds have provided over 1 million meals to Charlotte families since announcing their partnership in September 2014.
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PASS THE PLATE
Pass the Plate is a program in partnership with Charlotte Community Culinary School to educate local youth on the importance of eating well. This year’s Pass the Plate focused on quick and healthy meals.
Charlotte Hornets players Dwayne Bacon, Miles Bridges and Malik Monk worked alongside 15 students from Right Moves for Youth and chefs from Charlotte Community Culinary School competing to make healthy and easy dinner dishes. The three teams focused on using easily accessible and affordable ingredients to create three unique dishes to be judged by the Honey Bees.
While one team won the trophy and bragging rights, all 15 students also received complimentary tickets to an upcoming Hornets game.
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HUNGER GRANT
In April, the Charlotte Hornets Foundation donated $20,000 to Friendship Trays as part of its Hunger Grant. The surprise donation was made while a group of more than 20 Hornets employees volunteered with TODAY THE ORGANIZATION the organization, which is the only nongovernmental Charlotte-based organization that delivers healthy SERVES OVER meals to elderly and infirm members of the Charlotte community members in their home.
Friendship Trays was founded in 1976 with the mission to deliver nutritious meals to elderly or infirm individuals 700 in the Charlotte community who are unable to obtain or RECIPIENTS. prepare their own meals while also providing human connection to the isolated and lonely and peace of mind to their families. Today the organization serves over 700 recipients.
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Military initiatives support and recognize active service members, veterans, their families and families of the fallen. Civilians and military members together can address our communities’ greatest challenges. The mission of the military is to provide the forces needed to deter war and to protect the security of our country.
From the moment our citizens join the armed forces, through their assignments and deployments, and as MILITARY they transition back to their communities, these brave men and women deserve our support and gratitude for their contributions to our nation.
35 EDUCATION | HUNGER | MILITARY | WELLNESS
VETERAN INTERNSHIP STIPEND PROGRAM
In June 2015, the Charlotte Hornets, FOX Sports Southeast and Bank of America partnered to launch the Veteran Internship Stipend Program at Central Piedmont Community College. The Veteran Internship Stipend Program allows veterans to pursue internships for academic credit while earning an hourly wage to help support themselves and their families. Stipends are awarded for both the fall and spring semesters.
During the 2018-19 school year, two veterans enrolled at Central Piedmont Community College received internships through the program.
36 CHARLOTTE HORNETS // CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT // 2018 - 2019 EDUCATION | HUNGER | MILITARY | WELLNESS
MILITARY CARE
In partnership with Bank of America and Food Lion, the Charlotte Hornets hosted our annual Military Care event. This unique community initiative featured volunteers packing care kits with essential items that included personalized notes from Hornets players, executives and fans. With the help of USO of North Carolina, Care Kits sdfd shipped and distributed to deployed service members around the world.
Over 300 individuals from the Hornets, Bank of America, Food Lion and military volunteers packed over 7,000 care kits.
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YELLOW RIBBON
PROGRAM 2018-19 YELLOW RIBBON RECIPIENTS (RECIPIENT’S CHARITY OF CHOICE) In partnership with Bank of America, the Hornets honor military service members and veterans for their unwavering Colonel Cristina Moore, North service to our country, and the Yellow Ribbon Program Carolina Army National Guard recognizes one of these heroes during Hornets home games (Purple Heart Homes) throughout the season. Recipients are recognized prior to the national anthem and during an on-court presentation at Lieutenant Colonel Michael halftime and given six tickets to the game. Krueger, USAF, Retired (Veterans Bridge Home) In addition, the Hornets make a $1,000 donation to his or her Senior Master Sergeant Melvin charity of choice. Barnes, USAF, Retired (Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy in New London)
Command Sergeant Major Steven Johnson, USA, Retired (Purple Heart Homes)
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HORNETS SALUTE 2018-19 HORNETS SALUTE HONOREES In partnership with Bank of America, Hornets Salute recognizes active duty service members in the U.S. Armed 82ndAirborne Division at Fort Bragg Forces. The Hornets partner with USO of North Carolina to bring this opportunity to men and women serving throughout 108th U.S. Army Training Command North and South Carolina. The Hornets hosted groups of U.S. Army at Fort Jackson eight active duty service members at various home games during the season. Airmen from Shaw AFB Naval Operations Support Center These service men and women enjoyed Royal Box seats with Charlotte a custom Hornets Salute backdrop that features a Hornets teal digital camouflage design and the official emblem of all Naval Support Activity (NSA) five U.S. military service branches. They were spotlighted Charleston on the scoreboard during the game and visited by Hornets North Carolina Air National Guard, Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer 145th Airlift Wing James R. Jordan, a retired Command Sergeant Major in the U.S. Army. North Carolina National Guard
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MILITARY GRANTS
The Hornets invested $25,000 to upgrade the USO Center at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, including putting in new lounge chairs and video game consoles, and refurbishing the space. THE PROJECT WAS COMPLETED IN
TIME TO BE ENJOYED BY MORE THAN The USO Center is open for all veterans and active duty service members to use as they arrive in, depart from, or travel through Charlotte. It is one of the busiest facilities in the country, serving over 12,000 service members and their families each month and over 400 visitors daily! 4,000
SOLDIERS TRAVELLING HOME
FOR THE HOLIDAYS.
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Wellness is a multidimensional state of being describing the existence of positive health in an individual as exemplified by quality of life and a sense of well-being. Wellness is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a more successful existence and a more fulfilling life. More than simply being free from illness, wellness is a dynamic means of change and growth.
WELLNESS Wellness is a holistic concept that encompasses lifestyle, mental and spiritual well-being, and environment. Maintaining an optimal level of wellness is absolutely crucial to living a higher quality life; everything we do and every emotion we feel relates to our well-being.
47 EDUCATION | HUNGER | MILITARY | WELLNESS
CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL NIGHT
The Charlotte Hornets and Novant Health partnered for the 15th annual St. Jude Affiliate Clinic at Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital Night. Eleven special guests enjoyed the game against the Portland Trail Blazers from their very own suite complete with food and a desert bar.
Guests were surprised with gift bags filled with swag to cheer on the Hornets. Once the game got going, Hugo stopped by to meet the children and take photos.
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HOSPITAL VISITS
Throughout the season, Hornets players, Hugo and the Honey Bees visited patients at the St. Jude Affiliate Clinic at Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital. From playing video games to trick-or-treating, the hallways are full of fun and activities for all.
50 CHARLOTTE HORNETS // CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT // 2018 - 2019 51 EDUCATION | HUNGER | MILITARY | WELLNESS HUGO’S LITTLE HEROES
For the fourth consecutive season, the Charlotte Hornets partnered with Sprite and Novant Health to invite patients from the Bee Mighty program — a program providing funding for medical therapy and equipment to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) graduates – to be Hugo’s Little Hero for a game.
Hugo’s Little Heroes shadow Hugo the Hornet on game day. Each participant has the opportunity to help welcome the Hornets players to the court, serve as an Anthem Buddy, meet with Hornets players and more.
2018-19 HUGO’S LITTLE HEROES
Pierce Franks
Emmy Karlan
Lucy Kollar
Matthew Lott
Parker Robinson
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LENDINGTREE KICKS
The Hornets and LendingTree provided new Jordan Brand shoes to 20 students from Right Moves for Youth, an organization that provides quality, impactful services to students in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community.
After being introduced individually by Hornets PA Announcer Big Pat and receiving their shoes, the students took part in a basketball clinic with Hornets forward Miles Bridges and Hornets Hoops coaches and had dinner in the Grant Thornton Crown Club.
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SPECIAL OLYMPICS CLINIC
The entire Charlotte Hornets team hosted its 15th annual Special Olympics Clinic Presented by Bojangles for over 80 Special Olympic Athletes. These individuals had the opportunity to tune up their basketball skills while learning from the Hornets players themselves.
Prior to the clinic, the athletes were treated to lunch catered by Bojangles. At the conclusion of the clinic, the athletes closed out with a group huddle, cheering “Go Hornets!”
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In partnership with Novant Health, the Charlotte Hornets THE CREATION OF THE 4,500-SQUARE- Foundation hosted a “Big Dig” which consisted of bringing FOOT LEARNING LAB REQUIRED: together 117 volunteers to install a new Out Teach Learning Lab at Lebanon Road Elementary School! Moving 18.75 tons of soil, mulch & sand Now, more than 827 students have access to hands-on learning every day, and the school’s 102 teachers and staff Planting 78 perennials, vegetables have the professional development they need to unlock & trees student performance with the power of experiential learning. Installing 18 experiential learning tools, including a weather station, earth science station, root viewer and nutrition station
58 CHARLOTTE HORNETS // CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT // 2018 - 2019 59 ADDITIONAL WAYS WE ARE Swarm to Serve is an effort that is dedicated to the needs of the Charlotte
metropolitan area. The Hornets join forces with many other initiatives to help INVOLVED make our community the best place to live, work, play and grow.
61 ADDITIONAL WAYS WE ARE INVOLVED
30 ACTS OF YOU JUST RECEIVED AN KINDNESS
Prior to the start of the 2018-19 season, the Charlotte Hornets and Spectrum partnered to conduct 30 Acts of Kindness as part of the celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the inaugural Hornets season.
Throughout the day, Hornets and Spectrum employees spread joy throughout Charlotte taking part in Acts of Kindness of all sizes. Examples include: ACT OF Volunteering at Bright Blessings and Beds For Kids Writing notes to residents of a nursing home
Delivering lunch to first responders Refilling parking meters
Distributing Safe & Healthy Home Kits that include Distributing gift cards to customers at stores and gas educational information and products to help stations in underserved areas KINDNESS homeowners keep a cleaner, safer and more energy- Paying for round trip tickets to passengers on the LYNX efficient home PRESENTED BY Blue Line Preparing birthday goody bags for children in shelters Purchasing lunch or coffee for the person behind them Delivering coloring books to patients at Novant in line Health Hemby Children’s Hospital
SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: 62 CHARLOTTE HORNETS // CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT // 2018 - 2019 #30ACTSOFKINDNESS #BUZZCITY 63 ADDITIONAL WAYS WE ARE INVOLVED
HURRICANE FLORENCE RELIEF EFFORTS
In September 2018, Hurricane Florence tore through the Carolinas, deeply impacting many individuals. Following the storm, Hornets Chairman Michael Jordan, a native of Wilmington, and the organization partnered with the NBA to launch a microsite to help raise funds to support relief organizations, before turning our focus to our own efforts to aid with the recovery.
A few days later, the Hornets and NBA merchandising partner Fanatics began selling a special T-shirt featuring the Hornets logo in the middle of the states of North and South Carolina surrounded by the words “Carolina Strong,” with 100% of the net proceeds going to the Foundation For The Carolinas’ Hurricane Florence Response Fund.
That same day, Michael Jordan announced donations of $1 million each to the American Red Cross and the Foundation For The Carolinas’ Hurricane Florence Response Fund
Later in the week, the entire Hornets organization, including players and coaches who were just three days from starting training camp, visited Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina to pack 5,000 disaster relief meal kits to be sent to Wilmington, Fayetteville, Myrtle Beach and other surrounding areas impacted by the hurricane.
The Hornets also donated 200 pairs of shoes to Operation North State, which were delivered to Wilmington and New Bern, as well as providing 300 pairs of socks to homeless shelters for hurricane evacuees.
In November 2018, in conjunction with Lowe’s and other partners, Michael Jordan visited sites in Wilmington that were among those impacted by Hurricane Florence. The trip consisted of visits to a local Boys & Girls Club and the Lowe’s meal distribution site. Individuals received a full Thanksgiving meal, as well as care packages consisting of a pair of Jordan Brand shoes, Hanes socks and other basic need items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and lotion.
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HURRICANE FLORENCE RELIEF EFFORTS (cont’d.)
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BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION
While we aim to focus on inclusion and diversity relentlessly throughout the year, Black History Month is a time dedicated to the history, the culture and the achievements of African Americans in our community and around the country.
As a part of our Black History Month celebration, we honored three African-American men with our “Commitment to Service Award” in recognition of the work they are doing to strengthen our community. In addition, students from PBS Charlotte’s “Dream Do Destiny” Project were invited to the arena for a pregame panel with staff and executives that focused on career development as well as diversity and inclusion in the work place. The students then watched their own “I Have a Dream” speeches on the scoreboard during the game as they looked on from a suite.
Hornets players engaged in conversations about their dreams growing up for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, what diversity means to them and how they are more than just a player on the court. In addition, our players wore Black History Month T-shirts prior to every game that were also sold in the Hornets Fan Shop.
Hornets staff members took two trips to the Levine Museum of the New South. The first focused on the “Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers” exhibit, which explored the evolution of Charlotte and the surrounding areas since the Civil War. In the second trip, thre group visited the “K(NO)W Justice K(NO)W Peace” exhibit, which concluded in a curated discussion surrounding police shootings, activism and where we go from here.
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HORNETS LEGACY PROJECT
The Charlotte Hornets and Lowe’s partnered to renovate the basketball courts at Camp Greene Park as part of the Hornets Legacy Project Powered by Lowe’s. The project was unveiled on October 9 in a ceremony that included Hornets President & Vice Chairman Fred Whitfield, Lowe’s President & CEO Marvin Ellison, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, Mecklenburg County Commissioners Ella B. Scarborough and Vilma D. Leake, and the entire Hornets team.
The project was the largest court refurbishment ever in Mecklenburg County, with seven courts refurbished and painted, 12 new backboards and rims, six benches, three trash cans, two bike racks and a water fountain. Over 300 people attended the ribbon cutting.
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JR. NBA CLINIC
Little Sisters from Big Brothers Big Sisters attended a full day at the Spectrum Center in October. The day began with watching the Purple and Teal Scrimmage, followed by an autograph signing session, and finally concluded with a basketball clinic.
The all-girls clinic was part of an initiative to help promote Her Time to Play, which encourages females in sports, specifically basketball.
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SEASON OF GIVING
Members of the Charlotte Hornets organization could be found throughout the community during the holiday season. In preparation for the holidays, Hornets players, Hugo and the Honey Bees took 15 students on a shopping spree at Walmart.
The Hornets also put on a Holiday celebration to remember with the Salvation Army Center of Hope, bringing 34 families to Spectrum Center and providing them with dinner, crafts and a movie. After dinner, the families received Christmas presents that were purchased by the Hornets staff based on wish lists provided by the families.
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50/50 FOR CHANGE NIGHT
During the March 19 game against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Charlotte Hornets partnered with team sponsor Bank of America to raise awareness for local social economic mobility efforts, a condition that directly impacts our community. These efforts demonstrated the Hornets organization serving as a catalyst for change in the Charlotte community.
A 2014 study found that Charlotte ranked 50 out of 50 among America’s largest cities in upward mobility, meaning that a child born into poverty in Charlotte has a greater chance of remaining impoverished than any other major city in the United States.
As part of 50/50 For Change Night, Hornets players wore shooting shirts with the “50 out of 50” message and in-game entertainment focused on the effort. The team raised funds in-arena through a 50/50 raffle with one fan winning 50% of the proceeds and the other 50% going to the Charlotte Hornets Foundation’s social economic mobility efforts.
Prior to the game, the Hornets hosted a panel discussion with Bank of America and two community groups spearheading local efforts – United Way of Central Carolinas and Leading on Opportunity. The two groups also had information tables on the concourse for fans that wanted to get involved.
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PRIDE NIGHT
The Charlotte Hornets celebrated diversity and inclusion as the team hosted its first-ever Pride Night, presented by Bank of America, during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, January 2. The Hornets worked with several allies and organizations focused on diversity, equality and inclusion for the LGBTQ community in developing the event, including Athlete Ally, Charlotte Pride, Equality NC and Time Out Youth.
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of group tickets to the game and the sale of raffle tickets for player-worn shooting shirts or a themed painting by a local artist benefitted Charlotte Pride’s Scholarship Program, which aims to benefit LGBTQ and ally high school seniors and college students in the Charlotte metro area. As a component of Charlotte Pride’s continued focus on intersectional and collaborative programming, this scholarship allows Charlotte Pride to provide direct financial assistance to young people seeking higher education. In a city that frequently struggles with economic mobility and instability, Charlotte Pride offers its Scholarship Program to offset the challenges facing young people.
78 CHARLOTTE HORNETS // CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT // 2018 - 2019 79 WAYS YOU HAVE
WAYS YOU HAVE As a 501c3 nonprofit, the Charlotte Hornets Foundation depends on generous con- tributions and support from our fans, partners and friends to be able to further invest in our community. Our fundraisers help us to raise the money we need to HELPED continue our work in these areas.
81 WAYS YOU HAVE HELPED
HEROES & LEGENDS GALA
The Charlotte Hornets Foundation’s annual fundraising event, the Heroes & Legends Gala, took place in October, providing attendees with a night filled with drinks, dinner, dancing and the opportunity to interact with Hornets players, coaches and executives. Unlike any other gala around, guests paired their tuxes and dresses with their favorite pair of sneakers and enjoyed a night on the basketball court with five-star cuisine, a nationally recognized master of ceremonies and the opportunity to meet NBA stars—all while celebrating some of the heroes of our community.
As we celebrated the 30th Anniversary of the inaugural Hornets season, we included several former Hornets stars that helped build our legacy. Together, current and former Hornets players helped us commemorate the importance of our community not only this year, but from 1988 until now.
82 CHARLOTTE HORNETS // CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT // 2018 - 2019 83 WAYS YOU HAVE HELPED
RIDE AT THE HIVE
On Saturday, June 1, the Charlotte Hornets and CycleBar hosted the second annual Ride at the Hive event with over 350 attendees supporting the Charlotte Hornets Foundation.
Presented by CycleBar and sponsored by Anheuser-Busch and NewDominion Bank, this one-of-a-kind fitness experience took place in Spectrum Center’s main lobby overlooking the Hornets home court and included cycling, brunch and mimosas, shopping from local vendors, a silent auction and more.
For just $35, participants received a 45-min CycleBar ride with a CycleStar ® Instructor, a limited-edition event T-shirt, a water bottle, brunch and mimosas, and access to the Vendor Village featuring local businesses.
84 CHARLOTTE HORNETS // CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT // 2018 - 2019 85 PHOTO FROM JESSIE WAYS YOU HAVE HELPED
ALLY COMMUNITY CORNER
The Ally Community Corner is a staple of Hornets home games located on Spectrum Center’s Main Concourse outside Section 113. The goal of the Ally Community Corner is to engage Hornets fans in philanthropy by raising funds to redistribute to the community, promoting local nonprofits and bringing attention to all of the work already being done and all of the work that is still to be done.
Along with the Charlotte Hornets Foundation, various nonprofit groups in the areas of education, hunger, military care, and wellness have the ability to take over the space for a game.
86 CHARLOTTE HORNETS // CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT // 2018 - 2019 87 COMMUNITY PARTNERS JOIN US
The Charlotte Hornets Foundation is a community effort, raising money in our community to be given back
to our community. There is strength in numbers, and by working together, we can provide for those in need.
Together, we can have a greater impact.
Join us in supporting the Charlotte Hornets Foundation by visitng
HORNETS.COM/COMMUNITY & @HORNETSGIVE
HELP US, HELP MORE. #SwarmtoServe
88 89 CHARLOTTE HORNETS FOUNDATION & 2018-19 CORPORATE SOCIAL CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY STAFF RESPONSIBILITY ANNUAL REPORT CREDITS
Betsy Mack Betsy Mack Writing & Organization Executive Director of Charlotte Hornets Foundation & Director of Corporate Social Responsibility Josh Rosen Tiara Brown Editing Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility Reshad Brown Dave Stogdill Design & Layout Manager of Literacy Programs Jon Strayhorn Photography Bari Pasternack Senior Coordinator of Charlotte Hornets Foundation Evan Pierce Photography Gabrielle Sims Senior Coordinator of Charlotte Hornets Foundation iTek Graphics Printing
90 91 HORNETS SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT 333 EAST TRADE ST. | CHARLOTTE, NC 28202
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