Foundation presents Enforcer Award to the late Howard Hedinger
PORTLAND, Ore. – Like father, like son.
David Lucas, son of the late Maurice Lucas, presided over the Maurice Lucas Foundation’s ninth annual Celebration Dinner & Auction on Saturday, Sept. 7, at the Portland Hilton.
The event attracted more than 600 attendees. Through a paddle raise, silent auction and live auction, the gala raised more than $757,000 (a record for the organization). The funds will support the foundation’s after-school education, mentoring and athletic programs for under-served students at Harriet Tubman Middle School and six high schools in Portland.
Maurice Lucas was the leading scorer on the 1977 NBA champion Portland Trail Blazers and a strong supporter of local youth. He touched the lives of many through his giving ways. David Lucas, the foundation’s founder and executive director, served as the gala’s master of ceremonies. He is continuing his father’s legacy of community service.
“We created the Maurice Lucas Foundation in 2010 to honor my dad, Maurice “The Enforcer” Lucas,” David told the crowd, adding that the phrase “Like father, like son” was stitched inside his suit jacket.
The dinner featured many of the students who advanced through the foundation’s program, are now college freshmen and eligible for the foundation’s Howard Hedinger Memorial Scholarship. Two of them received Jordan Brand Wings Scholarships.
“Our students are hungry for the future, and they stand on the shoulders of so many of you in the room tonight to be able to pursue their dreams,” said David. He led a toast to the foundation with his mother, Pam (a member of the foundation board) and his brother, Maurice Lucas II.
Foundation Presents Enforcer Award to Howard Hedinger
David Lucas, along with former NBA players Bill Walton, Bobby Gross and Lionel Hollins, and current Trail Blazer Zach Collins, presented the foundation’s annual Maurice Lucas Enforcer Award to family members of the late Howard Hedinger. Hedinger was a Portland philanthropist, a friend of Maurice and a strong supporter of the foundation.
Lucas described Hedinger as “a friend who helped us to dream bigger.” Three of Hedinger’s children, Huston, Barkley and Hillary, accepted the award on his behalf.
The award is given annually to an individual who best embodies many of the characteristics that its namesake displayed both on and off the basketball court, including motivating and empowering kids. Walton, Hollins and Gross, all members of the Blazers’ 1977 championship team, are among the award’s past recipients.
The glittering array of sports stars and local dignitaries at the gala included Portland Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts and local philanthropists Mike and Karie Richardson, Vanessa Morgan, Bob Quillin and Rick Stanley. Trail Blazer broadcaster Kevin Calabro again served as emcee.
After the gala the attendees danced into the morning hours at the After Party featuring official Blazer DJ O.G. One.
Whittier Trust served as the gala’s lead sponsor. Other sponsors included the Portland Trail Blazers, Jordan Brand, Fred Meyer Jewelers, Mercedes Benz of Portland, Mercedes Benz of Beaverton, the Hedinger Family Foundation, Columbia Distributing, B&V Philanthropy, Darkhorse Entertainment, Lossen Bros.USA, Moda Health, North American Spirits and Wine Brokerage, Pivot and Marios.
About The Maurice Lucas Foundation
The Maurice Lucas Foundation teaches youths life lessons they can use to help them realize their dreams. Its academies emphasize the importance of hard work, respect and leadership in the classroom and on the basketball court. Maurice Lucas had a storied 14-year career in professional basketball, but off the court is where he built his legacy. Maurice passed away on Oct. 31, 2010, at the age of 58. Today, the Maurice Lucas Foundation carries on his legacy by working with youth to help them realize their individual potential through education and sport. Learn more about the foundation at ml20.org.
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