Maurice Lucas Foundation Raises More Than $600,000 At 10th Annual Gala (Photo) - 09/30/20
Foundation presents Enforcer Award to Nike exec Howard White
PORTLAND, Ore. – The Maurice Lucas Foundation’s gala Sept. 18 was historic for many reasons. It was the nonprofit group’s 10th annual gala, it was the first time the event was held virtually and it still raised a huge amount of funds to support the foundation’s mission.
Hosted by KOIN-TV news co-anchor Ken Boddie and auctioneer Johnna Lee Wells, the gala attracted more than 1,000 foundation supporters who viewed the proceedings online. Foundation Executive Director and founder David Lucas, son of the late Maurice Lucas, served as the gala’s master of ceremonies.
The event raised more than $600,000, thanks to an online raffle and auction of luxury vacations, sports memorabilia, wine, jewelry and other items; pre-event dinner sales (provided by Pearl Catering); donations made during the event; and support from primary sponsors Whittier Trust, Dark Horse Comics, Anjulicia Foundation, Portland Trail Blazers, Jordan Brand as well as many others.
The donations will support the foundation’s academic, character building, athletic and scholarship programs for under-served students at Harriet Tubman Middle School, Parkrose 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 and the community. He touched the lives of many others through his giving ways.
“We created the Maurice Lucas Foundation in 2010 to honor my dad’s memory and continue his legacy of helping children in the Portland area,” David said. “Now, after 10 years, we can proudly say we’ve used tutoring, character development, mentoring, sports and partnership to help 2,238 students and their families and another 4,320 youths through basketball camps and teams. We are committed to serving even more in the years to come.”
The gala included videos of students who have improved their lives by participating in the foundation’s Academy programs. Former NBA players Bill Walton, Bill Russell, Brian Grant and Lionel Hollins; sportscaster Bob Costas; and Trail Blazer coach Terry Stotts all congratulated the foundation by video for its decade of achievement.
Foundation Presents Enforcer Award to Howard White
The gala included the presentation of the foundation’s annual Maurice Lucas Enforcer Award to Nike executive Howard White of Portland.
The award is given 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.
“Throughout his long career, Howard has always shared his knowledge and experience with others to enrich the lives of children and those around him,” said foundation board chair Todd Hanchett. “He has focused on being a positive role model to children around the world through his Believe to Achieve programs. Howard exemplifies the spirit of the Maurice Lucas Enforcer Award.”
Walton, Hollins and Bobby Gross (all members of the Blazers’ 1977 championship team) are among the award’s past recipients, as well as Russell, Bill Schonely and Nate McMillan.
A replay of the two-hour gala can be viewed online at https://ml20.org/gala/.
About The Maurice Lucas Foundation
The Maurice Lucas Foundation challenges students to discover who they can be through enriching and life-changing experiences. It models, teaches, mentors, coaches and counsels students from middle school through high school – and beyond. It is building resilient citizens and leaders through its academic, character and physical development programs.
Maurice Lucas had a storied 14-year career in professional basketball, but off the court is where he built his legacy. Maurice passed away Oct. 31, 2010, at age 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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