Maurice Lucas Foundation Raises Nearly $700,000 At 11th Annual Gala (Photo) -12/20/21
Foundation presents Enforcer Award to Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams
PORTLAND, Ore. – The Maurice Lucas Foundation’s 11th annual gala held virtually Dec. 9 raised nearly $700,000 to support free academic and athletic programs for Portland youths. The total was almost $100,000 above last year’s gala.
KOIN-TV news anchor Ken Boddie and auctioneer Johnna Lee Wells again co-hosted the event. Foundation Executive Director and founder David Lucas, son of the late Maurice Lucas, served as the gala’s master of ceremonies.
The gala featured an auction of 82 items, including luxury vacations, sports memorabilia, wine, art and jewelry. The auction attracted winning bids ranging from $100 to $28,000.
The gala also included videos of students who have improved their lives by participating in the foundation’s free programs. Dark Horse Comics and LUXE Christie’s International Real Estate were the lead sponsors.
Foundation Presents Enforcer Award to Monty Williams
The gala included the presentation of the foundation’s annual Maurice Lucas Enforcer Award to Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams.
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.
In his acceptance speech, Williams recalled the time he got to know Maurice Lucas when both served as assistant coaches for the Portland Trail Blazers.
“I’m grateful for the lessons I learned from him,” Williams said. “He had a huge impact on me. Thank you all for allowing me the honor of having this award.”
Williams also thanked Portland, “that allowed me to be a part of the community and the culture that Luke helped build.”
Bill Walton, Lionel Hollins and Bobby Gross (all members of the Blazers’ 1977 championship team) are among the award’s past recipients, along with Bill Russell, Bill Schonely and Nate McMillan.
To view a replay of the gala or to donate, go to https://www.avstream.me/ml20.
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 builds resilient citizens and leaders through its academic, character and physical development programs.
Maurice Lucas was the leading scorer on the 1977 NBA champion Portland Trail Blazers and a five-time NBA All-Star. He had a storied 14-year career in professional basketball, but off the court is where Maurice built his legacy of community service. Maurice passed away Oct. 31, 2010, at age 58.
The foundation carries on his legacy by working with youth to help them realize their individual potential through education and sport. More information about the foundation and Maurice Lucas is online at www.ML20.org.
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