Eight-time NBA All-Star Dwight Howard on Thursday helped raise more than NT$3 million (US$97,969) at an evening fundraising event for two charities on his 37th birthday, the Taoyuan Leopards said.
Howard auctioned off items, including jerseys and shoes he had worn, and his Chinese calligraphy brush writing of the words “Love” and “Leopard” to raise NT$2.026 million, which was added to the NT$1 million raised by ticket sales for the event, a Leopards statement said.
Among the items sold, a black Leopards jersey that Howard had worn during one of the two games he has played in the T1 League sold for NT$400,000, while a white jersey and a pair of basketball shoes, both worn during a game, sold for NT$320,000 and NT$380,000 respectively, the statement said.
Photo: CNA
After relevant costs were deducted from the raised funds, the remaining money would be donated to the CountryEDU Charity Foundation, which helps students living in rural areas, and the Good Shepherd Social Welfare Foundation, which helps low-income families, the Leopards said.
During the fundraiser, Howard thanked all the donors for coming out to not just celebrate his birthday with him, but also spread love for all those in need by donating money, the statement said.
In addition to the fundraiser, Howard also visited three schools on Wednesday and Thursday to interact and play basketball with the students, inspiring them to pursue their passion.
Howard, who joined the Leopards last month, was the first overall pick in the 2004 NBA draft, later becoming a three-time Defensive Player of the Year. He also won a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2019-2020 season.
Meanwhile, New Taipei CTBC DEA small forward Mohammad al-Bachir Gadiaga, known to local fans as “Abbasi,” was named Most Valuable Player of the month for last month for his spectacular performances, the league said.
Out of the six games played in October and last month, Abbasi posted an average of 24.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 0.8 steals to help his team set a 3-3 record.
During his outing on Nov. 19 in an away game against the Leopards, Abbasi contributed 51 points to his team, who suffered a 120-115 loss in front of more than 15,000 supporters at National Taiwan Sport University in Taoyuan.
The DEA, who are tied for third place in the rankings with a 4-3 record, next face the Taoyuan Leopards next Saturday at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City.
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