Candice Wiggins sports the red T-shirt of the WNBA's Go Red for Women campaign prior to an early season game. David Sherman/NBAE/Getty Images

NEW YORK, August 18, 2008 – In recognition of Minnesota Lynx guard Candice Wiggins’ commitment to the community, the WNBA is honoring her with its Community Assist Award for July. In her short time with the WNBA, Wiggins has taken an active role in supporting the team’s community outreach initiatives and has become deeply involved with organizations that support children and families in need, anti-drug campaigns and HIV/AIDS awareness.

During the month of July, Wiggins participated in a number of events, including the launch of Live United, a local United Way initiative. The launch raised $10,000 in donations and collected more than 230,000 pounds of food to be distributed to area families through two local nonprofit organizations. Throughout the day, Wiggins greeted community members as they dropped off donations and she also shot hoops with fans and signed autographs. The event assisted the Greater Twin Cities United Way in their mission to reduce hunger in the region by 20 percent by 2009.

In July, Wiggins also joined the Minnesota Lynx and the Center of Hope and Compassion for the fourth annual Health Fair and Hoops Fest. The event introduces health and social services to the community, with an emphasis on reaching at-risk youth. Following the event, Wiggins invited more than 100 youth participants to a Lynx game, after which she spoke to them about her personal journey to becoming a WNBA player and how the game of basketball has taught her important skills that translate to her life off the court.

“It is a huge honor to be in a position to help my community,” said Wiggins. “Dedicating my time to organizations that I am passionate about is something that I love to do and I really hope that people who see my messages take them to heart.”

A passionate proponent of AIDS awareness, Wiggins is involved with the national non-profit Until There’s a Cure, the Minnesota AIDS Project and Camp Heartland, committing time throughout the year to working with the organizations in an effort to eradicate AIDS and HIV through advocacy and education.

The WNBA Community Assist Award is presented monthly to the player who best reflects the league’s passion for making a difference in the community. In recognition of the recipient’s charitable efforts, the WNBA is donating $5,000 to the organization of Candice’s choice.