NEW YORK, NY – May 10, 2017 – The Empire State Building lights were illuminated in New York Liberty colors on Wednesday night to commemorate the team’s 2017 Season Launch presented by Tackle Kids Cancer at Hackensack University Medical Center, and the start of the 2017 WNBA season this Saturday, May 13, against the San Antonio Stars at Madison Square Garden.

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On Wednesday afternoon, the entire Liberty team and coaching staff participated in seven community events across New York and New Jersey as part of its #ShowUp For What Matters 2017 Season Launch event. Liberty players personally identified organizations they wanted to impact for this unique community initiative, which included events such as chess lessons, basketball clinics, and empowerment panel, and serving meals to the homeless.

The organizations impacted by the 2017 Season Launch included the Children’s Cancer Institute at Hackensack University Medical Center, Crystal’s Place with the NYC Department of Homeless Services and the Garden of Dreams Foundation, The Ali Forney Center, the Bowery Mission, Ingersoll Community Center, Nassan’s Place, and Girls for Gender Equity.

Additionally, Tina Charles donated an AED to the Bowery Mission through her Hopey’s Heart Foundation, to which she will donate her entire WNBA salary once again in 2017.