NEW YORK, July 27, 2017 – Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner has been awarded the June WNBA Cares Community Assist Award presented by State Farm for her efforts to help the homeless and support the LGBTQ community in Phoenix.

Griner continues to demonstrate a commitment to assisting the homeless in the Phoenix metropolitan area.  The four-time WNBA All-Star recently partnered with the Phoenix Rescue Mission and the Mercury to collect more than 650 pairs of shoes for the homeless for the second annual “BG’s Heart & Sole Shoe Drive.”  Griner hand-delivered the donated shoes as well as socks, toiletries and water to those in need.

A member and advocate of the LGBTQ community, Griner is focused on promoting inclusion and equality.  Before the Mercury’s fourth annual Pride Night, Griner spent the week holding meet-and-greets with fans at various businesses in Phoenix that support the LGBT community.   After the game on June 16, Griner and her teammates spent time with fans celebrating Pride Night.

“Phoenix is my home and it means a lot to me to be able to give back,” said Griner.  “This city is made up of a lot of different people and they support us, so I want to do whatever I can to support them, whether it’s through collecting shoes for people who don’t have any or being a leader in our LGBTQ community here.  I appreciate this honor from the WNBA.  But more than that, I appreciate the fans who came out and donated shoes to the drive, and I appreciate the fans who came out to our events and our game to celebrate inclusion and equality and PRIDE.  It’s a dream come true to be here in Phoenix and in the position to help make life a little better for others.”

The WNBA Cares Community Assist Award presented by State Farm is awarded monthly during the season to the player who best reflects the WNBA’s passion to make a difference in the community.  In recognition of Griner’s efforts, the WNBA and State Farm will donate $5,000 to support OneNTen.

Please visit http://www.wnba.com/statefarmcommunityassist/ for more information on the award and its recipients.