NEW YORK, June 30, 2017 – The New York Liberty has been awarded the May WNBA Community Assist Award presented by State Farm for its efforts to make an impact in the communities across New York City and New Jersey during its 2017 Season Launch.

The Liberty set up seven community events for the players and coaches based off their personal interests, points of passion and where they wanted to make an impact individually.  The entire team and coaching staff attended all seven events, which included activations such as chess lessons, basketball clinics, an empowerment panel and serving meals to the homeless.

Organizations impacted by the New York Liberty’s 2017 Season Launch included the Children’s Cancer Institute at Hackensack University Medical Center (Rebecca Allen, Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe); Crystal’s Place with the NYC Department of Homeless Services and the Garden of Dreams Foundation (Sugar Rodgers, Brittany Boyd, Herb Williams); The Ali Forney Center (Shavonte Zellous, Amanda Zahui B, Katie Smith); The Bowery Mission (Tina Charles, Bill Laimbeer); Ingersoll Community Center (Epiphanny Prince, Cierra Burdick, Teresa Weatherspoon); Nassan’s Place (Bria Hartley); and Girls for Gender Equity (Kiah Stokes, Kia Vaugh, Kym Hampton).

“This is a tremendous honor for the entire New York Liberty team to receive the WNBA State Farm Community Assist Award for their inspiring effort during our 2017 Season Launch,” said Team President Isiah Thomas.  “The Liberty organization continues to be leaders when it comes to making a positive impact in the community, and I commend our players and coaches for embracing their platforms as role models to lead by example and show up for what matters.”

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 the New York Liberty’s efforts, the WNBA and State Farm will make a $5,000 donation to be split between the Garden of Dreams Foundation and Tackle Kids Cancer.

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