Luka Dončić gives hope to children at matches, in the community
The Dallas Mavericks are pleased to recognize Luka Dončić for the bell In the community spotlight thanks to his outstanding philanthropy and outreach in December 2022. He was also nominated by the Mavs for the NBA Cares Community Assist Award.
Dončić continues to give hope and encouragement to children around the world.
During the Christmas game against the Lakers, the Mavs guard spent time with two survivors of the Uvalde school shooting and their siblings who dreamed of seeing LeBron James in person. The kids sat courtside before the game and enjoyed other special treats. Dončić also gave them a special gift.
On Christmas Day, he also hosted 25 health workers from a local children’s hospital. In addition, the native Slovenian organized several parties for children during the holidays and gave them several thousand dollars worth of surprises.
Dončić’s most important contributions, however, often go unnoticed, as he hosts children and families before almost every game. He often asks to keep interactions private in order to shine a light on the children.
DECEMBER CHARITY WORK
It was during the holidays last month Luka Dončić Foundation held a surprise party with 200 pediatric patients in Dallas at the Scottish Rite for Children and hosted a fun filled event with giveaways, games and activities through the Luka Dončić Foundation.
The mission of his foundation is to improve the health and well-being of children through play.
The 23-year-old NBA sensation was on the road playing in Cleveland, so he sent his minions to hand out toys, Jordan Brand clothing and goody bags to all the kids. Doncic also bought tickets for the hospital staff to attend the LA Lakers game on Christmas Day.
“We loved seeing the children’s eyes light up and hearing their excitement when they received these generous gifts from Luke and his foundation,” said Stephanie Brigger, vice president of development at Scottish Rite for Children. “Scottish Rite is honored to participate in Luke’s holiday giving and grateful for his help in creating a happy and bright season for our patients and staff!”
In mid-December, the Mavs guard paid tribute to his roots and prepared a special holiday surprise for the young patients of the Ljubljana Children’s Hospital in Slovenia.
“I hope this will make them happy and put a smile on their face,” said Dončić. “They are so brave and strong and I want them to know that I am thinking of them during the holidays and wish them all the best in the new year!”
In Slovenia, on December 21 and 22, he arranged for special holiday deliveries, gifts and feasts for approximately 150 patients in two hospitals – UKC Maribor – Pediatric and Children’s Hospital, located outside his native Ljubljana.
In December, he also volunteered with his teammates at the Mavs Cookies with Santa event. He hosts the children at matches throughout the year and always visits with the youngsters on the sidelines.
His work on and off the field this season has been historic. The NBA named him the Western Conference Player of the Month for games played in December 2022.
He averaged 35.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, 9.3 assists and 1.6 steals in 15 games in the month, leading the team to an impressive 11-4 record.
“While Luka was able to help children near and far during the holidays, he also brought light to many young people off the court on game nights,” said Hannah Sherertz of the Dallas Mavs. “Throughout the season, Dončić can regularly meet young fans, hold reunions and welcome special families in difficult circumstances, from health problems to surviving tragedies.”
In the off-season, Dončić stayed busy returning wherever he could throughout his homeland. In June, he paid for vacations for several at-risk children and families on the beautiful Slovenian coast, Sherertz said.
He also gave back to the children from the Slovenian educational center Gustave Silih Center Maribo. The center is the second largest Slovenian specialized organization for children with special needs. They provide education for children with mild to severe mental disabilities and learning challenges for young people from one to 26 years of age.
Dončić noticed the need for a new elevator and provided it to help disabled children at school. He also donated a van to the center to transport children to doctor’s appointments, physical therapy and other events.
Since arriving in Dallas, Doncic has sponsored 1,500 tickets in a combined block totaling $43,000. It also hosted 44 groups. These numbers are in addition to the countless other children, families and groups he personally hosts throughout the season.
In his five years in the NBA, Doncic went beyond the game on the court and improved the lives of countless children in the community. It continues to affect young and old alike. On behalf of the Dallas Mavs and Chima, we thank Luka Dončić for his outstanding work in the month of December!
ABOUT THE LUKE DONČIČ FOUNDATION
The aim of the Luka Dončić Foundation is to improve the health and well-being of children through play. LDF believes that all children deserve the benefits of play and that by enabling them to do so, we can unlock their true potential – social, creative, cognitive, emotional and physical. LDF offers play therapy, access to play, play environments and play challenges.