How the Charlotte Hornets are pledging money and time to area COVID-19 response
The Charlotte Hornets’ foundation is pledging $250,000 to area charities and 1,000 volunteer hours in response to coronavirus relief efforts.
The largest of those contributions is $100,000 to the COVID-19 response fund organized by United Way of Central Carolinas and the Foundation for the Carolinas. In addition, three Piedmont non-profits — Carolina Farm Trust, Crisis Assistance Ministry and the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro — will receive $25,000 each.
The Hornets’ foundation pledged an additional $75,000 against future needs, resulting from COVID-19 impact
Additionally, the Hornets’ staff of about 200 full-time employees will do at least 1,000 hours of volunteering, working by virtual means, in a variety of roles. Some will be job-related, such as graphic design and social-media skills or mentoring youth interested in sports-related fields. Others will do tasks including elderly check-ins by phone.
The NBA season was put on hold March 11 after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for coronavirus. It’s unclear when the NBA season would resume, but it likely would be months away and might not include any additional regular-season games prior to starting the playoffs.
Hornets president Fred Whitfield said the team not playing games currently won’t stop the franchise from being active in outreach.
“What we’re trying to do is stay engaged, stay active in the community,” Whitfield said. “Be a compassionate member of the community. There is a lot of need and a lot of hurt out there in the community.
“Even though we aren’t playing games or hosting events (at Spectrum Center), we still want to be able to provide service. We’re hoping that we as an organization, and sports in general, can be a unifying force.”
The Hornets have posted a page on their website specific to their effort, which includes videos from Hornet point guard Devonte Graham and former Hornet guard Muggsy Bogues.
