Strength in Numbers: How the Warriors are providing support amid the COVID-19 pandemic
The Golden State Warriors are this era’s modern NBA dynasty, winning three championships in five NBA Finals appearances, having become the ultimate juggernaut in the world’s foremost basketball league. But what makes this organization truly extraordinary is when they channel that same mindset off the court, dishing assists not to teammates but to communities in need.
For the Warriors and the entirety of the NBA, the world has ground to a halt, putting into perspective that there are things more important than putting a basket into a hoop. Until there are legitimate indicators that this health crisis is seemingly under control, don’t expect the Warriors to suit up at Chase Center anytime soon.
But that doesn’t mean they can’t do their part and leverage their platform to help in this fight. If anything, now is the time where an organization like the Golden State Warriors are needed more than ever.
From the executives at the top to the franchise-changing point guard wearing number 30, the Warriors as an organization have helped contribute in supporting the communities affected by the coronavirus pandemic. To date, here are just a few examples.
Look at the Currys man
Stephen Curry has dished a lot of highlight-reel passes throughout his Hall of Fame career, but his biggest assist yet might have come through Instagram live. Last month, Curry took the time to chat with Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
The justification? To bring awareness of the severity of this current pandemic we’re living in, and the discussion was meant towards a specific audience: those (prominently younger) individuals that seemed to disregard how serious this health crisis is.
Approximately 50,000 people tuned in, including the likes of President Barack Obama, Andre Iguodala, and Common. It’s safe to say that message was heard loud and clear: all of us, young and old, have to do our part in taking this health crisis seriously and aid in flattening the curve.
But it wasn’t just Steph assisting off the court, Ayesha Curry has lent a hand as well. Through their Oakland-based Eat Learn Play foundation, which she co-founded alongside her husband, the Currys are leveraging their platform in helping support Feeding America.
Feeding America is a national nonprofit organization that is composed of a dozen food banks that feed tens of millions of individuals each year. The Currys have a goal of raising $200,000 for the organization, and in the first two days of announcing their support, they already raised over half their goal.
The move inspired California Governor Gavin Newsom, who in last week’s COVID-19 update, mentioned the Currys’ work within the Oakland community as an inspiration. With the Currys’ work in mind, California has established a program to provide meals to seniors in the state who are isolated and restricted in their homes. The plan was approved by FEMA and will deliver three meals a day to seniors, a group that is among the most vulnerable to the pandemic.
The Warriors Community Foundation
When the NBA announced back on March 11 that the season would be suspended until further notice, on the surface the individuals that came to mind who would be affected were the players. But we’d be remiss to acknowledge the team staff, security, arena employees and more that are also affected by the absence of the regular season. In response, the Warriors organization made sure to do their part.
The Warriors Community Foundation announced that they had established a Disaster Relief Fund to provide assistance specifically for employees who work games at Chase Center that are impacted heavily by the loss of the season.
In a statement, Melanie Moore, Executive Director of the foundation, said:
“The Warriors Community Foundation has a long history of supporting children, youth, and families in the Bay Area, and all of us know someone who has been affected by the disruptions in schools, businesses, and community organizations … During this incredibly difficult time, we want to create an opportunity for our fans, owners, players, coaches, and everyone to help bridge the gap between the unprecedented current reality and a more positive future.”
In a team effort, Warriors ownership, players and coaches have pledged to donate $1 million to a disaster relief fund as well.
Peter Guber’s championship ring
The #AllinChallenge was created by Philadelphia 76ers partner and Fanatics founder Michael Rubin to call on the world’s greatest athletes, actors, musicians and more to donate some of their prized possessions or cultivate once-in-a-lifetime fan experiences to help those directly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. It is a true “Strength in Numbers” mentality, so it makes sense for a member of the Golden State Warriors organization to join in on the opportunity.
Peter Guber, Warriors co-executive chairman announced he is putting his 2015 championship ring up for auction, as part of a fundraising effort in partnership with Fanatics.
"I know how much need there is in this country," Guber said in announcing the auction, "and how many people are suffering. And people I know. That's why it's important to me. Friends, business associates and people I don't know, that I know their pain. And I want to help them."
The bidding starts at $50,000, and 100 percent of the proceeds will go directly to Feeding America, Meals On Wheels, World Central Kitchen and No Kid Hungry.