Local nonprofits to hold their first annual charity basketball game to benefit
people with Parkinson’s and under-served youth

PORTLAND, Ore. – Hoops fans who are missing basketball during the off-season will have their chance to see some great action on Aug. 18 as the Brian Grant Foundation (BGF) and Maurice Lucas Foundation (MLF) host their first annual “Red v Blk” Charity Basketball Game on Aug. 18 at Portland State University.

The fun event will bring together two local charities to increase awareness of their efforts, celebrate their NBA legacies and raise funds for the great work they do in the Portland community.

The game will take place at the new 3,000-seat Viking Pavilion at 930 S.W. Hall St. Reserve and general admission tickets are available for $10-$25. Courtside and suite tickets are also available for $150. To purchase tickets go to the PSU ticketing website.

Doors will open at noon. The four-quarter game will run from 1-3 p.m. The game will feature local celebrities; former Portland Trail Blazer, professional and college players; and coaches.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to win a Mercedes-Benz car by sinking a half-court shot at halftime. There will also be food, raffles, prizes and a deejay.

The foundations will donate about 1,500 tickets to local nonprofits, schools and other organizations to support the Portland community.

“I’m honored to be mentioned in the same sentence as Maurice Lucas and to be a part of a fun-filled charity event involving our two organizations,” said Brian Grant, former NBA player and founder of the Brian Grant Foundation. “Bringing together these two foundations is a great way to collaborate to support our local community. We are all in this together.”

“Our two foundations have different missions but, at the core, are similar. We both want to help others,” said David Lucas, son of former NBA player Maurice Lucas and executive director of the foundation named in honor of his late father.

“I’ve known Brian Grant for almost 20 years,” Lucas added. “He reminds me a lot of my father. They both established a reputation in the NBA for being tough, tenacious and hard working. They both later used those same attributes off the court to help others. We’re honored to join with Brian and his foundation to serve our community.”

Dark Horse Entertainment and V&B Philanthropy are the lead sponsors of the event. Additional sponsors include Big Town Hero, Directors Mortgage, Jordan Brand, Mercedes-Benz of Portland, Nike and Portland Trail Blazers.

Brian Grant Foundation: Founded in 2010, the Brian Grant Foundation provides tools to improve the well being of people with Parkinson’s. BGF’s programs focus on exercise and nutrition to help people with Parkinson’s manage their symptoms, improve their overall health and prevent other serious illnesses. Learn more at www.briangrant.org.

Maurice Lucas Foundation: The Maurice Lucas Foundation helps under-served children learn, achieve, grow and build positive values by providing education and activity-based, after-school programs. The foundation is named in honor of Maurice Lucas (1952-2010), the starting forward for the 1977 NBA Champion Portland Trail Blazers. Lucas gave selflessly of his time and energy to Portland youth and charitable organizations. Soon after his untimely death, the Lucas family started the foundation to carry on his legacy of service. Learn more at www.ml20.org.

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Calendar Item
Aug. 18: “Red v Blk” Charity Basketball Game, Viking Pavilion at 930 S.W. Hall St. in Portland. Reserve and general admission tickets $10-$25. Courtside and suite tickets $150. Doors open at noon. Game will run 1-3 p.m. Local celebrities; former Portland Trail Blazer, professional and college players; and coaches. Organized by the Brian Grant Foundation (BGF) and Maurice Lucas Foundation (MLF).