NEW YORK, July 27, 2017 – Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner has been
awarded the June WNBA Cares Community Assist Award presented by State Farm for
her efforts to help the homeless and support the LGBTQ community in Phoenix.
Griner continues to demonstrate a commitment to assisting the homeless in the
Phoenix metropolitan area. The four-time WNBA All-Star recently partnered with
the Phoenix Rescue Mission and the Mercury to collect more than 650 pairs of
shoes for the homeless for the second annual “BG’s Heart & Sole Shoe Drive.”
Griner hand-delivered the donated shoes as well as socks, toiletries and water
to those in need.
A member and advocate of the LGBTQ community, Griner is focused on promoting
inclusion and equality. Before the Mercury’s fourth annual Pride Night, Griner
spent the week holding meet-and-greets with fans at various businesses in
Phoenix that support the LGBT community. After the game on June 16, Griner and
her teammates spent time with fans celebrating Pride Night.
“Phoenix is my home and it means a lot to me to be able to give back,” said
Griner. “This city is made up of a lot of different people and they support us,
so I want to do whatever I can to support them, whether it’s through collecting
shoes for people who don’t have any or being a leader in our LGBTQ community
here. I appreciate this honor from the WNBA. But more than that, I appreciate
the fans who came out and donated shoes to the drive, and I appreciate the fans
who came out to our events and our game to celebrate inclusion and equality and
PRIDE. It’s a dream come true to be here in Phoenix and in the position to help
make life a little better for others.”
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 Griner’s efforts, the WNBA and
State Farm will donate $5,000 to support OneNTen.
Please visit http://www.wnba.com/statefarmcommunityassist/ for more information
on the award and its recipients.
