CMSD NEWS BUREAU

2/21/2022

Stephen Curry scored big in Sunday night’s NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse -- both for Team LeBron and CMSD’s K-8 basketball program.

The Golden State Warriors star raised $108,000 for the program by racking up 50 points, including a record-breaking 48 on 3-pointers, and being named the game’s most valuable player.

The Under Armour sportswear company and the Curry Brand had pledged to donate $1,000 for every point he scored in the All-Star Game, an additional $3,000 for every 3-pointer and $10,000 if Curry was named the game’s MVP.

Desiree Powell, executive director of health, physical education, interscholastic athletics and student activities, was hoping Curry would turn in an outstanding performance. It was that and more.

"This far exceeded our expectations," she said. "The money will go a long way. "

The donation will enhance programming offered to CMSD students in middle-school grades. That will include working with the Cleveland Parks and Recreation Department to provide  Positive Coaching Alliance Double Goal Training for coaches. Double Goal Training is designed to create a positive environment for athletes.

“Through his philanthropic efforts, including his work with Curry Brand, Stephen has remained steadfastly committed to giving back to local communities, creating opportunities for young athletes, and generally changing the game for good,” Under Armour posted on its website last week. 

The All-Star Weekend involved CMSD in a number of ways.

On Saturday, retired NBA and WNBA players, including former Cleveland Cavaliers Austin Carr, Jim Chones and Campy Russell, braved frigid temperatures while passing out boxes of fruit, vegetables and other items to CMSD families at the East Professional Center. They were joined at the drive-up distribution by crews from the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, Sherwin-Williams and CMSD.

Former Cav Andrew Varjao headlined an event that Spectrum, State Sen. Sandra Willliams, State Rep. Terrance Upchurch and City Council President Blaine Griffin hosted Saturday morning at Sunbeam School.

The Stay Connected K-12 All-Star Celebration promoted digital inclusion and featured laptop and other giveaways from Disney, ESPN and NBA TV. CMSD works with Spectrum and the nonprofit DigitalC to provide internet access to District families in a city that has been ranked as the worst connected in the country.