The Dallas Mavericks are pleased to recognize Luka Doncic for the Chime Community Spotlight, thanks to his extraordinary philanthropic and outreach work during December, 2022. The Mavs also nominated him for the NBA Cares Community Assist Award.

Doncic continues to provide hope and encouragement to children worldwide.

During the Christmas Day game against the Lakers, the Mavs guard spent time with two Uvalde school shooting survivors and their siblings who dreamed of seeing Lebron James in person. The kids sat courtside before the game and enjoyed other special treats. Doncic also gave them a special gift.

He also hosted 25 healthcare workers from a local children’s hospital on Christmas Day. Furthermore, the native of Slovenia held several parties for children during the holidays and gifted them thousands of dollars in surprises.

Doncic’s most remarkable contributions, however, often go unseen, as he hosts children and families before almost every game. He often requests to keep the interactions private to shine the spotlight on the kids.

DECEMBER CHARITABLE WORK

During the holidays last month, the Luka Dončić Foundation held a surprise party with 200 pediatric patients at Dallas’ Scottish Rite for Children and packed the fun-filled event with gifts, games and activities through the Luka Dončić Foundation.

His foundation’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of children through play.

The 23-year-old NBA sensation was on the road playing in Cleveland, so he sent his elves to give all the kids toys, Jordan Brand clothing and goodie bags. Doncic also bought lower-bowl tickets for hospital staff to attend the LA Lakers game on Christmas Day.

“We loved seeing the children’s eyes light up and hearing their excitement when they received these generous gifts from Luka and his foundation,” said Stephanie Brigger, Vice President of Development at Scottish Rite for Children. “Scottish Rite is honored to be a part of Luka’s holiday giving and grateful for his help in making the season merry and bright for our patients and staff!”

In mid-December, the Mavs guard paid tribute to his roots by devising a special holiday surprise for young patients at a Ljubljana children’s hospital in Slovenia.

“I hope this makes them happy and puts a smile on their face,” said Doncic. “They are so brave and strong, and I want them to know I’m thinking of them during the holidays and wishing them all the best in the New Year!”

Back in Slovenia, he arranged special holiday deliveries, gifts and treats on Dec. 21 and 22 for approximately 150 patients at two hospitals – UKC Maribor – Pediatrics and the Hospital for Children, located outside his hometown, Ljubljana.

He also volunteered alongside his teammates in December at the Mavs Cookies with Santa event. He hosts children at games throughout the year and always visits with young people on the sidelines.

On and off the court, his work has been historic this season. The NBA named him the Western Conference Player of the Month for games played in December 2022.

He averaged 35.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, 9.3 assists and 1.6 steals in 15 games during the month and carried the team to an impressive 11-4 record.

“While Luka was able to help children near and far over the holidays, he also brought light to many youth right off the court on game nights,” said Hannah Sherertz with the Dallas Mavs. “Throughout the season, Doncic can regularly be found interacting with young fans, hosting meet and greets with special families in strenuous circumstances, from health issues to survivors of tragedies.”

In the off-season, Doncic stayed busy giving back where he could throughout his home country. In June, he paid for several underprivileged children and families to vacation on the beautiful Slovenian Coast, said Sherertz.

He also gave back to children from the Slovenian Centre for Education at Gustave Silih Center Maribo. The center is Slovenia’s second-largest specialized organization for children with special needs. They provide education for children with mild-severe mental disabilities and learning challenges for youth ages one through 26.

Doncic noticed the need for a new elevator and provided one to assist disabled children in the school. He also donated a van to the center to transport children to doctor appointments, physical therapy, and other events.

Since arriving in Dallas, Doncic has sponsored 1,500 tickets in the community block, totaling $43,000. He’s also hosted 44 groups. These numbers are in addition to the countless other children, families and groups he personally hosts throughout the season.

Doncic has transcended the game on the court and bettered the lives of countless children in the community during his five years in the NBA. He continues to make an impact for young and old alike. On behalf of the Dallas Mavs and Chime, thank you to Luka Doncic for his exceptional outreach work during the month of December!

ABOUT THE LUKA DONCIC FOUNDATION 

The Luka Doncic Foundation’s purpose is to improve the health and well-being of children through play. LDF believes all children deserve the benefits of play and that by giving them that, we can unleash their true potential – socially, creatively, cognitively, emotionally and physically. LDF provides play therapy, play access, play environments and play challenges.

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