How the Phoenix Suns Gave Back This Holiday Season
The Phoenix Suns are struggling as of late, having lost their last four-of-five with Devin Booker injured for the foreseeable future.
Yet even in spite of their current run of poor form, they know their struggles as handsomely-paid athletes can compare to others.
Via the team's press release, here's how some players and other notable names in Phoenix have helped give back this holiday season:
Mikal Bridges Hosts Families from Helping Hands
"Mikal brought the holiday cheer in December by hosting two families from Arizona Helping Hands to a game. The nonprofit provides essential needs for children in foster care through programs promoting safety, permanency and health. Not only did they catch a Suns win, but they also scored gifts from #25 and a personal meet and greet following the game."
Gorilla Birthday and Holiday Party with Valley Youth
"The NBA’s best mascot shared his birthday celebrations with local youth from Native American Connections, Neighborhood Ministries, Gapatch and Ability 360. Fellow mascots from around the Valley and NBA joined in on the afternoon of fun with snacks and birthday cake for the best mascot of them all!"
Christmas Shopping with the Suns
"Cam Johnson, Bismack Biyombo, Josh Okogie and Cam Payne helped local kids in need pick out the perfect gifts ahead of the holiday season. The Suns players, Gorilla and team staff helped spread holiday cheer with youth from Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation and Solano’s No Limit Hoops at a Valley-area Target. Laughs were shared and memories were made throughout the afternoon."
Torrey Craig’s Build-A-Bear Party
"In partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of The Valley, Phoenix Suns forward Torrey Craig invited 15 Phoenix-area children to a Build-A-Bear workshop. Each child personalized their furry friend by adding sounds, outfits and accessories."
Banner Children’s Hospital Visit
"Pediatric patients at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center were in for a holiday surprise when Suns forward Josh Okogie and center Jock Landale visited patients, their families and staff. The players brought the kids early Christmas gifts, took photos and signed autographs to bring joy to those spending the holidays in the hospital."
Cam Payne’s 15 Families of Christmas
"In his first regular season with the Suns, he surprised a family in need with Christmas gifts alongside the Phoenix Fire Department and Phoenix Suns Charities. Last season, he doubled down and launched Cam Payne’s 15 Families of Christmas and hosted 15 families for a holiday dinner and surprise Christmas gifts.
"This year, Cam continued his 15 Families of Christmas, furthering his season-long partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters to encourage and recruit mentors of color and emphasize the power of mentorship for young people."
Cam Johnson’s Holiday Suite Surprise
"Cam Johnson made this Christmas extra special for a local family in need. The Phoenix Suns Charities team and Johnson invited a family to watch the Suns take on the Memphis Grizzlies in a holiday-decorated suite. Cam surprised the group before the game with gifts for the entire family."
Dream Factory Experience with Devin Booker
"Phoenix Suns Charities and Devin Booker helped Dream Factory of Arizona fulfill a long-deferred dream for a young man suffering from a critical and life-altering chronic illness. Marcus Schmidt, a huge Devin Booker fan, applied for a dream nearly three years ago, but his dream was put on hold due to COVID. Schmidt and his family attended a game where he was transported via limo service and was greeted with a personalized Suns jersey.
"He watched warmups courtside and got to meet his favorite player, Devin Booker before the opening tip-off. The evening was capped off with tickets to several future Suns games so he can continue cheering on his team this season."
Cam Payne Makes $10,000 Donation to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis
"During the team’s current road trip, Cam Payne paid a visit to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in his hometown of Memphis, donating $10,000 to support patients and their families."
