The Trail Blazers last season donated close to $1M in corporate and foundation cash, a 50% "increase from the previous year," according to Clare Duffy of the PORTLAND BUSINESS JOURNAL. The team also gave $1.59M in tickets, merchandise and other donations as well as "nearly 4,796 hours of volunteer work by players and employees throughout Oregon and Washington." Trail Blazers VP/Social Responsibility Christa Stout "targets three areas that align with both the team's mission" and with the NBA's priorities in the "environment, education and ensuring that kids lead active lives." Within each area, the organization "awards grants, hosts programs and events and donates things like game tickets and merchandise." The team has also "worked on developing additional and more sustainable fundraising streams, including the 50-50 raffle at games and Trail Blazers license plates, proceeds for which support the foundation." Duffy noted the Trail Blazers recently opened a new $10M Boys & Girls Club in Portland that will "provide structured activities in its gym and serve upwards of 75,000 meals each year out of its commercial kitchen." Trail Blazers G C.J. McCollum "supported the creation of a 'Dream Center' inside the club that bears his namesake, which will be outfitted with computers, books, art supplies and other educational materials" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 11/1).
