Bulls guard urges fans to help New Orleans rebuilding process this holiday season
CHICAGO, November 29, 2007 - To continue his relief efforts for Louisiana residents devastated by Hurricane Katrina, Chicago Bulls guard Chris Duhon announced today he will make a personal donation of $100,000 to construct basketball courts in New Orleans and his hometown of Slidell, La. Duhon also challenges Bulls fans to join his lead this holiday season to help the New Orleans and Slidell rebuilding efforts.
Through Duhon's Stand Tall Foundation, he launched "Operation 21," a project to refurbish 21 outside basketball courts in New Orleans and Slidell. The project will include five courts in Slidell and the remaining 16 courts in New Orleans, beginning in East New Orleans where Duhon participated in recreational programs such as basketball, football, track and baseball at an early age.
"As families are returning to their homes after Hurricane Katrina, recreation programs are starting up again, but outside activities are limited because of the conditions of the courts in the communities," said Duhon. "We believe in New Orleans and we're committed to do what we can."
Duhon established a hurricane relief fund in 2005 immediately following the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina. His efforts have raised more than $450,000 for the victims of Katrina and aided in the reconstruction of Slidell.
The Stand Tall Foundation has provided assistance to several local Slidell schools and churches, as well as to the Boys & Girls Club of Slidell. Duhon and his foundation have also partnered with Habitat for Humanity and the Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation to aid in the construction of new homes in Louisiana. His philanthropic activities were recognized in 2006 when he was the recipient of The Sporting News' Good Guy Award.
For more information or to donate to Duhon's Operation 21 project, please visit www.chrisduhon21.com. Monetary donations may be made payable to Chris Duhon's Stand Tall Foundation and can be sent to:
Chris Duhon's Stand Tall Foundation
P.O. Box 79232
Charlotte, NC 28271-7061
(985) 774-7449
www.chrisduhon21.com
Contact: Christine Cronin, Chicago Bulls, (312) 455-4113 or ccronin@bulls.com