NEW YORK, NY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2017 — The Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) is pleased to announce that the following organizations have been selected to receive a $35,000 grant to further their work here in the United States and around the world:
Girls Who Code
Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund/Greater Houston Community Foundation United Nations Foundation’s Shot@Life Campaign
Southern Poverty Law Center
The WNBPA recognizes the work of each organization to not merely inspire but to empower and provide critical support for a generation of women and girls, families and communities in areas which include education, healthcare, equity and social justice and disaster/relief assistance.
Last summer the WNBPA, redefined player advocacy in a way that demonstrated 140-plus voices in unity and solidarity. The collective voice of the players through their Union has continued during the 2017 season. Today’s announcement further demonstrates the WNBPA’s commitment to following through on promises and pledges of support.
“The funds distributed today are a result of the fines and suspensions levied by the league during previous seasons and the union’s agreement with the league to make charitable donations with these funds,” explained WNBPA President, Nneka Ogwumike. “Essentially, the agreement allows the WNBPA to turn words into action, and player advocacy into philanthropy.”
Girls Who Code
Girls Who Code is a national non-profit organization working to close the gender gap in technology. Through its Summer Immersion Program and Clubs, Girls Who Code is leading the movement to inspire, educate, and equip young women with the computing skills to pursue 21st century opportunities. By the end of year, Girls Who Code will reach 40,000 girls in every US state. Additional information is available at www.girlswhocode.com.
“The WNBPA knows that you can’t be what you can’t see, and that’s why we are thrilled to be partnering with them to show girls that you can be a girl who codes and a basketball player. Their support will help us get more girls access to coding education.” – Reshma Saujani, CEO & Founder of Girls Who Code.
Media Contact
Emily Schienvar
emily.schienvar@girlswhocode.com
(501) 554-9955
Greater Houston Community Foundation (GHCF) – Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund
Greater Houston Community Foundation (GHCF) is one of Houston’s largest grant makers and provides individuals, families, corporations, foundations, and advisors with the ability to reach beyond what they could have ever imagined to expand philanthropic impact. After receiving an overwhelming number of inquiries from citizens and companies who want to help, Mayor Sylvester Turner and County Judge Ed Emmett have established the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund that will accept tax deductible flood relief donations for victims that have been affected by the recent floods. The Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund is administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity.
“We continue to receive interest from people all over the country who want to contribute and help. The devastation from Hurricane Harvey is being felt across the state by families and businesses that have been impacted in profound and numerous ways. These are the leading companies and foundations in the world with their eyes and hearts on Houston. The genuine heartfelt outpouring of concern is palpable.” – Steve Maislin, President & CEO, Greater Houston Community Foundation
Media Contact
Rachel Young, Greater Houston Community Foundation
ryoung@ghcf.org
(713) 333-2234
United Nations Foundation’s Shot@Life campaign
Shot@Life, a campaign of the United Nations Foundation, educates, connects and empowers individuals to champion global vaccines as one of the most effective ways to save the lives of children in developing countries. The campaign rallies the public to advocate and fundraise for global childhood
vaccines. Shot@Life believes that by encouraging people to learn about, advocate for, and donate to vaccines, we can decrease the 1.5 million annual vaccine-preventable childhood deaths and give every child a shot at a healthy life. Go to ShotAtLife.org to learn more.
“We are thrilled to receive this commitment from the WNBPA,” said Martha Rebour, Director of Shot@Life. “Despite great advances, each year, 1.5 million children still die from vaccine preventable diseases. Thanks to this generous donation, we are helping ensure more children have the shot at life they deserve.”
Media Contact:
Lindsey Miller-Voss, UN Foundation
lmiller-voss@unfoundation.org
(202) 862-8572
Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC)
The SPLC is dedicated to fighting hate and bigotry and to seeking justice for the most vulnerable members of our society. Using litigation, education, and other forms of advocacy, the SPLC works toward the day when the ideals of equal justice and equal opportunity will be a reality.
Media Contact:
Kirsten Bokenkamp, Communications Director
mediacontact@splcenter.org
Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA)
The Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) is the union for current women’s professional basketball players in the WNBA. The WNBPA is the first labor union for professional women athletes. It was created in 1998 to protect the rights of players and assist them in achieving their full potential on and off the court.
The WNBPA handles the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, filing grievances on their behalf, and counseling players on benefits and post-WNBA career opportunities. The WNBPA also serves as a resource for current players, while they are competing internationally during the offseason. The WNBPA encourages players to participate in union activities – including executive leadership roles, team representative positions, and global community outreach initiatives.