Andrew Bogut
Andrew Bogut, born November 28, 1984, is an All-NBA Center for the Milwaukee Bucks. He was the first professional basketball player from Australia to be drafted into the NBA with the number one overall selection. Since joining the Bucks in 2005, he's been a fixture in the Milwaukee community. From participation in the Milwaukee Bucks sponsored community events, to creating his own charitable initiatives, Andrew has shown his compassion towards many, and his contributions are helping to make the world a better place. With that said, please congratulate Andrew Bogut for being named Sporting Generosity's June 2010, Player of the Month.
Andrew became most well know for his actions off the court by implementing what he named Squad 6. During the 2010 NBA season, he treated over 100 people to a full season ticket package to home games at the Bradley Center. In what became a national phenomenon in the NBA, Squad 6 re-energized the Miwaukee fans and gave a unique group of people who generally would not have the means, a once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of an NBA franchise. But this alone is not why we became interested in what Andrew did; it was his accomplishments away from basketball that deserve recognition.
On February 7, 2009, Australia was havocked by what is now being called the Black Saturday bushfires. These bushfires resulted in a devasting humanitarian event in that over 200 people were killed and over 10,000 people were left homeless.
Being from Australia, this event effected Andrew significantly and prompted him to take action. On April 5, 2009, Andrew Bogut helped organize and hosted a charity night that raised over $50,000 that was donated to the Australian Red Cross. In addition, Andrew matched every dollar that was raised for the appeal.
In addition to last year's charity event, Andrew remained extremeley involved in the community during 2010. He contitnued to demonstrate his dedication to the community through his participation and leadership in educational events for urban youth in at risk neighborhoods, by his participation in Milwaukee Bucks' Special Olympics Basketball Clinic, and by serving as the Honorary Fire Chief for four consecutive years for Project F.O.C.U.S. (Firefighters Out Creating Urban Saftey).
Although Andrew has not sought recognition for what he's done, at SG we'd like congratulate his considerable accomplishments.
The Babac'Ards Foundation, founded by Boris Diaw of the Charlotte Bobcats, has a mission of improving the lives of Senegalese children. They are currently fundraising to open a women's training facility. Please click here for more information.
Every day, hundreds of athletes and organizations are showing a tremendous amount of generosity to their community. Here at SG, we can’t possibly know about everything taking place. Please, if you are or know of a professional athlete or organization that has used sport to make our world a better place, please click here to share your or their story.
Sporting Generosity would like to recognize Anquan Boldin, all-pro wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens for his outstanding achievements. Click here for more details.