Harlem Globetrotters To Participate In American Red Cross' "Giving Day"

ATLANTA, April 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Harlem Globetrotters, the most storied sports and entertainment franchise in the world, will bring their talents to a different stage on April 26. As part of the American Red Cross' annual Giving Day, the team will participate in a charity game to benefit and bring awareness to fundraising efforts for disaster relief.

"If there's anyone who doubts the impact that the American Red Cross can have, I am proof of how much they do to help," current Globetrotters star Big Easy Lofton said. "When my family was displaced in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, it was the Red Cross who was there to help us out – and the rest of our community. Even a simple donation of $10 can go a long, long way. Believe me. Taking part in this game to raise awareness is something that is very special to me and the rest of the Globetrotter organization."

The charity game – to be played at Kailey Gymnasium at Miles Community College in Miles City, Mont., tipping-off at 6 p.m. – will have all proceeds going directly to the American Red Cross. All tickets are $20, and can be purchased online at www.ticketweb.com, or at the Miles Community College Business Office. 

The game will also feature a unique twist, specifically-tailored for the American Red Cross.

Globetrotter players will sport custom-designed, one-time-only red jerseys in the motif of the American Red Cross. From the jerseys – only the third time in history that the Globetrotters will don a uniform other than the traditional red, white, and blue – to the red-and-white ball, the charity game will draw awareness to Giving Day activities. The Globetrotters will also be encouraging fans to donate to the American Red Cross, by texting "90999" at any point during April 26.

The American Red Cross joined forces with the Harlem Globetrotters in December 2016, becoming the team's official charity partner through its Great Assist initiative – helping communities across the country prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters of all kinds.

"Having the Globetrotters involved in Giving Day is wonderful," said Gail McGovern, American Red Cross President and CEO. "For over 90 years, the team has been putting smiles on the faces of adults and children all over the world. To have their energy behind Giving Day, and helping us raise money for disaster relief victims across the United States, is truly invaluable.  We are also extremely thankful to Miles Community College for donating the use of their facility to host this wonderful event."

Additionally, the Globetrotters will also be making the push to raise awareness for Giving Day across its social media platforms, replacing its Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram avatars with the Giving Day logo. On those three platforms alone, the Globetrotters have more than 1.5 million followers, providing a major platform to bring Giving Day efforts to a greater audience. The Globetrotters will also be encouraging fans to use the official Giving Day hashtag, #Help1Family throughout its social channels.

"This is part of the fabric of the Globetrotter identity – giving back," Howard Smith, Harlem Globetrotters president said. "Giving Day is one of the staples of the American Red Cross' fundraising campaign, so to be involved fits in with who we are. The Red Cross is our official charity partner, and does so much for millions of families across the country, so to lend a hand was a no-brainer for us."

The Harlem Globetrotters® are legendary worldwide, synonymous with one-of-a-kind family entertainment and great basketball skills for the past 90 years. Throughout their history, the Original Harlem Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 122 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experience. Proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Globetrotters have entertained hundreds of millions of fans – among them popes, kings, queens, and presidents – over nine thrilling decades. The American Red Cross is the official charity of the Harlem Globetrotters. Sponsored by Entenmann's Donuts ®, Ticket Galaxy and Baden Sports, Harlem Globetrotters International, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Herschend Enterprises, the largest family-owned themed entertainment company in the U.S. For the latest news and information about the Harlem Globetrotters, visit the Globetrotters' official Web site: www.harlemglobetrotters.com and follow them on Twitter @Globies.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org orcruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Text Disclaimer: $10.00 donation to American Red Cross. Charges will appear on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your prepaid balance. All purchases must be authorized by account holder. Must be 18 years of age or have parental permission to participate. Msg&Data Rates May Apply. Text STOP to 90999 to STOP. Text HELP to 90999 for HELP. Full terms and privacy policy: redcross.org/.

SOURCE Harlem Globetrotters