The Philadelphia 76ers and Sixers Youth Foundation hosted their annual gala Thursday night, raising a record-breaking $2.6 million to support youth programming in Philadelphia.
As part of the team’s year-long celebration of the 25th anniversary of the 2000-01 Eastern Conference championship team, the gala embraced an “Evening on the Court” theme. Featuring appearances by current Sixers players, including Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, VJ Edgecombe, Kelly Oubre and more. They were joined by select players from the 2000-01 team, including 2001 MVP Allen Iverson, and the legendary Julius Erving for an evening that featured plenty of star power.
Keeping with the early 2000s theme, the gala featured a musical performance by multi-platinum hip-hop icon Ja Rule for a “Wonderful” night of “Livin’ It Up” meant to “Mesmerize” those in attendance.
As a part of their continued efforts to support local youth, the Sixers Youth Foundation hosted a live and silent auction during the gala, featuring items from autographed photos and jerseys of various Philadelphia players: Sixers both past and present, but also Eagles, Phillies and more. Among the most highly bid on items were a ticket package to the Tyrese Maxey Golf Tournament and lunch with Sixers head coach Nick Nurse.
Since 2015, the foundation has raised funds benefiting over 285,000 youth. From refurbishing basketball courts across Greater Philadelphia to hosting basketball clinics and championing academic enrichment, the foundation has partnered with more than 20 non-profit organizations to support youth development in and around Philadelphia.
The Sixers Youth Foundation has enhanced or refurbished 15 basketball courts in and around Philadelphia, with two more scheduled for completion over the next year.
For more information on the Sixers Youth Foundation, visit sixersyouthfoundation.org.
