Friday, May 24, 2013
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is joining NBA legend Michael Jordan and an array of basketball stars to raise money for his re-election campaign later this month.
In this Jan. 14, 2012 file photo, Charlotte Bobcats basketball team owner Michael Jordan watches during the first half of an NBA basketball game between the Charlotte Bobcats and the Golden State Warriors in Charlotte, N.C. Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2012. President Barack Obama is joining with NBA legend Michael Jordan and an array of basketball stars to raise money for his re-election campaign later this month. The Obama campaign is planning a fundraising "shoot-around" and dinner in New York on Aug. 22 featuring several NBA stars. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo drives against Miami Heat forward Shane Battier in the third quarter of Game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference finals. Rondo is one of many NBA players who will help raise money for President Obama's re-election campaign later this month.
The Associated Press
The Obama campaign is planning a fundraising "shoot-around" and dinner in New York on Aug. 22 featuring several NBA stars, including Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks, Rajon Rondo of the Boston Celtics, John Wall of the Washington Wizards and others. Jordan, who played for the Chicago Bulls, Obama's favorite NBA team, and NBA Commissioner David Stern are co-hosting a $20,000-per person fundraising dinner with the president later in the day.
Obama is a longtime basketball fan who regularly plays pickup games with friends and aides. His campaign held a fundraiser last February at the Orlando-area home of NBA player Vince Carter, who is also involved in the New York events.
The campaign is holding a "shoot-around" with players at New York's Chelsea Piers sports complex, including Anthony, Rondo, Wall, Paul Pierce, Kyrie Irving, Joe Johnson and former NBA centers Patrick Ewing and Alonzo Mourning. WNBA stars Sheryl Swoopes and Dawn Staley are also participating in the event, which will cost $5,000 for a parent and child or two people to have a "shoot-around skills session" with the players. A $250 donation provides an autograph session with the players.
Obama's campaign plans to raffle off the chance for grass-roots supporters to attend the events.
A similar "Obama Classic" basketball event planned for last December was postponed after team owners and players reached a labor deal following a lockout.
Tweet
Copyright ©2013 MaineToday Media, Inc.
Jobs
Cars
Real Estate
Maine Yellow Pages
Facebook
Twitter
Further Discussion
Here at PressHerald.com we value our readers and are committed to growing our community by encouraging you to add to the discussion. To ensure conscientious dialogue we have implemented a strict no-bullying policy. To participate, you must follow our Terms of Use.Questions about the article? Add them below and we’ll try to answer them or do a follow-up post as soon as we can. Technical problems? Email them to us with an exact description of the problem. Make sure to include: