Chicago Bulls' Jimmy Butler and Dwayne Wade Nominated for 2016-2017 Seasonlong NBA Cares Community Assist Award

Jen DeSalvo, WLS-AM 890

(CHICAGO) Congratulations go to Chicago Bulls Forward Jimmy Butler and Guard Dwayne Wade for being nominated for the 2016-2017 Seasonlong NBA Cares Community Assist Award presented by Kaiser Permanente! This award is given to a superior individual who shows commitment off the court by making a positive difference within the community.

The award is given out throughout the entire year with an overall award for the season given in June. Butler received the Community Assist Award for April 2017 in addition to the Seasonlong nomination.

In a news release issued by the Chicago Bulls, President and COO Michael Reinsdorf asserted, “Jimmy and Dwyane have both been incredible leaders in our Chicago community, so it comes as no surprise that they have been recognized for their amazing work in leading the young people of Chicago. We are incredibly honored and proud to have these two men setting an example on how to reach out and make a real difference.”

Butler has continued to support Chicago youth by working with the After School Matters program. Butler has also been very active with the team’s community partner Youth Guidance, including hosting a leadership conference for Martin Luther King Jr. Day and has participated in conversation circles with Youth Guidance’s Becoming a Man, a program that promotes thinking slower reduces violent-crime arrests by 50%, improves graduation rates by 19%.

Dwane Wade returned to Chicago prior to the season after being part of the Miami Heat franchise since 2003. With him, he brought the concept to launch a community program to tell the positive stories of Chicago students doing good in their communities. “Spotlight On” shines “a spotlight on these young people and has done so by creating opportunities throughout the season for the students to stay engaged and connected to their city.”

The two need votes from Chicago Bulls fans in order to clinch the 2016-2017 title. Beginning Wednesday, April 26 and running through Friday, May 5, the Chicago Bulls are encouraging fans to support Butler and Wade by voting on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using #NBACommunityAssist and #JimmyButler and/or #DwyaneWade.

There are no limits to the number times a fan can vote. Here are a few ways to vote:

On Twitter, tweet using #NBACommunityAssist and #JimmyButler and/or #DwyaneWade. Retweets count as votes.
On Facebook, comment on a post from the league affiliated account (Chicago Bulls, NBA or NBA Cares) using #NBACommunityAssist and #JimmyButler and/or #DwyaneWade.
On Instagram, post a photos using #NBACommunityAssist and #JimmyButler and/or #DwyaneWade in the description. Two important notes: only unique posts will be included in the vote and commenting on a post using the hashtags does not qualify as a vote.

The winner will be announced at the NBA Awards Show on Monday, June 26. The NBA and Kaiser Permanente will donate $25,000 to the winner’s charity of choice. Fans can find additional details at www.nba.com/communityassist.