NBA All-Star and Oklahoma City Thunder Guard, Russell Westbrook, hosted 2 simultaneous Thanksgiving Dinners to give back to underprivileged families for a second year. Russell’s organization, The Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation hosted the Oklahoma City dinner in conjunction with the United Way of Central Oklahoma’s Emerging Leaders and the Boys & Girls Club of Oklahoma County. The OKC star surprised guests at the Boys & Girls Club of Oklahoma County’s 13th annual Thanksgiving Dinner, feeding over 500 club members’ families and Oklahoma City residents. In Russell’s hometown of South Central Los Angeles, Russell’s parents hosted the Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation Second Annual Thanksgiving Dinner at Jesse Owens Park, the recreation center he grew up at by feeding over 400 people.
Russell hosted the dinner in Oklahoma City with the sponsorship support of Adventures in Catering and Homeland. The event included Westbrook-autographed raffle prizes and turkey giveaways. Simultaneously The Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation returned to Russell’s childhood recreation park where he learned to play football and basketball to present the “Second Annual Russell Westbrook Why Not? Foundation Thanksgiving dinner” serving over 400 disadvantaged people in the South Central Los Angeles Community. The event was hosted by Russell’s parents, Russell and Shannon, and his brother,Raynard, on his behalf to give back to Jesse Owens Park which provided a safe and inspiring environment for Russell and his brother throughout their childhood. Both events immensely impacted and successfully aided many low-income families who otherwise might have not been able to have a Thanksgiving Dinner. Each child who attended received a limited edition Russell Foundation Why Not? Foundation bracelet created by Russell in conjunction with Jordan Brand to remind them that anything is possible with a positive attitude by simply saying the foundation’s motto “Why Not?”
Russell Westbrook said “I am so lucky to be in a position to give back to others and am thrilled to be able to offer Thanksgiving dinner to families in need both in Oklahoma City and Los Angeles. Last year was a great success and we hope to serve even more people this year.” Way to Give Russell!
Photo Credit: Vivien Killilea
