For Immediate Release

ESSC And The L.A. Clippers Announce Partnership To Promote Inclusion And Making A Positive Difference In The Lives Of Others

Clippers to donate to non-profit ESSC any time the team scores 100 points or more during home games. ESSC to serve as presenting partner of the L.A. Clippers Chairmen wheelchair basketball team

January 8, 2019

Media Contact:
Adam Robles
adam.robles@finnpartners.com
310-882-4007

LA Clippers Partnership Group Photo  Chuck the Condor, L.A. Clippers mascot (left), Susan Healey, therapy supervisor at Easterseals Southern California (2nd from Left), Nancy Weintraub, chief development officer at Easterseals Southern California (3rd from Right), Sindarius Thornwell, shooting guard for the L.A. Clippers (Right), pose for a photo with Daniel Canela and family and Emiliano Velasquez and family during a Children’s Holiday Toy Giveaway hosted by Easterseals Southern California and the L.A. Clippers. Nearly 50 Southern California families participated in the event in Torrance, Calif. on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018.

Easterseals Southern California (ESSC) and the L.A. Clippers, two like-minded organizations with a commitment to giving back, have announced a partnership as part of their shared commitment to inclusion and making a positive difference in the lives of others. ESSC, a nonprofit that assists more than 13,000 people with developmental disabilities and other special needs, and the Clippers will team up through the remainder of the 2018-2019 basketball season to help build a more inclusive future for people with disabilities.

“The Clippers have a clear commitment to the Southern California community and including their diverse fan base, players and employees in what it means to be a part of Clipper Nation. We are thrilled to partner with the Clippers in our efforts to raise awareness and increase opportunities for people with disabilities and their families,” said Mark Whitley, president and CEO, Easterseals Southern California. “Our teams coming together will help further our continued efforts to break down barriers and change the way the world defines and views disability.”

As part of the partnership, for each home game in which the Clippers score 100 points or more, the L.A. Clippers Foundation will donate $1,000 (up to $10,000 maximum) to ESSC in support of the leading non-profit’s services to individuals with disabilities and other special needs. Reaching 100 points during a home game in January will also trigger an in-arena ESSC takeover to help drive awareness about the organization.

ESSC will also serve as the presenting sponsor of the L.A. Clippers Chairmen wheelchair basketball team. The Chairmen compete in the National Wheelchair Basketball Association and have been part of the L.A. Clippers family for 18 years. They regularly play on the court at Staples Center during Clippers home games, as well as compete across the country.

The Clippers home game on March 3, 2019, will be ESSC Day and various in-arena promotions will take place to celebrate Easterseals’ 100th Anniversary.

“Easterseals Southern California shares the same values as the L.A. Clippers; they’re committed to making a profound, positive difference in peoples’ lives every day,” said Scott Sonnenberg, L.A. Clippers Chief Global Partnerships Officer. “Clipper Nation is made up of people from all walks of lives, backgrounds and abilities, and we are proud to partner with Easterseals to amplify their efforts in changing the way people view disability.”

The partnership kicked off with a Children’s Holiday Toy Giveaway held on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018 in Torrance, Calif. Nearly 50 Southern California families served by Easterseals participated in the special event, at which Clippers Guard Sindarius Thornwell and mascot Chuck the Condor helped spread holiday cheer by handing out toys to children, posing for photos and signing autographs.

This year, Easterseals celebrates 100 years of disability services. To learn more about Easterseals Southern California, please visit Easterseals.com/SouthernCal.  To learn more about the L.A. Clippers, please visit Clippers.com.   

About Easterseals Southern California

For 100 years, Easterseals has been an indispensable resource for individuals with developmental disabilities or other special needs and their families. The services provided by Easterseals Southern California (ESSC) – in Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Imperial, Kern, San Bernardino, Riverside and Ventura counties – make profound and positive differences in people's lives every day, helping them address life’s challenges and achieve personal goals so that they can live, learn, work and play in our communities. With 2,800+ employees, 60+ service sites and hundreds of community partnership locations, ESSC assists more than 13,000 people, providing adult/senior day services; autism therapy; child development/early education; employment services, veteran employment support; independent living options; and more. At Easterseals, 88% of our income is spent on services. Join us in changing the way the world defines and views disabilities at easterseals.com/southerncal.

About the L.A. Clippers

Led by Chairman Steve Ballmer, the L.A. Clippers in 2018-19 are competing in the franchise’s 49th season and 35th in Los Angeles. They recently extended a franchise record, completing their seventh consecutive winning season in 2017-18. The team has logged the NBA’s 5th-best record over the course of head coach Doc Rivers’ five-year tenure. The Clippers are committed to the city of Los Angeles and through the L.A. Clippers Foundation, provide resources and opportunities that make a positive difference toward leveling the playing field for youth in Southern California. Visit the Clippers online at www.clippers.com or follow them on social media @LAClippers.

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