Big bang wrote:
You can make the argument that Lebron raised awareness for the boys and girls club which in many ways is more important than digging into his own pocket to donate.
And as I have said before, how come no one ever blames ESPN/ABC and Jim Grey for “the decision” ?
And why is the media and public always obsessing over where Lebron is going then turn around and blame him when things are blown out of proportion ?
Here's more re: the ESPN special:
In a plan initiated and unveiled by James, all proceeds from ads sold for the broadcast – expected to be between $2 million and $2.5 million – will be donated to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). Several minutes later, one of the show’s sponsors, the University of Phoenix, announced it would make a separate donation – five full-tuition scholarships – to the organization.
About an hour before the broadcast began, the University of Phoenix also donated four of its scheduled ad spots to the Boys and Girls Clubs, so BGCA could air its own advertisements, says Frank Sanchez, vice president of sports, entertainment, and alumni relations for the nonprofit youth organization. BGCA would not have been able to air a commercial during the show otherwise, he says.
***We cannot be thankful enough for LeBron*** and the sponsors,” he said in a phone interview Friday. “As a fundraising opportunity, it was one of our most significant contributions, and it all happened within one hour.”
"You can’t monetize having our logo splashed all over the place” on prime-time TV, online, and on the front pages of morning newspapers, says Sanchez. “What LeBron did for our brand was huge.”
“It was a fast-moving opportunity. The goal was to help the Boys and Girls Clubs of America,” says Sanchez. “His intention was to use what was a significant event and to leverage it to raise dollars and awareness for a club he believes in.… LeBron didn’t make a penny” from the event.
“He sees the value in mentorship and giving back,” adds BGCA spokeswoman Angela Richmond. “It’s something he’s very fond of.”
Nearly 100 youths from the BGCA club in Greenwich, Conn. – near ESPN's headquarters in Bristol – were on hand to watch the man of the hour, in the gymnasium where they play nearly everyday. After the cameras turned off, before heading to other media commitments, the all-star athlete ushered the group of 6- to 18-year-olds to the stage, one youngster riding on his shoulders.
Executive Director Teresa LeGrair said James has been a "man of his word."
"It's not the first thing he had done for this community and there will be many more to come," LeGrair said. "LeBron loves kids and he's proven that time and time again."