NEW YORK – The Atlanta Hawks’ Al Horford is the recipient of the NBA Cares Community Assist Award for March in recognition of his outstanding efforts in the community and his ongoing philanthropic and charitable work, the NBA announced today.  This marks Horford’s second NBA Cares Community Assist Award, following an honor in 2008.  The All-Star will be presented with the award tonight during the Hawks’ final regular season home game.

The NBA is honoring the center-forward in part for what he did to support relief efforts in Japan and the Pacific region following the devastating earthquake and tsunami on March 11.  Horford donated a total of $23,000 to Direct Relief International (DRI) following his pledge of $1,000 for every point he scored during the Hawks game on March 26.  He also appeared on CNN and encouraged viewers nationwide to support the much-needed relief efforts.

“It’s a blessing to be an NBA player and to be in a position to help other people,” Horford said.  “It makes me happy to know that I’ve been able to impact people’s lives.  I’m committed to giving back to the community and will continue to do whatever I can to help people in need.”

Passionate about giving back to children and being a positive role model, Horford regularly supports Hawks’ community outreach programs, most recently serving as a judge and sponsor for the team’s annual Read to Achieve Essay Contest.  He later visited the young winner at his school where he joined him for breakfast and hosted an anti-bullying rally for the student body.  In addition to participating in team-organized programs, Horford also coordinates his own outreach efforts through Al’s Amigos, a program that provides underprivileged kids and families with everything from Hawks tickets to holiday parties.  A native of the Dominican Republic, Horford also supports Atlanta-area Hispanic youth organizations, including the Sandy Springs Mission and La Amistad.

As an NBA Cares Community Assist Award recipient, Horford will receive the David Robinson Plaque with the inscription, “Following the standard set by NBA Legend David Robinson who improved the community piece by piece.”  In addition, the NBA will donate $5,000 on Horford’s behalf to the Sandy Springs Mission.

The league presents the NBA Cares Community Assist Award monthly throughout the season and once following each offseason to recognize players for their year-round charitable efforts. The award honors the NBA player who best reflects the passion that the league and its players have for giving back to their communities.

To learn more about NBA Cares, please log on to www.nbacares.com.