NEW YORK – Indiana Fever forward Candice Dupree has received the August WNBA Cares Community Assist Award presented by State Farm for her efforts in giving back to military service members and expecting mothers in need.

Dupree, whose mother served in the Air Force for more than 20 years, has developed a strong connection with the military community.  Last year, Dupree helped start the Sideline Service Members program, which partners with USO of Indiana to provide 20 tickets to military personnel and their families for one game each month throughout the season.  Dupree does a meet-and-greet with the participants, who are also honored during an in-game timeout.

“As a military kid, I know what it’s like to move around to different places and always have to make new friends,” said Dupree.  “It means the world to me to be able to give back to young people and honor their parents for sacrificing for our country.”

Dupree, a mother to 1-year-old twins, also has a passion for helping expecting mothers in need.  She recently hosted a baby shower to collect newborn essentials, which were donated to the soon-to-be mothers before Indiana’s Aug. 7 home game.  In addition to the donations, Dupree surprised the expecting mothers with tickets to a suite and a meet-and-greet.  She led a meet-and-greet in July where she thanked all the donors for their generosity.

The WNBA Cares Community Assist Award presented by State Farm is awarded monthly during the season to the player who best reflects the WNBA’s passion to make a difference in the community.  In recognition of Dupree’s efforts, the WNBA and State Farm will donate $5,000 to benefit the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Moms Helpline.

Please visit wnba.com/statefarmcommunityassist for more information on the award and its recipients.