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The New York Knicks have announced Nelba Marquez-Greene, founder of the “Ana Grace Project” as this month’s Sweetwater Clifton “City Spirit” Award
winners.
The award, presented by ZTE USA, is named in honor of Basketball Hall-of-Famer Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton, the first African-American to play for the Knicks, and recognizes individuals who have made a significant difference in the lives of others.
Each month a winner is chosen by members of the Knicks front office staff and honored at center court during a Knicks game with a $5,000 donation in his or her name made out to a charity of their choice.
Nelba Marquez-Greene founded the “Ana Grace Project” and “Love Wins” campaign in the memory of her daughter, Ana Grace, and in response to the tragedy that took her life in Sandy Hook, CT in December 2012.
The “Ana Grace Project” is dedicated to promoting love, community and connection for every child and family through three lead initiatives: partner schools, professional development, and music and arts.
The organization has adopted classrooms in New Britain, which focuses on social and emotional learning and has hosted mental health conferences and professional learning opportunities all over the country.
Tomorrow, when the Knicks host the Brooklyn Nets, Nelba will accept the Sweetwater Clifton “City Spirit” Award, presented by Knicks Legend John Starks at center court of Madison Square Garden. Nelba will also receive a ZTE Spro 2 Smart Projector on behalf of ZTE USA, the official Smartphone of the
New York Knicks. The award money will be donated to the “Ana Grace Project.”
To nominate your hero, or to read more about this month’s winners and other past winners, please visit nyknicks.com.
The NBA’s New York Knickerbockers basketball team, in its 71st year of operation is part of The Madison Square Garden Company (MSG), a world leader in live sports and entertainment experiences. The company presents or hosts a broad array of premier events in its diverse collection of iconic venues: New York’s Madison Square Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and Beacon Theatre; the Forum in Inglewood, CA; The Chicago Theatre; and the Wang Theatre in Boston.
