Jordan In The Community
As a native of Los Angeles Jordan Farmar has been part of the LA community his whole life. Since becoming a Laker, Jordan has dedicated his time and energy to helping out the community where he grew up. Jordan has been involved in several community minded initiatives and will continue to use his high-profile position to help others. A few of the projects that he has been involved in include:
Mattel Children’s Hospital
For the past year Jordan has taken a special interest in the patients at Mattel Children’s Hospital. During Laker’s home games on Sundays Jordan would invite a patient and their family to come out to the Staples center, watch the Lakers play, and hang out with Jordan after. The program has given the kids a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet one of their favorite NBA stars and has been a way for Jordan to give back to the community that has embraced him during his career. In July of 2008 Jordan held a reunion lunch with all of the wonderful kids he met during the year to check on the patient’s progress and to try and brighten their day. Coverage of the reunion can be found here. Jordan is excited to continue his work with Mattel Children’s Hospital in the upcoming season and looks forward to remaining in touch with the wonderful friends he made their this year.
Seeds of Peace Camp
During the past couple of summers, Jordan has donated his time to help out at the Seeds of Peace Camp. Campers from conflict-ridden areas of the world bunk, eat, and play together at Seeds of Peace to get to know the human face of their enemies. Since its inception in 1993, campers have come from the Middle East, the Balkans, South Asia, Cyprus, as well as diverse areas of the United States. Basketball always served as a sanctuary for Jordan during hard times, and he hopes that with his help it can do the same for today’s youth. Read Jordan’s thoughts about the camp .
“Be a CHAMPION…and Read”
Jordan has always understood the value of education and was eager to get involved in a reading challenge for local elementary school students. Jordan, along with several of his Lakers teammates, surprised students at Carr Elementary School with a special reading assembly and basketball clinic. Jordan and the Lakers also donated brand new basketballs, school supplies, and over 350 books.
A Season of Giving
Jordan and the Lakers were very active in the community during the holiday season. The Lakers’ “Season of Giving” was comprised of a number of events that allowed the Lakers players to brighten the holidays for some of their fans. One such event that Jordan participated in was the Annual Los Angeles Lakers Holiday Party for Children. While there, Jordan met fans, delivered presents, signed autographs, and showed off his infamous skeeball techniques.
Third Annual HOLA Bowla Tournament
In March, Jordan, along with teammates Brian Cook, Andrew Bynum, Vladimir Radmanovic, and Smush Parker participated in the 3rd annual bowling tournament put on by the Central City Athletic Association (CCAA) and the Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA). Children were invited to bowl with the Lakers players and Laker Girls, take photos, receive autographs, and enjoy food. The proceeds from the event benefited the two organizations who strive to promote sportsmanship, teamwork and self-esteem among children in the Los Angeles community. The money will pay for team uniforms, equipment, facility fees and operating expenses for youths in inner-city athletic leagues.
U.S. Vets Thanksgiving Dinner
Jordan and his teammates served a Thanksgiving dinner to the veterans that reside at U.S. Vets. U.S. VETS provides housing, counseling, job assistance, and hope to thousands of homeless veterans each year. Their programs foster the skills necessary for every veteran to return to the community and remain self-sufficient.