1 FOR THE LOVE. FOR THE LAND. 2021 COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
2 2021 COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
We are driven by a passionate commitment to serve and impact our community, while providing world-class experiences. By understanding that "doing well by doing good" is a cultural imperative, we respect and embrace our unique place in the fabric of life across The Land. With a foundation firmly rooted in our Chairman Dan Gilbert’s ISMs operating philosophy, and as part of our entire Family of Companies, we are proud to call Cleveland home and play an active part in helping our community grow.
2021 Community Impact Report credits: Haley Prappas, Zack Yohman, Cassie Sant
3 01–03 Introduction 04–11 Rock Family of Companies 12–17 Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse 18–19 Economic Impact 20–29 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 30–45 Community Relations 31 Ticket Donations 31 Education 32 Refurbishing Courts 33 Health and Wellness 34 Wheelchair Cavaliers presented by Cleveland Clinic 35 Dunks for Dollars/Saves for Goals presented by Lexus 36 STEM Support 37 Awareness Nights and Drives 38 Season of Giving 38 $48 Million in Giving 40 Long Term Investments 42 Volunteerism 43 FieldHouse Food Distribution & Cavaliers Community Markets 45 Appearances 45 Cavaliers Legends 46–47 Cavaliers Community Foundation 48–51 Cleveland Monsters 52–53 Cleveland Charge 54–55 Cavs Legion Gaming Club 56–59 Youth Sports TABLE OF CONTENTS
FAMILY
ROCK OF COMPANIES
2021 COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT4
Since Chairman Dan Gilbert acquired the Cavaliers franchise, the Rock Family of Companies (FOC) has made and continues to make strong and impactful investments in key civic and community initiatives in downtown Cleveland and throughout the region.
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Bedrock is the real estate arm of the FOC, specializing in innovative city-building strategies, reaching far beyond the boundaries of bricks and mortar. They have established a significant presence in downtown Cleveland with highimpact development that continues to have positive implications on the future growth and vitality of the city.
INVESTED CUYAHOGACLEVELANDINANDCOUNTY FOC TEAM MEMBERS IN CLEVELAND VOLUNTEER HOURS SPENT BY FOC TEAMSQUAREMEMBERSFEET OF REAL ESTATE OWNED RETAIL AND OFFICE TENANTS ACRES OWNED ON THE RIVERFRONTCUYAHOGA $1.6B 2.7K+3.7M52K~50 30+
THE MAY Acquired by Bedrock in 2017, The May Company building has anchored Cleveland’s Public Square for more than 100 years. The May Company department store opened its namesake building on Euclid Avenue in 1915 and operated there until 1993. It remained primarily vacant until Bedrock commenced an extensive historic restoration of the property, seeking to restore its most definitive features, such as the iconic pediment clock and terra cotta façade.
• Free, family-friendly programming such as treasure hunts, tea parties, silent discos and more
• An activated park in the Skylight Concourse, that offers seating, food, entertainment and more
2021 COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
The May opened to the public in August 2020 after under going a transformation into 307 units, including ROOST Apartment Hotel, a high design extended stay concept.
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• Battle of the Land, a live musical talent competition series
In July 2021, Bedrock announced plans to reimagine Tower City Center as a destination marketplace, becoming a hub for shopping, pop-up retail experiences, dining and entertainment, while also bringing an influx of local small- and minority-owned businesses to one of downtown Cleveland’s highly trafficked areas. Since then, Bedrock has attracted a series of new retailers to Tower City and hosted a number of free public events and activations, including:
• Free public concerts featuring national artists in the leadup to Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductions
• NBA Ice Buckets Court and The Land x Complex SHOP pop-ups in alignment with NBA All-Star Weekend
TOWER CITY CENTER
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8
— Mayor Justin M. Bibb
Adjaye’s most well-known project to date, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture, opened in 2016 in Washington D.C.
In September 2021, Bedrock and the City of Cleveland unveiled a comprehensive proposal to transform the Cuyahoga riverfront, connecting downtown and its residents and visitors through an approach prioritizing sustainability, equity and accessibility.
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RIVERFRONT OFDEVELOPMENTECONOMICINPURSUIT"VISIONFORTHEVALLEY"
The 20- to 30-year strategy sets the stage for historic development of a 15-minute neighborhood and 18-hour city along the Cuyahoga River, a counterpart to the City’s previously announced “Vision for the Valley” plan. The collaboration will conceptualize plans to maximize Tower City Center’s potential as a destination marketplace and anchor of the catalytic Cuyahoga Riverfront mixed-use neighborhood development project. It includes plans for new pedestrian pathways to the riverfront, public spaces and transit-oriented development.
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“(This) announcement by Bedrock reinforces their dedication to working with the public and private sectors for the benefit of all of the residents of andpursueis15-minutetoourReimaginingCleveland.andleveragingwaterfrontpositionsusdeliveronthevisionofacity.CollaborationkeytoourfutureaswetheVisionfortheValley,theadditionof Sir David Adjaye is a profound statement of Bedrock’s commitment.”
In April 2022, Bedrock announced the addition of worldrenowned architect Sir David Adjaye OBE to its team of consultants, city officials and civic organizations focused on developing this multi-phase, transformational plan for Cleveland. With a global footprint and vast project portfolio, Adjaye, an award-winning Ghanaian-British architect and 2022 TIME100 Impact honoree, is recognized for infusing his artistic discernment and ethos in community driven projects.
Opening in 2006, the Rocket Mortgage Cleveland Web Center now has a local workforce of nearly 600 team members, making them one of downtown’s largest employers. In 2016, the Rocket Mortgage offices in the historic Higbee Building underwent a $7 million renovation incorporating many architectural elements original to the building as a tribute to the city landmark.
ROCKET MORTGAGE
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“I appreciate Rocket Community Fund, Cleveland Neighborhood Progress and Cleveland Foundation for their efforts to address systemic disparities. The 'Neighbor to Neighbor' program is one way to help bridge the digital divide, improve housing stability in our community and improve quality of life for current and future generations.”
$3.2M
The Rocket Community Fund is a philanthropic arm of the FOC whose mission is to support inclusive, thriving and resilient communities by making data-driven investments in housing, employment and public life. In October 2021, the Rocket Community Fund, Cleveland Neighborhood Progress and Cleveland Foundation partnered to launch “Neighbor to Neighbor,” the flagship Rocket Community Fund program that will help bridge Cleveland’s digital divide and connect residents to critical housing resources that will support lasting housing stability.
— former Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson
$670K
IN FUNDING VIA ALL PREVIOUS PROGRAMS IN FUNDING FOR NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR
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FIELDHOUSEMORTGAGEROCKET
TOP WORLDWIDEARENA100VENUES
Home to the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers, the AHL Cleveland Monsters and host to the best entertainment in the region, the recently transformed Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse welcomes close to two million guests to 200+ events each year, including world-class concerts and family shows. The FieldHouse hosted several events in 2021 that put Cleveland in the global spotlight and had a significant economic impact on the city, the surrounding neighborhoods and the entire region. Pollstar, the concert industry's leading trade publication, ranked the FieldHouse #12 in its list of the top 100 arena venues worldwide for entertainment ticket sales in its first quarter (Q1) analysis report for 2022. This is the highest in venue history and jumps Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse 15 positions from the 2021 yearend report, which ranked the venue No. 27 in the world.
According to Pollstar
#12
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TOTAL ECONOMIC IMPACT$248.9M 2022 NBA ALL-STAR WEEK Held in February 2022 in Cleveland and celebrating the 75th anniversary season of the NBA, NBA All-Star surpassed original economic impact estimates and made a significant mark on the city and region that will be felt for years to come. ATTENDEES FROM 45 STATES AND 24 COUNTRIES121,641 NON-LOCAL ATTENDEES TOTAL ECONOMIC IMPACT FROM NON-LOCAL ATTENDEES JOBS SUPPORTED2,240 IN NEW TAX REVENUE GENERATED$33.9M+ LABOR (INCREASEINCOMEINHOUSEHOLD INCOME)$91.6M+ TOTAL ROOM NIGHTS BOOKED IN CLEVELAND47K+ TOTAL SPENDING FROM NON-LOCAL ATTENDEES$56.8M41,585$45M TOTAL MEDIA VALUE TO THE CITY OF CLEVELAND$50.1M CONTRIBUTED TO KENT STATE'S I PROMISE SCHOOL AND GREATER CLEVELAND FOOD BANK$3M+ IN TICKETS DONATED BY THE NBA TO THE GREATER CLEVELAND COMMUNITY$3M+ OF PROCEEDS FROM NFT ART GALLERY DONATED TO THE FUNDERS COLLABORATIVE$100K 14 2021 COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
FANS HAVE ATTENDED IN THE PAST 22 YEARS 1M+ MAC TOURNAMENT
for the Men’s Basketball Tournament since 2000 and the Women’s Basketball Tournament since 2001. It is the second longest running neutral site men’s tournament in the nation. TOTAL IMPACTECONOMIC $15M MAJOR UPCOMING EVENTS 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four • Projected economic impact: $22M 2025 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball First & Second Rounds • Projected economic impact: $8M 2026 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championship • Projected economic impact: $15M MAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament • Projected annual economic impact: $15M per year 15
has served as the
The FieldHouse host venue
UNIQUE ATTENDEES AT EVENTS INDUCTIONAROUND TOTAL STATE AND LOCAL TAX REVENUES DIRECT SPENDING IN LOCAL ECONOMY 30,455 29.7M$4.7M ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was held at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in October 2021 for the first time in the event’s history. The ceremony was considered a massive success, bringing rock fans to Cleveland from all over the world and leaving behind a significant economic impact for the city and region. TOTAL JOBSTOTALIMPACTECONOMICANNUALIZED TOTAL INCOME EARNED BY LOCAL EMPLOYEES409$50.7M $18.7M 16
VOTING
The City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County and the Board of Elections, in partnership with Rock Entertainment Group, appointed Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse as a polling location for the 2021 Special Congressional Primary Election, Primary Election and General Election.
17 BLOOD DRIVES
Through partnership with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Guardians and Cleveland Clinic, the American Red Cross has hosted 13 blood drives at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse since March 2020.
1,172 3.5K+ PINTS OF BLOOD DONATED LIVES SAVEDHELPED
IMPACTECONOMIC 18 2021 COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
IN GIVING
With over 200 events that draw more than 2 million people downtown each year, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse continues to stimulate hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity annually. Since inception in 1994, the Gateway Sports and Entertainment complex, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse and Progressive Field, has been a catalyst for nearly $2 billion in completed, underway or funded retail, residential and hotel development in the Gateway district alone. The Gateway, the city’s most visited neighborhood, welcomes over five million visitors each year.
Since inception in 1994, the venue has generated a total of over $800 million in tax revenue.
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$48M+$45M+
ORGANIZATION ANNUALLY
FULL- AND PART-TIME JOBS PROVIDED BY THE CAVS
In the 20-plus years the team has been in downtown Cleveland, $48 million has been given to local community, civic and charitable organizations. IN STATE AND LOCAL TAX REVENUES GENERATED IN 2021
2.5K+
The Cleveland Cavaliers are recognized as the premier professional sports organization in delivering unparalleled sports and entertainment experiences fueled by a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture. INCLUSIONEQUITYDIVERSITY,& 20 2021 COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
FOR THE LOVE. FOR THE LAND.
The Cavaliers unveiled a new community-inspired design for the banner art to hang on the Sherwin-Williams global headquarters wall in downtown Cleveland. The design, which received unanimous approval from the City of Cleveland Planning Commission, was one of the first projects under the direction of Cleveland native and internationally celebrated artist Daniel Arsham since being named the Cavaliers Creative Director in November 2020. The banner art symbolizes a reflection of a community presented through a lens of diversity, equity and inclusion. It is an invitation, a rally cry, a call to action to embrace unity and come together in a common bond of love for each other and our city. Depicted with a diverse representation of hands on a basketball, the message speaks to the power of teamwork.
43%33% FULL-TIME MINORITY STAFF MEMBERSMINORITYPART-TIMEOVERALLMEMBERSFULL-ANDCOMBINEDSTAFF 2.5K+ TOTAL JOBS PROVIDED BY THE ORGANIZATIONCAVALIERS 13.1% TOTAL INITIALSUPPLIERS,SPENDADDRESSABLEWITHDIVERSEDOUBLINGGOALOF6% 21
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CL3 ALLIANCE
Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse held the 2021 Cleveland Town Hall, presented by the Cleveland Branch of the NAACP and the Urban League of Greater Cleveland. The Town Hall featured mayoral candidates Kevin Kelley and (current mayor) Justin Bibb and was moderated by WKYC Anchor Russ Mitchell. The Rock Family of Companies was proud to host the event, helping to support voter education, registration and activation in the city of Cleveland.
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NBA LOCALFOUNDATIONGRANTS
Through the NBA Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on driving economic opportunity and empowerment in the Black community, the Cavs made a commitment in 2020 to contribute $1 million a year over the next 10 years, for a total commitment of $10 million.
The Cavs continued their participation in the three-team Cleveland sports alliance with the Browns and Guardians. Led by the GMs and head coaches of each team, the CL3 Alliance work to develop sustainable and direct strategies to address social injustice issues in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio.
MAYORAL TOWN HALL
Partnered with 12 other NBA and WNBA teams, the Cavaliers participated in the fourth installment of “Team Up for Change,” an initiative focused on uniting, inspiring, educating and activating around a shared commitment and call for racial equality and social justice.
The Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Trophy, an award for a champion in social justice in the NBA, was created in 2021 with the help of the Cavaliers very own James Adams, one of the organizations in-house graphic designers. James collaborated with fellow designers Vijay Singh, Jason Garret and Lucy Talley to bring the trophy design to life.
NBA KAREEM ABDUL-JABBAR
The Cavs hosted “The Huddle” conversation with young changemaker Nia Terrel, Cavs personality Ahmaad Crump and Senior Director for Basketball Operations Lauren Marvinney who shared their sense of personal purpose in their own lives and in the broader NE Ohio community. 23
SOCIAL JUSTICE TROPHY
TEAM UP FOR CHANGE
During NBA All-Star Week, the NBA and the Cavaliers teamed up to celebrate Black history and culture in the community with the following events:
The Cavaliers, in partnership with A Better Way Productions, brought HBCUs Are A Better Way to John Hay High School. The event provided 100 students, parents, educators and supporters with resources and information on HBCUs.
2022 NBA ALL-STAR DIVERSITY & INCLUSION PROGRAMS
HBCUs are a Better Way
A Celebration of Fatherhood and Literacy
The Cleveland Cavaliers, in collaboration with the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse, Shooter’s Paradise, Little Free Library, Worldreaders and the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood, hosted an event with former NBA players and state and local fatherhood organizations to convene a community-wide conversation on the importance of fatherhood engagement and literacy. HBCU Classic Howard University and Morgan State University Men’s Basketball teams faced off in the first-ever NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T at the Wolstein Center. As part of the NBA and AT&T’s respective ongoing commitments to HBCUs, they donated $100,000 to each school to support the student experience. Following the Classic, both teams were provided the opportunity to meet with NBA league and team executives and participated in programming regarding professional development, networking and the impact of HBCUs on society. The NBA Foundation also granted $250,000 each to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and United Negro College Fund. Additionally, the league donated $1,500 to each Divine Nine chapter, totaling $19,500 for book scholarship funds.
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The 7th Annual Real Black Friday
The businesses made a combined total of $363,000 through 15,000 attendees.
The Inspiration Station, presented by the Cleveland Cavaliers, hosted keynote speakers, live performances, film screenings and more, each intended to celebrate our uniqueness while simultaneously reinforcing the idea that we are all more alike than different.
Power of Sport Summit
• 22nd Annual Legends Awards • Diverse Representation Brunch • Marcus Graham Project & Black Sports Professionals Networking • Jack Casino Black History Month Mixer • City Hall Leadership Reception • The Power of Influence Brunch • NBA All-Star Discussion: Wilson – Bonded by Ball
Over the course of two days, The Real Black Friday hosted 209 vendors in Tower City to showcase local black businesses, helping give them national exposure, generate revenue and create an opportunity for new customers and new opportunities from other markets.
The Cleveland Power of Sport Summit, presented by KeyBank and FirstEnergy, was a three-day conference that encouraged commitment to exploring new ideas, embracing differences and enacting positive change in the community. The Summit was supported by Velocity, a community-wide initiative of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission to support and maximize the community impact of hosting significant events in sports.
Black Business Expo
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Other events from NBA All-Star week in Cleveland included:
The NBA returned to Cleveland the week of Juneteenth to continue the celebration of Black history and culture with the following events: National Basketball Social Justice Coalition –Cleveland Summit Historical Marker Unveiling
In recognition of the 55th anniversary of the 1967 Cleveland Summit and its lasting imprint on the history of athlete activism, the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition partnered with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the City of Cleveland to dedicate a monument at the site of the summit, now the Cleveland branch of the American Cancer Society. The monument was designed by youth designers from the Marcus Graham Project, a Cavaliers community partner and NBA Foundation grantee organization.
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NBA RETURN TO CLEVELAND
NBA'S 75th Anniversary Cavs Care Legacy Project
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Other events in the NBA’s Return to Cleveland included: NBA All-Star Fit Celebration presented by Kaiser Permanente Jr. NBA Celebration at Cavs Camp Adaptive BoysBasketballSports/WheelchairClinicatBroadwayandGirlsClub Basketball Court Dedication and Community Conversation with Studio West 117 and LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland All-Star DevelopmentEntrepreneurEvent Cleveland Juneteenth Freedom Fest
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NBA Foundation – Pitch Competition
The NBA Foundation, in partnership with Black Girl Ventures, hosted the Black Girl Ventures pitch competition, highlighting Black owned businesses in the Cleveland community and up-and-coming HBCU student entrepreneurs.
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In partnership with the NBA as part of the NBA 75th Live, Learn or Play initiative to celebrate the league’s 75th season, the Cavaliers, the City of Cleveland and Sherwin-Williams unveiled their newest Cavs Care Legacy Project, the Mindfulness Learning Space at Earle B. Turner Neighborhood Resource Center. The renovated space provides a safe and quiet area for community members to enjoy and furthers the mission to support the development and well-being of youth in Northeast Ohio. 27
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COMMUNITY NIGHTS AND ENGAGEMENT
Noche Latina The Cavs, hosting their sixth annual Noche Latina, the Monsters, hosting their third Hispanic Heritage Night and the Charge, hosting their first, celebrated Latin American culture and highlighted local Latin American voices.
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Jewish Heritage Celebration
The Cavaliers, Monsters and Charge hosted a Jewish Heritage Celebration, celebrating Jewish culture and highlighting local Jewish voices.
Women’s History Celebration
The Cavs, Monsters and Charge all hosted various community nights and engagements as part of an ongoing commitment to deliver an unparalleled sports and entertainment experience fueled by a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture.
Black Heritage Celebration
In honor of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, the Cavaliers, Monsters and Charge hosted a Women’s History Celebration to highlight and celebrate the contributions and achievements of women to events in history and contemporary society.
The 18th annual BHC is an expanded recognition platform to honor and remember Black history, as well as to recognize individuals from Cleveland and Northeast Ohio who have personally and positively impacted the Black community.
Pride The Cavaliers, Monsters and Charge held their respective third, second and first annual Pride Nights in support of the LGBTQ+ community.
live, work, learn and play. 30 2021 COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
The
RELATIONSCOMMUNITY Cleveland Cavaliers are committed to supporting the Northeast Ohio community in ways that address vital needs, with an emphasis on education, security, places to
food
recreation and creating safe
TICKET DONATIONS
In addition, on a daily basis, the Cavs send giveaway, auction and raffle items to various organizations throughout Northeast Ohio to help them with their own fundraising efforts. The team fulfills approximately 5,000 requests each year.
33K
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DONATEDTICKETS
Several of those focus on the importance of education at all levels, kindergarten through high school. The Cavaliers coordinate reading initiatives in schools through Read to Achieve presented by Cleveland-Cliffs, distribute free books to children through the Cavs Mobile Book Fair powered by FirstEnergy, recognize hard-working teachers with Head of the Class and use basketball to focus on math through NBA Math Hoops presented by Rocket Mortgage.The Cavaliers also partner with Huntington to award college scholarships every year.
EDUCATION
Each year, the Cavaliers reach children in Cleveland and across several counties in Northeast Ohio through the team's many educational programs.
The Cavaliers organization provides the opportunity for thousands of children and families to attend home games at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse every year. The Cavaliers donated over 33,000 tickets during the 2021-2022 season to organizations that include local charities, non-profits and schools. This also includes a player ticket program where Cavs players personally purchase tickets and food vouchers to donate to non-profit organizations who specifically work with youth.
REFURBISHING COURTS
The Cavs have partnered with the City of Cleveland to refurbish the basketball courts in the City’s neighborhood resource and recreation centers and high school gyms in need of renovation in the Cleveland Metropolitan School TheDistrict.first 12 courts have been refurbished and unveiled at: Cudell, Earle B. Turner, Sterling, Estabrook, Lonnie Burten, Clark, Thurgood Marshall, Glenville, Cory, Rhodes High School, Michael Zone and Kovacic. The City of Cleveland and the Cavs host grand opening events that include Cavs Academy basketball clinics for children in the neighborhoods of these gyms. The month after each grand opening, the Cavs also hold a free basketball clinic, where participating kids receive free basketballs and jerseys.
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HEALTH AND WELLNESS
With health and wellness being a pillar of the Cavaliers community efforts, players, coaches and staff can often be found leading kids through basketball clinics, talking about living a healthy lifestyle and guiding kids through various physical activities. The program encourages physical fitness and well-balanced nutrition among elementary and middle school students across Northeast Ohio. Gym Class Takeovers presented by Medical Mutual Cavs Academy, the official youth basketball program of the Cleveland Cavaliers, offers Gym Class Takeovers for students in grades Kindergarten - 6th throughout the school year, September to May. The program focuses on maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle. Cleveland Cavaliers Cavs Academy coaches and other Cavaliers personalities, including Hype Man Ahmaad Crump, Mascots Sir CC and Moondog, and Cavs Entertainment Teams, “takeover” a gym class by leading kids through physical fitness activities including warm-ups, teaching the fundamentals of basketball and speaking about the importance and value of CAVS: Commitment, Attitude, Voices and Sportsmanship.
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presented by Cleveland Clinic Established in 1992, the Wheelchair Cavaliers partner with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Clinic to compete on a national level as part of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association. Off the court, the Wheelchair Cavaliers mission is to make a difference in the community by helping educate and provide opportunities to children and newly injured adults with disabilities by building awareness. This mission is accomplished through various outreach efforts in the community including halftime appearances, speaking at schools/community organizations, performing demonstrations, competing at the highest level and continuing to bring championships to the Cavaliers organization and the people of Greater Cleveland. The program also includes a Jr. Wheelchair Cavaliers team in partnership with the Achievement Centers for Children. Every week during the season, the Cavs take part in “Health Essentials,” a social media feature in partnership with Cleveland Clinic that showcases important topics related to health and wellness.
WHEELCHAIR CAVALIERS
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The youth hoops were delivered by Cavs and Monsters Entertainment Teams and the children also enjoyed basketball and street hockey mini clinics that were put on by both organizations. 35
DUNKS FOR DOLLARS AND SAVES FOR GOALS presented by Lexus Every dunk shot made by a Cavs player and every goal scored by a Monsters player at a home or away game is a slam dunk and goal netted for the community thanks to a partnership between the Cavaliers and Lexus. In 2021-22, every dunk earned a $10 donation from Lexus and every goal earned a $10 donation from Lexus. With a total of 501 dunks and 201 goals, the teams’ players scored over $7,000 for the Cavaliers Community Foundation and Monsters Community Foundation, which supports charitable organizations in Northeast Ohio. In addition, for every 20 dunks throughout the season, a basketball goal/hockey net combination set was also donated to the community.
STEM SUPPORT
$1M IN SUPPORTSTEM 36 2021 COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
The Cavaliers and Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company partnership announced in 2017 continues to yield a very special community benefit to schools in Cleveland and Akron. The Cavaliers and Goodyear are funding $1 million of support to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) programs in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) and Akron Public Schools (APS).
During the fourth year of the partnership, the Cavaliers and Goodyear have opened newly renovated STEM Labs in CMSD’s Hannah Gibbons School and Orchard STEM School. Renovations are currently being completed in three APS schools: Innes Community Learning Center, East Community Learning Center and Hyre Community Learning Center, as well as two CMSD schools: StonebrookWhite Montessori and Valley View Boys Leadership Academy. The team will look to open multiple new STEM Labs in both the CMSD and APS during the 2022-23 school year.
The team hosts awareness nights at games throughout each season to help support and promote important causes, including breast cancer with Cleveland Clinic and Susan G. Komen; colorectal cancer with Cleveland Clinic Fight and Colorectal Cancer; autism with Cleveland Clinic
Children’s and KultureCity; and many other causes. For each of these games, fans in attendance learn about the respective cause through elements in-game, on the concourse and the team’s website and social channels. In addition, the Cavs host themed appreciation game nights, such as the annual Cavs Salute to Service presented by Ohio CAT, which honors former and current military members, as well as cultural appreciation nights, such as Los Cavs Noche Latina and the Black Heritage Celebration.
Throughout each year, the Cavs also hold drives at games to collect items for local organizations, including Harvest for Hunger to collect nonperishable food items for the Greater Cleveland Food Bank and a Toy Drive during the holiday season. 37
AWARENESS NIGHTS AND DRIVES
SEASON OF GIVING
$48 MILLION IN GIVING
With more than $48 million total in community, civic and charitable giving, a wide range of local non-profit organizations and charities have benefited from the Cavaliers in the 25-plus years the team has been in downtown Cleveland. 38
The Cavaliers held their annual Season of Giving, dedicating time and resources to providing a happier holiday for local families in need. Players and coaches hosted families at Boys Hope Girls Hope to hand out a turkey and “all the fixings” for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner; the Cavaliers teamed up with the Cleveland Monsters for their annual Toy Drive to distribute toys to local youth organizations; and the entire team virtually visited patients and their families at Cleveland Clinic Children’s. Staff also dropped off holiday gifts to Cleveland Clinic hospitals. While Season of Giving looked different in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the team still executed a number of unique and socially-distant initiatives designed to help those in need.
NEARLY
total donated between 22 grants given to local non-profits through the Cavaliers Community Foundation during the 2021-22 season
$230K$25K each awarded to A Special Wish and Children’s Hunger Alliance
$10K each in grants awarded to 14 organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cleveland, Minds Matter of Cleveland, Save Our Children of Elyria and The JCH Foundation
raised from events hosted by the team each year to benefit the Children’s Tumor Foundation to help them in their fight to end donatedNeurofibromatosis to the NAACP over the last three years in support of their annual Freedom Fund dinner
$2M raised by the Cavaliers and the FOC together over the last five years for the Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity
39 in grants made by the Cavaliers Community Foundation, the charitable arm of the Cavs organization, to deserving groups in the area$24M+$19M$2M$75K in community gifts and contributions
LONG TERM INVESTMENTS
Mindfulness Learning Spaces in association with Sherwin-Williams
The development of Mindfulness Learning Spaces (MLS, formerly known as Reading & Learning Centers) throughout Northeast Ohio provides qualified nonprofit organizations with an opportunity to improve the condition of its current facility or space that promotes mental wellness for children.
Since 2004, the Cavaliers have created 22 MLS at communitybased organizations: St. Martin de Porres Family Center (Cleveland), Project: LEARN of Summit County (Akron), the Drew Gooden Reading & Learning Center at East End Neighborhood House (Cleveland), E. Prep Academy (Cleveland), the Eric Snow Reading & Learning Center at the Ed “Peel” Coleman Recreation Center (Canton), Boys & Girls Club-West Side Club (Cleveland), Douglas McArthur Girls Leadership Academy (Cleveland), Kenneth Clement Boys Leadership Academy (Cleveland), AJ Rickoff School (Cleveland), Nordson Boys & Girls Club (Elyria), West Side Ecumenical Ministries (Cleveland), St. Thomas Aquinas (Cleveland), John Marshall High School (Cleveland), Boys & Girls Club at Franklin D. Roosevelt (Cleveland), Broadway Boys & Girls Club (Cleveland), Stepstone Academy (Cleveland), Boys & Girls Club at John Adams (Cleveland), Boys & Girls Club at East Tech (Cleveland), H. Barbara Booker School (Cleveland), Thurgood Marshall Neighborhood Resource & Recreation Center (Cleveland), a sensory room at Clara E. Westropp School (Cleveland) and most recently, Earle B. Turner Neighborhood Resource Center (Cleveland).
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Since 2008, the Cavaliers have completed seven “Legacy Projects” that are designed to provide children and families in Northeast Ohio with safe places to live, learn and play. The team has funded and constructed a home for Habitat for Humanity; provided an outdoor basketball court at East End Neighborhood House; built an outdoor sports court at Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital for Rehabilitation; refurbished the family lounge at Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital for Rehabilitation; renovated the family room and resource center at Ronald McDonald house of Greater Cleveland; refurbished the activity center at Cleveland Clinic Children’s; unveiled a new sibling drop-off room at the new Cleveland Clinic Children’s facility; and most recently, unveiled a Mindfulness Learning Space at Earl B. Turner Neighborhood Resource Center for the NBA's 75th anniversary.
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Legacy Projects
4K+ VOLUNTEERHOURS 42 2021 COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
TeamVOLUNTEERISMmembersvolunteered
over 4,000 hours of their time. Team Members of the Rock Entertainment Group, that includes members of the Cavaliers, Cleveland Monsters, Cleveland Charge, Cavs Legion and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, strive to make a difference in our community through various volunteer opportunities. Team Members volunteer as a part of company programs and initiatives as well as with local non-profit organizations each month.
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As part of the Cavaliers community COVID relief initiatives, over the past year and a half the organization collectively funded more than 500,000 meals for those in need across the region. This includes 3,300 pounds of food donated by Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. In October 2020, the Cavs and the Food Bank provided provisions to more than 350 families during a drive-thru food distribution at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, with Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff and his wife Nikki, President of Business Operations Nic Barlage and volunteers from the Cavs organization who worked hand-in-hand to distribute boxes of fresh produce. In summer 2021, nourishing food was delivered to the local community thanks to a partnership between the Cavaliers and Key Bank who teamed up to introduce Cavaliers Community Market. Across East Cleveland, Clark/Fulton and Hough neighborhoods, volunteers worked together to help serve fresh produce from Greater Cleveland Food Bank to the Cleveland community. The Cavaliers Community Foundation has a core focus and primary mission to support food security in Northeast Ohio. This is activated by applying financial, human and promotional resources to address critical community needs.
FIELDHOUSE DISTRIBUTIONFOODEVENTS & CAVALIERS COMMUNITY MARKETS
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Understanding the positive influence they can have on our youth and others in the Greater Cleveland community, Cavaliers players and coaches make an average of 200 community appearances each year, including hospital visits, serving meals to the less fortunate, distributing toys during the holidays and much more. Players and coaches also regularly meet and spend time with season ticket holders and corporate partners.
The mission of the Cavaliers Legends Program is to promote, enhance and preserve the team’s lineage by acting as a resource of support for former players. Legends allow fans to reconnect with the history of Cavaliers basketball and maintain strong relationships within its local and surrounding communities. Cavaliers Legends who are currently actively involved in the program include Austin Carr, Jim Chones, Barry Clemens, Larry Nance, Sr., Bingo Smith, Elmore Smith and Campy Russell.
130K+ REACHEDCHILDREN CAVALIER LEGENDS
APPEARANCES
FOUNDATIONCOMMUNITYCAVALIERS
2021 COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT46
ORGANIZATIONS
The Cavaliers Community Foundation invests in organizations that directly support the development and well-being of youth in Northeast Ohio. The foundation has been granting funds to local non-profit organizations since its inception in 1993.
BENEFITTING
47 $230K IN GRANTS FOR 2021-22 SEASON
The Monsters Community Foundation supports Northeast Ohio programs that positively impact the areas of education, youth hockey, health and wellness, and basic needs. MONSTERSCLEVELAND 2021 COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT48
Hygiene kits provided to individuals and families in need at Monsters home games and events throughout the season, benefitting local non-profit and charitable programs
$61K+13K+12
1K Raised
Monsters tickets donated to community partners
Hours
220+10K+ SUPPORTING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY 49
Donated to various community organizations
Families adopted during the Holiday times by Physicians Ambulance, The Cleveland Monsters Players and Front Office Staff
Toys collected from the Monsters Toy Drive presented by Lexus and the annual Teddy Bear Toss event and donated to several non-profit organizations in the Cleveland area dedicated to the community in Northeast Ohio
$130K+
BENEFITTING ORGANIZATIONS The Cleveland Monsters are committed to the advancement of students in Northeast Ohio: SCHOOL SUPPLIES Donated through Cleveland City Recreation Department BACKPACKS Supplied to students within Cleveland Metro School District 2.5K+200 DONATED in partnership with Rainey Institute to advance and provide students an opportunity to learn through music and arts $7K+ 50
$20K+ DONATED TO A SPECIAL WISH 51
After being diagnosed with cancer, two years later, Ryan was cancer free and looking for a way to help the foundation grant more wishes for kids like him. Ryan’s mantra throughout his battle was “hockey strong” after his doctors told him to approach his fight like a hockey game. Ryan hand-drew a logo which became the inspiration behind a merchandise collaboration with the Monsters that was sold in the team shop with proceeds benefitting A Special Wish.
WE ARE HOCKEY STRONG
After 10 successful seasons developing talent on and off the court in Canton, the Charge moved to Cleveland in 2021-22 and began play at Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center. With the team now based out of Cleveland Clinic Courts along with the Cavaliers, the Charge have NBA-quality resources to develop their premium basketball talent. Also aligning with the Cavs in Cleveland through the Cavaliers Community Foundation, the Charge are able to enhance the Wine & Gold impact for organizations throughout Northeast Ohio through tickets, donations, grants and hands-on support.
CHARGECLEVELAND
2021 COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT52
$12K+
$14K5K
Granted to three Stark County organizations (EN-RICH-MENT, First Tee – Canton and Stark County Hunger Task Force) from the Cavaliers Community Foundation
Hosted Cleveland is the City series – focused nights around Cleveland based artists Kid Cudi and Bone-Thugs n’ Harmony – with themed jerseys that raised upwards of $1,500 for the community each night Hosted group recognitions on DEI Nights this year – Jewish Heritage, PRIDE night, Black History Celebration, Women’s History Celebration and Noche Latina
Tickets donated to organizations in the community NEARLY 53
Raised for local charities through six specialty jersey auctions this year, including a season high $3,658.84 from the Kid Cudi jersey auction on January 27, 2022
4K+
Introduced players to the Cleveland community through programs at City Mission and East End Neighborhood House Pieces of sports equipment, clothing and merchandise donated to groups like Stark County Children Services, Domestic Violence Project, Refuge of Hope, the YWCA, BeYoutiful Weirdo, Legacy Project of Stark County, EN-RICHMENT’s African American Arts Festival and Visit Canton
2021 COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT54
Cavs Legion Gaming Club (GC), the NBA 2K League affiliate of the Cleveland Cavaliers, continues to have a significant positive impact on the lives of children in the Greater Cleveland area and beyond through the love of gaming, esports and the use of technology.
CAVS GAMINGLEGIONCLUB
Under partnership with Intel, CLGC staff installed a full gaming setup for a young man named Ben, who had a tremendous fight with cancer. Ben received a gaming PC, VR headset, SteelSeries peripherals, SCUF Gaming controller and more CLGC hosted the esports Ohio tournaments and the CMSD Senate League Championships at the Cavs Legion Lair lit by TCP worth of gaming tech donated in partnership with Intel to Shaker High School, as well as hands-on experience for the students to learn about building custom PCs
55
$25K Legion on the Go powered by Intel takes the CLGC team and staff out into the community to help educate kids and young adults on the career paths of gaming and STEM, focusing on DEI efforts to expand the "no barrier to play" even further by hosting career path panels and Women in Gaming panels
YOUTH SPORTS
The Cleveland Cavaliers are committed to inspiring future generations to grow the game of basketball. With 30,481 total athletes, the Cavs Youth Sports programs have a mission to motivate the youth of Ohio and beyond to be active, make championship choices on and off the court and build confidence in their athletic abilities through the game of basketball.
2021 COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT56
57 JR. CAVS
COMMUNITYACTIVEYEARPARTNERS
CAVS ACADEMY
The Jr. Cavs support our local Parks & Recreation Centers and YMCAs to elevate the experience of league play while establishing the fundamentals of teamwork and an openness to coaching. By partnering with various youth programs, the Cavaliers have helped to provide kids of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to learn what it takes to win both on and off the court.
CAMPS AND CLINICS IN THE LAST
Cavs Academy, the official youth basketball program of the Cleveland Cavaliers, helps develop the skills of young athletes through Cavaliers Academy summer camps and clinics. The program is open to youth ages 7-16.
8535
Although postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cavs Entertainment Academy holds youth clinics with PowerHouse Dance Team, Scream Team and 216Stix for ages 6-17. Participants learn a routine during the clinic and perform in the Primetime (pre-game) slot prior to a Cavaliers home game.
KIDS FROM 17 CMSD SCHOOLS
34* BASKETBALLHIGHOFFICIALSCHOOLGAMES 334
CAVS ENTERTAINMENT ACADEMY
CMSD PERIOD 9 AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM
58 2021 COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
CMSD Period 9 is an afterschool program for grades 3-8 in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.
CAVS ELITE Cavs Elite creates a world-class atmosphere at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse for high school teams to experience a day in the shoes of an NBA player through high school basketball games and tournaments. *Record High
YOUTHMONSTERSHOCKEY
The Cleveland Monsters have established a new partnership with Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA), a national non-profit movement that inspires and empowers youth and high school sports organizations to leverage the unique opportunity sports presents to build character in our youth. Two workshops were provided this season with Learn to Play presented by University Hospital Sports Medicine, coaches and leadership boards.
1.5K+
kids received training and instruction through the Learn to Play presented by University Hospitals Sports Medicine, Monsters Grow the Game initiative and Youth Hockey Clinics in equipment donated to youth hockey partners participated in Rink of Dreams
The Monsters hosted the Greater Cleveland High School Hockey League All-Star Game, an annual game held at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse showcasing the league’s best high school hockey players of the season. Nominated by their coaches, 60 of the league’s best players take the ice for a tournament-style event to represent their high school with the hopes of bringing home an All-Star Game trophy.
The Cleveland Monsters held their first All Girls On Ice Clinic in partnership with Blake Bolden during Women’s History Month. 35 girls, ages 6-16 years old, from all over Northeast Ohio participated. 59
1.1K+
23K+