Community Cares

Deron Williams hosts annual Dodge Barrage for children’s charities

September 19, 2014 Jaime DeJesus
Deron Williams on the court.
Share this:

On your mark, get set, dodgeball!! Brooklyn Nets all-star point guard Deron Williams held his Fifth Annual Dodge Barrage, a fun-filled dodgeball tournament that serves as a fundraiser for organizations serving children in need. The event, held at Basketball City, 299 South Street, Pier 36, featured several of Williams’ teammates, family and friends. Fans were able to hang out with their favorite players and watch them play the games, as well as other activities.

The event was hosted by Williams’ foundation, Point of Hope, which has helped raise funds for children with autism, the Boys & Girls Club and more. When healthy, Williams is a game changer on the court. However, he strives to make a bigger impact off it. “This night means a lot,” he said. “This is a special event to me. This is my main event for raising money for my foundation and great causes. I’m definitely excited about it.”

Friend and teammate Andrei Kirilenko agreed on the evening’s significance.

Subscribe to our newsletters

“This is a very important thing we’re doing here. I’ve always said when you’re helping, it’s not only important financially but it’s also important to connect with the kids and this is the biggest deal. They have a chance to interact with players and ask questions. That’s why we’re here.”

Although not quite as intense as an NBA playoff game, members of the teams were very competitive. When asked who was the most terrifying dodgeball player on the court, Williams smiled and replied, “Me.”

“There are going to be some competitive guys out there,” he went on. “When you play dodgeball for a couple of hours your arm is sore for about four days.”

Even new Brooklyn Nets joined the fray. Jarrett Jack, who was recently acquired via trade, couldn’t wait to contribute to the good cause. “I’ve known Deron since high school. He reached out to me and asked if I would come and help support his event. He said, ‘We’re going to go out there and have good clean fun and do our best and do as much for the community as possible.’”

Williams and his teammates donned shirts that read ‘Purple Cobras,’ the same uniforms worn in the hit comedy movie “Dodgeball.” Non-celebrity teams also participated in the heated matches, wearing their own unique unis.

There was also a silent auction, which included sports memorabilia such as a signed Michael Jordan jersey.

But the main objective of the night was the fans and kids. “Dodge Barrage is such great cause. We could not do it without Deron. The effort that it takes to pull something like this off for all the people that are involved here, it’s a massive undertaking,” said New York CBS 2 News co-anchor Chris Wragge, an emcee at the event.

I want to thank the teammates and celebrities for coming and support this event,” said Williams. “It really means a lot as well as the volunteers that came and helped out and took time to be with us tonight.”


Leave a Comment

Related Articles

Leave a Comment