Custom Allen Edmonds-branded shoe and team ticket program will also benefit the organization
MILWAUKEE, WI, Oct. 28, 2015– Michael Carter-Williams will tip off his 2015 season with a new charity campaign, Dimes for Dollars, where he will donate
five dollars to Special Olympics Wisconsin for every assist he tallies this season. Carter-Williams has a long running relationship with Special Olympics, and this is his first of several initiatives that will benefit Special Olympics Wisconsin this season.
“Working with Special Olympics reminds me of why I was drawn to sports in the first place – the pure and simple joy of competing and being part of a team,” said Carter-Williams. “I am hopeful Dimes for Dollars helps provide an additional assist to these passionate and determined athletes.”
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Michael Carter-Williams to bring awareness to individuals with intellectual disabilities. His ideals of determination, passion, leadership and community connectedness embody those of our athletes. With Michael’s support, our athletes will continue striving to achieve their personal bests, both on and off the court,” said Denny Alldridge, CEO of Special Olympics Wisconsin.
Carter-Williams is also working with world-renowned Wisconsin-based shoemaker Allen Edmonds to create a limited-run custom MCW5 shoe, with a portion of the sales being donated to Special Olympics Wisconsin. The shoe was co-designed by Carter-Williams and showcases his unique sense of style. The classic cap-toe shoe is elevated with unique features like touches of sharkskin and green-colored eyelets to match his jersey.
“We are thrilled to have Michael co-design a shoe for us,” said Allen Edmonds CEO Paul Grangaard. “As a player who is defining the future of his sport, it is fitting that his all-around game is displayed in these handcrafted shoes. They are a really stylish and versatile shoe. ”
In addition to Dimes for Dollars, Carter-Williams will be sponsoring a section in the BMO Harris Bradley Center during home games as part of the Bucks’ Community Giveback program. The tickets will go to benefit Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes and their families.
Carter-Williams’ work with Special Olympics dates back to before his NBA career as his family has always been closely involved with the organization. After being drafted by Philadelphia in 2012, he was made the face of the team’s partnership with Special Olympics Pennsylvania. Carter-Williams also joined Team Pennsylvania at the Opening Ceremonies of the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games.
This past summer, Carter-Williams visited the Over the Edge event put on by Special Olympics of Boston. He also donated money in both Boston and Wisconsin to help support athletes that would be attending the 2015 World Games that took place in Los Angeles this past summer.
The Bucks season tips-off tonight as Carter-Williams leads the team against the New York Knicks.