Proceeds from Upcoming FIBA AmeriCup Games featuring USA Basketball, Puerto Rico, Bahamas and Mexico will Support WCK Efforts in Impacted Areas
Washington, DC – (February 21, 2020) — Events DC, the official convention and sports authority of the District of Columbia, announced a partnership with World Central Kitchen (WCK) to support humanitarian crisis and disaster relief efforts in three areas in conjunction with the upcoming USA Basketball games in DC throughout 2020.
In February and November 2020, Events DC will host the USA Basketball Men’s National Team for three FIBA AmeriCup Qualifying games at the Entertainment and Sports Arena against Puerto Rico (2/23), Bahamas (11/27) and Mexico (11/30). As part of the partnership, Events DC will donate a portion of overall ticket revenue to WCK following the November games to support their ongoing relief efforts in those areas.
“As the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, Events DC is honored to partner with World Central Kitchen (WCK) to provide a portion of proceeds from the three upcoming USA Basketball games, featuring Puerto Rico, Bahamas and Mexico. Giving back is core to our purpose and this partnership gives us the opportunity to make an immediate impact on these regions participating in the FIBA AmeriCup games,” said Gregory A. O’Dell, president and chief executive officer. “We look forward to welcoming the players, their families and fans to Washington, DC – and are grateful for the ongoing work by WCK to help these areas and others in need.”
Founded by chef José Andrés in 2010, WCK uses the power of food to strengthen communities through times of crisis and beyond.
“We’re honored that Events DC is supporting the work of World Central Kitchen in Puerto Rico, the Bahamas and Mexico, three places we care deeply about, where our chef teams and amazing volunteers have been able to help those in need and aid in rebuilding communities. We’re proud to cheer on all the teams when they play in our hometown,” said Nate Mook, CEO of World Central Kitchen.
WCK has a long history in Puerto Rico. After Hurricane Maria devastated the island in the fall of 2017, the relief team served nearly 4 million meals to communities recovering from the storm. In early 2018, they conducted an agricultural assessment of Puerto Rico and determined that the best way to continue supporting Puerto Rico was by helping its smallholder farmers. WCK created “Plow to Plate,” a grant program that aims to increase food security in Puerto Rico by providing funding, training and networking opportunities to smallholder farmers and businesses that support local agriculture. Many of WCK’s grantees have jumped in to help in the earthquake relief effort.
WCK also remains active in the Bahamas where they've served more than three million meals to survivors of Hurricane Dorian. WCK continues to support communities in Nassau, Abaco and Grand Bahama and will continue cooking as long as needed.
WCK also responds to humanitarian crises, and presently operates two kitchens on the U.S. border of Mexico, supporting refugees awaiting their chance to claim asylum in the United States in Tijuana and Matamoros.
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About Events DC
Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, delivers premier event services and flexible venues across the nation's capital. Leveraging the power of a world-class destination and creating amazing attendee experiences, Events DC generates economic and community benefits through the attraction and promotion of business, athletic, entertainment and cultural activities. Events DC oversees the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, an anchor of the District's hospitality and tourism economy that hosts more than 1.7 million visitors and generates more than $400 million annually in total economic impact, and the historic Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square. Events DC manages the RFK Stadium-Armory Campus (RFK Campus), including Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, Festival Grounds at RFK Campus, The Fields at RFK Campus, the non-military functions of the DC Armory and the Skate Park at RFK Stadium. Stay current on the 190-acre RFK Campus Redevelopment Project at www.RFKCampus.com. Events DC also built and serves as landlord for Nationals Park, the first LEED-certified major professional sports stadium in the United States. Events DC manages Gateway DC, R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center and the Entertainment and Sports Arena (www.ESAontheRise.com), all conveniently located in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Washington, DC.
