Star UCLA Bruins-Turned-Pro Athletes Win Humanitarian Award
One of the starriest UCLA alum couples out there, Milwaukee Bucks All-Star point guard Jrue Holiday and former FC Kansas City forward/midfielder Lauren Holiday, was gifted with the prestigious Muhammad Ali Humanitarian for the duo's extensive charitable efforts during this month's ESPY Awards.
The Holidays' JLH Social Impact Fund foundation (you can probably guess what the "JLH" stands for) is focused on uplifting minority-owned small businesses and non-profits. Per Emmett Prosser of The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, the JLH Social Impact Fund has contributed more than $3 million in grant money tom more than 150 minority-owned businesses in LA, Milwaukee, Indianapolis and New Orleans.
To kick off the foundation, Jrue Holiday chipped in $5.3 million of his $25.1 million salary in 2019-2020 as a member of the New Orleans Pelicans. But he was just getting started.
Check out their story and heartwarming speeches in the ESPN clip below:
"When we started our foundation, it was an intense time shaped by pandemic-driven isolation and a widespread racial awakening promoted by persistent injustice," Jrue said. "Three years later, to us, the urgency feels the same, if not more. As proud as we are of the businesses we've helped, we know we haven't scratched the surface of what is needed to be done."
Jrue was a one-and-done athlete with the Bruins in 2008-09, and was named to the Pac-10 All-Freshman Team. As a pro with the Philadelphia 76ers, Pelicans and Bucks, Jrue has been a three-time NBA Teammate of the Year, a two-time All-Star, a 2021 champ, and a five-time All-Defensive Team honoree.
"I want to thank our grantees for their bravery to follow their dreams when the odds have been stacked against them," Lauren said. "Thank you for allowing us to be our partner, your friend, and your community. We share this honor with you."
An All-American First Teamer across all four seasons of her collegiate career, Lauren led the Bruins to consecutive NCAA Colle Cup appearances and set new UCLA records for game-winning goals (28) and points scored (173). After going pro, Lauren played for USL W-League club the Pali Blues, then NWSL teams the Boston Breakers and FC Kansas City. She also won gold medals with the US Women's national team at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, and the gold medal at the 2015 FIBA World Cup.
