Magic on Broadway, Literally by Robin Gorman Newman
The MOMS, along with Kids Foot Locker, teamed up with The Max Cure Foundation “Dunk Your Kicks” national program to host a private reception and preview performance of the new Broadway show, Magic/Bird. I was invited to attend with some friends, and it made for a fun and heartfelt event. Delicious sushi from Ruby Foo’s was a treat, and a night at the theatre is always a welcome outing in my book.
The “Dunk Your Kicks” program provides a fundraising opportunity while teaching kids the concept of philanthropy. By “dunking” their old “kicks” into recycling bins, they take a step towards finding a cure for pediatric cancer while providing support and hope to local families living with the disease. For every pair of sneakers donated or “dunked,” Max Cure receives $1, which goes directly towards local families battling pediatric cancer. This program currently supports families in New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, Long Island, Louisiana, Minnesota and San Francisco. Kids Foot Locker donated an additional dollar to the Max Cure Foundation for every pair of sneakers donated at the NYC event held on 4/2. What a great cause, and I brought along an old pair of New Balance sneakers to “dunk.” In hearing from the founder of the organization and meeting his young son Max who was diagnosed with cancer, it was somewhat shocking to hear that little money raised by various cancer causes is earmarked toward cancer research for kids. I was glad to participate in an event that raised awareness and aims to make a difference.
The basketball drama Magic/Bird traces the fierce competition and eventual friendship between NBA icons Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Larry Bird. Directed by Thomas Kail and produced by the folks behind Lombardi, it is playing at the Longacre Theater at 220 West 48th Street in NYC. At the heart of one of sports history’s fiercest rivalries, Johnson and Bird battled for three championships, bragging rights and the future of their sport in the 1980s. The duo electrified the nation on the court and eventually turned their rivalry into one of the most famous friendships in professional sports. Though much of the 90 minute, no intermission play by Eric Simonson highlighted real life footage of their games and more, it was the scene between Johnson and Bird, when Johnson meets Bird’s mother and enjoys a home cooked meal at their home, where the play took an emotional turn for the better….establishing a close, unexpected connection off the court between the two superstars….and one that would ultimately tug at the heartstrings of theatre goers. At the start of the play, Magic reveals his HIV diagnosis, and Bird comes through with flying colors for him. The actors do a fine job, and the staging is crisp. Fans of the twosome will enjoy the most this trip down the basketball court memory lane.
The Max Cure Foundation, Inc. (MCF), a 501(c)(3) public charity, is dedicated to advancing cures for pediatric cancers, funding the development of less toxic treatments, and assisting low-income families battling pediatric cancer. MCF strives to raise awareness, along with much needed funds for innovative research and provides low-income families financial and emotional support as their children battle cancer. MCF seeks to inspire children afflicted with cancer to face the disease with courage, hope and most important, bravery.
Kids Foot Locker is part of Foot Locker, Inc., a specialty athletic retailer that operates approximately 3,400 stores in 23 countries in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Through its Foot Locker, Footaction, Lady Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Champs Sports, and CCS retail stores, as well as its direct-to-customer channels, including footlocker.com/Eastbay/ CCS, the Company is the leading provider of athletic footwear and apparel.
