HOUSTON – Personalised No. 77 pepperoni pizzas, autographed photos, Jordan gear, new shoes, and Dallas Mavericks phenom Luka Dončić sent assistance to carry these items to an area hospital, surprising more than 80 children there with an unforgettable experience.

Dončić recently devised a plan to surprise and cheer up patients at youngsters’s Health in Dallas and Plano as a way to express his gratitude for the youngsters residing in North Texas.

While speaking to supporters at Tuesday night’s Mavs Tipoff event, Dončić reaffirmed his unwavering dedication to the DFW community, the area he now resides in Texas. 

“Here in Dallas, I am launching the new Luka Dončić Foundation,” Dončić said the gathering. A Slovenian foundation is likewise under my care. It is a small way that I can give back to the community and express my gratitude to both places. 

Dončić made arrangements for 80 patients to receive a bag of surprises on Tuesday from members of the Children’s Health team, as per health and safety procedures. In addition to a jacket, socks and a pair of Jordan sneakers, every kid hospitalised to Children’s Health’s Pauline Allen Gill Centre for Cancer and Blood Disorders also received a Jordan drawstring bag.

Dončić additionally ensured that some personal touches were included by giving each youngster an encouraging letter to help them through a tough period. At the end, he gave them an autographed photo to keep in their rooms. 

Dončić expressed her regret at not being able to meet and speak with the children in person, but she hoped that the surprise would have made them smile and inspired them to persevere. “I simply want the parents and children to know that they are in my thoughts.”

Crayons and a “Luka & Bobi” colouring book, depicting the animated BFF (best friends forever) bond between Dončić and Dallas Mavs centre Boban Marjanović, were also included in every shipment. Also shared with children at Children’s is the “Luka & Bobi” video series, which premiered last season.

In addition, each patient and their family received a personal pizza that had the number 77 printed in pepperoni. He reportedly made each pizza according to the child’s exact dietary needs and tastes, according to the event planners. In addition, he gave pizza to the hardworking medical staff who, day in and day out, give the kids hope and encouragement. 

Plus, as an extra perk, each guest got a frosted cookie in the shape of a heart with the number 77 on it. 

Brent Christopher, president of Children’s Medical Centre Foundation, praised Luka’s significant gift to Children’s Health as “fantastic” for the patients at the Pauline Allen Gill Centre for Cancer and Blood Disorders. These patients battle their illnesses fiercely and frequently have extended hospital stays at our Dallas and Plano facilities. That implies you will not get to experience many of the simple joys of childhood. Our patients were overjoyed to get these goods from Luka.

In and out of the NBA, this has been a landmark year for the superstar. 

Not only did he found a way to help youngsters through the Luka Dončić Foundation, but he was also honoured with the 2021 Off-Season Community Spotlight Award by the Mavericks. He was also nominated for the NBA Care’s Off-season Community Assist Award – one of the highest off-court honors an NBA player can receive – for his “tremendous work in the community and ability to unite a global audience through the game of basketball.” 

When Luka competed for Slovenia in its historic first-ever Summer Olympics in Tokyo this year, he was the bright star of the event. After dramatically leading his team to the semifinals, Dončić returned to Slovenia to refurbish two basketball courts that he played on growing up in Ljubljana.

It was there that he initially encountered Luka Magic. Dončić said he was honored to give back to his hometown, much as he has done in Dallas, his adopted hometown in the U.S.

The beautiful new courts – featuring artwork designed by Dončić – include seating and lights; the work was an extension of a partnership with the 2K Foundation after Dončić appeared on the cover of the NBA 2K22 video game. 

During the historic winter snowstorm in February, Dončić made several donations to help Texans get through the tough times. He also supplied Air Jordan 1 shoes and Mavericks swag to healthcare workers administering vaccinations during the coronavirus pandemic.

Dončić has developed a reputation for his kindness to children attending the games and his willing participation in team and NBA meet and greets. He’s regarded as one of the most giving athletes when it comes to children attending games. In a cluster of fans vying for autographs, Dončić searches out the children and youth among them, constantly creating memorable experiences for them. 

Dončić said he desires to give back to the game and community that provides him great joy.

Tuesday’s hospital event at Children’s Health was one more extension of the dedicated work he hopes to inject into the North Texas community with the Luka Dončić Foundation. 

“We appreciate him here in Dallas, and we appreciate how he represents Dallas around the world,” said Dallas Mavs CEO Cynt Marshall. “One of the reasons I appreciate Luka is he truly loves our children. He’s a caring human being who gives his time, talent, and treasure. This is the spirit of the Dallas Mavericks.” 

To read more about Luka Dončić’s work in the community, click here.