HAX Foundation's 1st Annual John Wooden Pyramid of Success Awards Presented By McDonald's
The basketball courts at The HAX training facility in Hawthorne, CA, which normally see the likes of today’s top NBA, WNBA and AVP players were transformed into an elegant backdrop for the gala reception at HAX Foundation’s 1st Annual John Wooden Pyramid of Success Awards Presented by McDonald’s and co-hosted by CBS/KLAC sports personality Steve Hartman and comedian Chris Spencer. The event, which took place last Saturday, was designed to raise money and awareness about the HAX Foundation, which awards scholarships to eligible students in need so they may enjoy the benefits of athletic and educational programs they otherwise may not be able to attend due to financial constraints or lack of school programming.
The awards honored legendary UCLA coach and mentor John Wooden with the Lifetime Achievement Award, which was accepted on his behalf, amidst rousing cheers and a standing ovation, by his son Jim Wooden. The Wooden family including Coach Wooden’s children and grandchildren were also in attendance.
Boston Celtics Forward /Inglewood native Paul Pierce and World Champion Boxer, DWTS Finalist, Health & Body correspondent and mom Laila Ali received the first ever Competitive Greatness Awards while ESPN’s Dick Vitale was honored with the Industriousness Award. Paul Pierce thanked those who inspired him including John Wooden, his mother and brothers as well as his community saying, ”When it is all said and done for me I hope I am remembered most for the work I did off the court.”
McDonald’s CEO Jim Skinner received the Skill Award saying “It’s particularly gratifying to receive the Skill Award… it’s the ability to keep learning and improving after you think you’ve learned it all. It’s a philosophy that I’ve worked to instill throughout McDonald’s—and in my own life.” Say No Classic Founder, the late Rod Smith also received an award, the Loyalty Award, which was accepted on his behalf by his son and his wife, who stifled tears to simply say “just when the caterpillar thinks he’s come to his end, he turns into a butterfly.”
The event, produced by Gotham City Films, kicked off with red carpet arrivals featuring an array of athletes across numerous sports, entertainment personalities and community leaders. Attendees began the evening with an opening reception where they bid on silent auction items, sipped refreshing cocktails and enjoyed hors d’ oeuvres while VIPS socialized in the Coca-cola sponsored lounges. Chris Spencer turned up the heat on event goers during the live auction Other highlights include a soulful performance by Andre Delano and a touching speech by HAX Foundation scholarship recipient Jayson Barry who, on speaking of his success as a result of attending HAX said, “when you have a team behind you it makes you want to work harder not only for yourself but for them.”