JAMES BANKS III EARNS FIRST EVER LEGEND IN THE COMMUNITY AWARD, PRESENTED BY THRIVENT

FRISCO, TX, (DATE) – Texas Legends center James Banks III has been named the winner of the first ever Legend in the Community Award, presented by Thrivent.  The award honors a Legends player who has the biggest impact on the community through both team and individual initiatives.

“We are so proud of James and the work he’s done in our community,” said Thrivent Manager of Engagement Liz Mikel. “He is a walking embodiment of our partnership with the Legends, and we are thrilled to showcase his efforts and honor his spirit of giving.”

Banks is a native of Atlanta, GA where he works with local recreation centers to host free youth basketball clinics.  In his second season with the Legends, Banks participated in more than 50 community events, impacting over 35 different organizations with his outreach efforts. 

“This award speaks to who James is as a person,” said Legends President Malcolm Farmer.  “He cares about making a difference far beyond the court, and we could not have selected a better honoree.  We’re proud of all he’s done and continues to do in this community and back home in Georgia.”

The award was presented Wednesday night at the first annual “JB’s Family Game Night” at Eladio Martinez Learning Center in West Dallas.  Banks received a custom ball showcasing some of his community efforts across the season and signed by students at Martinez.  Thrivent presented a check for $5,000 to the foundation of Banks’ choosing to further his impact. 

“It’s an honor to receive this award,” said Banks.  “My personal mission is to use my platform to help as many people as possible, and it’s great to have a team of supporters who not only recognize and celebrate that but help me accomplish it.  To get the award in such a special environment with my Martinez family made it even more memorable and I’m grateful to them for being a part of the night.”

JB’s Family Game Night hosted 250 students and their families in a night of safe family fun.  The families sat down for dinner and board games together and were able to take the games home at the end of the night to let the memories continue. 

“These days, there is more and more pressure on our students and less support system,” said Principal Josefina Murillo of Eladio Martinez.  “We, as a campus, must be a safe space for them.  We were thrilled to partner with James and the Legends to host this event and provide an opportunity for our families to be engaged, and we are proud to be a part of honoring James with this award.” 

For more information on the award, contact community@texlegends.com.  Photos of the event can be found at https://tinyurl.com/JBFamilyGameNight.

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