Boston Celtics to Receive UNICEF’s Children’s Champion Award

Maybe good karma is to thank for the Celtics' win against the Detroit Pistons Monday night. The Boston Celtics organization and its fans recently raised $100,000 to aid earthquake recovery efforts in Haiti. OK, so the philanthropic efforts are probably not responsible for the victory, but the team is receiving a greater reward.  The U.S. Fund for UNICEF is honoring the Celtics with its esteemed Children’s Champion Award.

The Celtics have received the award after players, coaches, staff and fans raised $50,000 for Haitian relief, which was matched by the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation. The Celtics Women's Group also created a public service announcement that featured the players and coach Doc Rivers encouraging fans to donate to efforts supporting Haiti.

The U.S. Fund for UNICEF recognizes public figures who work to improve conditions for children throughout the world. The Celtics will join past honorees including Audrey Hepburn, Nelson Mandela, H.M. Queen Noor of Jordan, Princess Caroline of Hanover and even Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz for his work establishing a pediatric cardiac care unit in the Dominican Republic.

To further help efforts in Haiti, UNICEF and the Celtics have teamed up to present the award at "A Night for Haiti" at the House of Blues in Boston on March 25, co-chaired by Ortiz's wife, Tiffany Ortiz, and Brandi Garnett, wife of Kevin Garnett. In addition to the ceremony, the reception will feature a Boyz II Men performance and a live auction hosted by Glen Davis.

For tickets to the event call 617-266-7534 ext. 105, or visit the Web site. All proceeds will benefit UNICEF’s programs for children in Haiti and will certainly keep that good karma rolling.