Stand Together Announces First NBA Deal Rooted in New Initiatives in Team Effort with Café Momentum, Per Scholas, and Empowered

Today, the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena along with Stand Together, a philanthropic community that tackles the root causes of our country’s biggest problems, announced a new multi-year partnership rooted in social impact that will improve the Atlanta region through innovative initiatives focused on education and community building.

Stand Together has already launched successful partnerships with Oak View Group’s Acrisure Arena (Palm Springs, California) and Austin Arena Company to bring annual Benefit Concerts to Moody Center (Austin, Texas).

“Our new multi-year partnership with Stand Together aligns perfectly with our longstanding commitment to being a community asset in Atlanta,” said Andrew Saltzman, President of Business Operations and Chief Commercial Officer for the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena. “Together, we will drive positive change, make meaningful impact, and empower individuals through a variety of community-focused initiatives.”

Together, all three organizations will support local nonprofits and activations that give musicians, athletes, fans, members of the community, and local changemakers, an opportunity to make a difference. The Stand Together community’s network of more than 340 community and education-based nonprofit partners are uniquely positioned to help drive meaningful, bottom-up change.

“We are thrilled to announce our Social Impact partnership with State Farm Arena and our very first NBA partnership with the Atlanta Hawks,” said Colette Weintraub, Head of Stand Together Music, Sports & Entertainment. “Venues, like State Farm Arena, are community gathering places where people come together to share experiences. We believe these experiences – particularly sports and live music – have the power to build strong communities and inspire movements. We look forward to working with the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena to create lasting positive impact in the Atlanta-metro area.”

To launch the partnership, the groups will recognize Café Momentum during the team’s Dec. 2 game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Café Momentum, founded by Chef Chad Houser, is an award-winning nonprofit restaurant that aims to transform lives by equipping youth with life skills, education, and employment opportunities to help them achieve their full potential.

Café Momentum’s culinary internship program provides justice-impacted youth with the holistic support they need to truly thrive. With support from the Stand Together community and other local partners, Café Momentum will open its next brick and mortar restaurant in Atlanta less than a mile from the award-winning State Farm Arena in January 2025.

Read More here: https://www.nba.com/hawks/news/atlanta-hawks-state-farm-arena-and-stand-together-announce-social-impact-partnership-championing-local-community-and-education-efforts