LAS VEGAS, NV, (October 26, 2017) — The American Red Cross of Southern Nevada enters the second season with the Harlem Globetrotters as its official charity partner through the team’s Great Assist initiative to help people in the greater Las Vegas area prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters, big and small.

Known globally as the Ambassadors of Goodwill, the Harlem Globetrotters’ Great Assist initiative, which was launched in October 2015, promises to spread 100 million smiles over the next decade through sportsmanship and service. As part of a two-year partnership, the Red Cross will engage the Harlem Globetrotters nationally and locally in all aspects of its mission. During this season, the team will join the Red Cross, along with local fire departments and other community partners, as the organization works to install its one millionth smoke alarm to help Americans stay safer from home fires. The Red Cross Southern Nevada has already installed more than 1,343 smoke alarms throughout the community. “Volunteers respond to a home fire every 18 hours in Southern Nevada – more than one a day. Every day we hear from people who thought it would not happen to them. Disaster does not discriminate.” said Scott Emerson, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Southern Nevada. “The positive energy and influence from the Harlem Globetrotters will help inspire a generation to get involved and make a difference. Get in the game. Commit to joining the team today. The Globetrotters are doing their part. Will you do yours?” Scott added. Visit redcross.org to volunteer today.

In 2017, the Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter responded to 262 disasters, and comforting 549 families across the valley, making it a devastating year for those affected by home fires to floods, and more.

“This partnership brings two great American organizations together in order to achieve a common goal—to help people in need and to put smiles on people’s faces,” said Howard Smith, President of the Harlem Globetrotters. “We look forward to helping the Red Cross achieve their goals by incorporating their messaging into everything we do on and off the court.”

The Harlem Globetrotters will feature the Red Cross at more than 300 games throughout the basketball season, including in Las Vegas on October 27. The game will feature a Red Cross PSA and in-game player announcement

Harlem Globetrotters Legacy

For more than 90 years, the Harlem Globetrotters have been a leader in fun and wholesome family entertainment, and committed to being Ambassadors of Goodwill across the world. Every year, the team travels to hundreds of schools, children’s hospitals and overseas military bases, bringing people together through acts of kindness. The Great Assist initiative continues the legacy of giving back by providing the Red Cross a new platform to build awareness and deliver on its critical mission throughout the year.

For more information about donating visit Redcross.org/HarlemGlobetrotters. People can also support the Red Cross by texting ASSIST to 90999 to make a $10 donation, and by visiting Redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800- RED CROSS to schedule an appointment to donate blood or platelets near you. To learn more about the Harlem Globetrotters, please visit Harlemglobetrotters.com.

About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Text Disclaimer: $10.00 donation to American Red Cross. Charges will appear on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your prepaid balance. All purchases must be authorized by account holder. Must be 18 years of age or have parental permission to participate. Msg&Data Rates May Apply. Text STOP to 90999 to STOP. Text HELP to 90999 for HELP. Full terms and privacy policy: redcross.org/m.

About the Harlem Globetrotters:

The Harlem Globetrotters® are legendary worldwide, synonymous with one-of-a-kind family entertainment and great basketball skills for the past 90 years. Throughout their history, the Original Harlem Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 122 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experience. Proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Globetrotters have entertained hundreds of millions of fans – among them popes, kings, queens, and presidents – over nine thrilling decades. The American Red Cross is the official charity of the Harlem Globetrotters. Sponsored by Entenmann’s Donuts ®, Ticket Galaxy and Baden Sports, Harlem Globetrotters International, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Herschend Enterprises, the largest family-owned themed entertainment company in the U.S. For the latest news and information about the Harlem Globetrotters, visit the Globetrotters' official Web site: www.harlemglobetrotters.com and follow them on Twitter @Globies.