HOUSTON, TX, (December 22, 2016)-- The Greater Houston Area Chapter of the Ameican Red Cross has joined forces with the Harlem Globetrotters as its official charity partner through the team's Great Assist initiative to help people prepare for, respond to and recover from disaster big and small.  

Know 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 the first year. 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 by October 2017 to help Americans stay safer from home fires.   The Red Cross Greater Houston Area Chapter has already installed more than 5,223 throughout the Greater Houston Area. 

We're honored to join forces with the Harlem Globetrotters in Houston through our disaster response efforts, the Home Fire Campaign and much more, said David Lewis, Interim Regional CEO.  The fun and interactive way the team engages with the community will help to build greater awareness around our mission and the critical need to help people at risk for and impacted by disasters every day.

In 2016, the Greater Houston Area Red Cross responded to 3 large scale disasters in a row, making it a devastating year for thousands of families affected by flood waters 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 the Houston December 26-27.  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 purchase 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 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 Twiter @Globies.