On Tuesday morning, employees from the Houston Rockets and Tito’s Handmade Vodka teamed up for a volunteer event at the Houston Food Bank. While there, the volunteers helped pack food and other essential items for families in need.
At the event, Tito’s also presented a check to the Clutch City Foundation to honor its “Assists for a Cause” program, which donates a set amount for every Rockets assist during the preceding NBA season. In 2024-25, the total led to a $20,000 check being presented to the Houston Food Bank.
Gretchen Sheirr, president of business operations with the Rockets, was joined by franchise icons Calvin Murphy and Allen Leavell in accepting the donation from Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Murphy and Leavell both rank top-three in franchise history for career assists.
“I think the statistic is that one in four children in Houston are in an area where they don’t necessarily know where their next meal is coming from,” Sheirr said. “So, this donation today will help provide 240,000 meals for the underserved community here in Houston.”
For Murphy, the event held personal significance.
“I don’t think people really understand the importance of this Food Bank,” said Murphy, who will also take part in the team’s 2025 NBA draft fan event on Wednesday.
“I was one of those that grew up in Norwalk, Connecticut,” the Hall of Famer continued. “My mother and father worked, 24/7. There were times when we just didn’t have, and if it wasn’t for people volunteering to bring us food — there were seven of us — there could’ve been days that were real lean.”
“So, getting involved with the Rockets and for the Food Bank is very precious, to me. Coming out and doing my little bit of helping to package stuff for people in need, it’s something that’s dear to my heart.”
Through the Clutch City Foundation, the Rockets and their corporate partners provide support and visibility to vital community organizations, including the Houston Food Bank.
“I’ve been involved with the Rockets now for 56 years,” Murphy said. “Coming into this (upcoming) year, 57. The slogan they have of ‘Rockets care,’ that’s not just a slogan. That’s in their hearts.”
The Houston Food Bank serves 18 counties across southeast Texas and supports approximately one million people who are experiencing food insecurity. In addition, the Houston Food Bank offers programs that help families achieve long-term stability. These include nutritional education, health management, and assistance in accessing state-funded support.
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Calvin Murphy, Gretchen Sheirr lead Rockets’ community service event at Houston Food Bank
Reporting by Ben DuBose, Rockets Wire / Rockets Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
