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Jeremy Rincon

“All-In”, “Community Obsessed”, and “One Team” are just a few of the values that are held by the Utah Jazz organization. These values go beyond basketball. They extend beyond the walls of Delta Center. After all, they are the Utah Jazz.&nbsp;

The organization is “all-in” on being a part of and giving back to the community. Every fan is a team member, and as one team, we all make our community better.&nbsp;

Together with Utah Jazz partner and local business, Awardco, the two organizations have recognized five individuals who have gone above and beyond in their community. These people were surprised by members of the Utah Jazz at Delta Center, recognized during a home game on the Delta Center video board, and gifted Jazz apparel.&nbsp;

Introducing the 2023-24 Utah Jazz and Awardco “Recognize the Good” recipients:

Jessica Moran is a teacher in the Davis School District. Recognizing the rise of mental health concerns, she took it upon herself to enroll in courses and get certifications to learn how to help. Since then, she has developed a free, multi-week program for her community. Jessica and her program have become an invaluable resource for local youth and looks to expand her reach and impact.

Lisa Feist is the founder of Dollies 4 Doctors, a nonprofit that provides handmade dollies to hospitals and therapy centers to provide comfort to children who are undergoing treatment or procedures. The custom dolls allow doctors to bandage, stitch, or mark places where the children are being treated–giving them a companion during their treatment.&nbsp;

Matt Bowen is the founder of the Utah Chapter of Wheelchair Lacrosse, the first pick-up style of play for wheelchair users in Utah. Driven by his love for lacrosse, Matt has increased awareness for adaptive sports and given many people with disabilities the opportunity to feel safe and welcome in sports. He provides resources to bring people together in the community through free monthly wheelchair lacrosse clinics and events.&nbsp;

Katie Jensen is the co-founder and director of the English Language Center in Cache Valley. Katie and the ELC provide English, life skills, and US citizenship preparation classes to refugees and immigrants. Affectionately known as “Mama Katie”, she supports human rights and believes that everybody has the right to dignity and respect.&nbsp;

Feli Ika is the Polynesian Club advisor at Lone Peak High School where she teaches special ed. and acts as an assistant girls basketball coach. She started the Polynesian Club to create a nurturing and empowering environment for students to explore and embrace Polynesian culture. Through engaging workshops, events, service opportunities, and activities, she strives to foster a sense of belonging among students, empowering them to embrace their heritage while also embracing their potential as future leaders.

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Utah Jazz and Awardco Celebrate “Recognize the Good’ Program and Awardees

Gabby Hundman

The campaign, organized by Jazz Assistant Coach Scott Morrison, has garnered public support from head coaches across the NBA who will wear custom shoes to raise awareness for autism acceptance throughout April

Tomorrow, on World Autism Day, the Utah Jazz will host Autism Acceptance Night at Delta Center during their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers and kick off a league-wide campaign that has been organized by Scott Morrison, an assistant coach for the Utah Jazz, who has an intimate understanding of the challenges autistic individuals face. 

Starting tomorrow through April 7, head coaches across the NBA will wear customized Nike Air Force 1 07s to generate awareness and acceptance for individuals with autism. The bespoke sneakers were customized by JSM 801 Customs, a Salt Lake City-based design studio. Each pair has been painted with each NBA team’s colors and a rainbow infinity symbol. The symbol represents the neurodiversity paradigm and is also featured in the logo for “To the Max Foundation,” a nonprofit founded by Coach Morrison and his wife, Susanne, in honor of their four-year-old son Max, who was diagnosed with autism in 2022. Following the week-long campaign, the lovingly worn shoes will be autographed by the coaches who wore them and auctioned off with proceeds donated to “To the Max Foundation” to support autistic individuals and their families.&nbsp; More information on the auction will be shared in the coming days, and individuals who want to make separate contributions to the nonprofit organization can do so here.

The campaign started when Coach Morrison asked Jazz Head Coach Will Hardy and a few other coaches to wear customized sneakers in April to create awareness for autism acceptance efforts. As word spread, more head coaches across the league joined the effort. Coach Hardy will wear the shoes tomorrow and on Sunday, April 7 when the Jazz play the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center.&nbsp;

“This show of support for the autistic community by NBA teams and coaches is remarkable,” said Coach Morrison. “We are blessed to be in a position to spread a positive message of understanding, and we’re grateful to the Jazz for supporting our efforts to generate acceptance for autistic individuals. Our family will continue to do what we can to generate resources for individuals with autism who deserve our support on the journey to reaching their full potential.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

On April 2, the Jazz will welcome guests from the Autism Council of Utah and Columbus Community Center to their game in celebration of World Autism Day. Autism Acceptance will be celebrated in Delta Center during the game and during the Jazz broadcast on KJZZ and Jazz+.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, Delta Center was certified as a KultureCity Sensory Inclusive Venue. The certification provides staff with specialized training on identifying the needs of and supporting guests with sensory issues and introduces new resources for these guests, including sensory bags equipped with weighted lap pads, noise-canceling headphones, and fidget tools. Guests can pick up the sensory tools at Guest Services on Level 3 of the arena during Jazz games and other events. In 2018, the Jazz, in partnership with Vivint, unveiled a sensory room on Level 5 of their home arena. The space is designed as a safe haven for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing challenges, and other conditions related to neurodiversity to provide a safe haven. The room is open for Jazz games as well as other events hosted at Delta Center. 

More information on all accessibility services at Delta Center can be found here.

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Utah Jazz Coach Initiates League-Wide Autism Acceptance Campaign to Begin April 2 on World Autism Day

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PHOTOS | Mark Miller Subaru Caravan

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PHOTOS | Mark Miller Subaru Teacher Appreciation

Together with the Utah Jazz, WCF Insurance is proud and excited to introduce the WCF Community Connections Program. This partnership between two organizations represents a union of values, particularly in community engagement, support, and improvement.&nbsp;

WCF Insurance was founded in the Beehive State in 1917 and is proud to call this place home. What started as a local company, providing workers’ compensation insurance to Utahns has since expanded to a firm covering the Western United States. Despite its growth and changes over more than 100 years, WCF Insurance maintains its original dedication to the people who make communities thrive. They continue to listen to their agents, clients, and community, in doing so, they are able to meet various needs and invest in a local presence. By offering a comprehensive suite of insurance products for businesses of any size, they are able to support businesses from a local start-up to a nationwide firm.&nbsp;

The initiation of the WCF Community Connections Program in partnership with the Utah Jazz is the latest way WCF Insurance is investing in its local presence and community.

WCF Insurance invests directly in local development and initiatives through it's foundation. The WCF Foundation has donated more than $2 million in humanitarian aid to charitable organizations and individuals in need last year.

The Utah Jazz continues its community efforts with player outreach, donations, and service projects. Combining efforts through the WCF Community Connections Program, the two organizations are able to amplify their reach and impact.&nbsp;

"This partnership represents more than just sponsorship,” said Matt Lyon, CEO and president of WCF Insurance. “It's a collaborative effort to bring about real change. Together with the Utah Jazz, we look forward to leveraging our resources and capabilities to deliver a wide range of programs that will enrich lives and enhance well-being across our community."

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WCF Insurance and Utah Jazz Launch WCF Community Connections Program

Free Event Invites Fans to Engage with Head Coach Will Hardy and Utah Jazz Players 

The Utah Jazz announced today that their annual Open Scrimmage, an event that is part of the Road to Tipoff presented by SeatGeek, will be held at 11 a.m. (MT) on Saturday, Oct. 21 at Delta Center. The event is free, open to the public, and does not require a ticket.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The family-friendly event will feature lively entertainment and interactive moments with the entire Jazz roster, on-court interviews with players and Head Coach Will Hardy and appearances by Jazz Bear and the Zyia Active Utah Jazz Dancers. The Open Scrimmage will be streamed live on Jazz+, the team’s newly launched streaming service, available to all active annual and monthly subscribers.

“We are excited to welcome Jazz fans to Delta Center for our annual Open Scrimmage, which has grown into a true community celebration and one of our fans’ favorite ways to engage with our players and coaching staff,” said Jim Olson, president of the Utah Jazz. “This year’s event will be an exciting kickoff to our monumental 50th season, and we look forward to filling the arena with the best fans in the nation as they root for their favorite Jazz players and get ready for the 2023-24 season.”

At the start of the event, the entire Utah Jazz roster will be introduced on the court with each player accompanied by two Junior Jazz youth players in recognition of the two million youth participant milestone of Junior Jazz and Jr. NBA Week, taking place Oct. 14 - 20. Then, the team will go head-to-head in a friendly tournament-style scrimmage, led by Coach Hardy and members of his coaching staff. Select players will engage in fun interviews throughout the event that will be broadcast to the entire arena.&nbsp;

Doors will open at 10:30 a.m. with general admission seating. Complimentary parking will be available at Park Place, which is located northeast of the main arena entrance. Select concessions will be open along the main concourse.&nbsp;

The one-hour event will not include photograph or autograph stations for fans.&nbsp;

The Utah Jazz Open Scrimmage is sponsored by SeatGeek - the Official Ticketing Provider of the Jazz and Delta Center - following a multi-year partnership that was announced last year.&nbsp;

The Utah Jazz’s regular season and home opener is Oct. 25 against the Sacramento Kings. Tickets and information about the upcoming season are available at www.utahjazz.com.&nbsp;

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Utah Jazz to Host Open Scrimmage Sponsored by SeatGeek on Oct. 21 at Delta Center

Families in the Salt Lake City School District will receive the food and household items&nbsp;

Feast Boxes will be distributed at a drive-up event on Oct. 12 at the Park Place Parking Lot

Ken Garff Automotive Group and the Utah Jazz, in collaboration with the Salt Lake City School District, Salt Lake Education Foundation, and four local schools, are teaming up to provide "Feast Boxes" to 350 food-insecure families in the district during the fall break.

This partnership aims to alleviate the hardships faced by many food-insecure families impacted by the ongoing pandemic, particularly those who heavily rely on meal programs provided by their local schools. The Ken Garff/Utah Jazz Feast Boxes, filled with essential food and cleaning items, will offer much-needed relief during the school district's fall break from Oct. 12-17.

"We understand the immense need for support within our community, especially among families that depend on school meal programs," said Brett Hopkins, CEO of Ken Garff Automotive Group. "We're proud to partner with the Utah Jazz and local schools to make a positive impact and provide some relief during challenging times."

Valued at over $100, each feast box will include ground hamburger, noodles, pasta sauce, bread, PB&J, canned chicken, rice, vegetables, fruit, dish soap, counter cleaner, chili, pancake mix, oatmeal, milk, snacks, and more.&nbsp;

“It means a lot to the Jazz that we work with partners who share our commitment to spending time, energy and resources to make Utah and our communities a better place,” said Chris Barney, chief commercial officer at the Utah Jazz. “Ken Garff Automotive has made a difference to individuals and families across our state through the ongoing service projects it organizes across dealerships, and we’re grateful to be part of this effort.”

While all items were selected based on a “wish list” provided by the Salt Lake Education Foundation, a surprise gift of a Ken Garff/Utah Jazz blanket will also be included.

"We are deeply grateful to Ken Garff Automotive and the Utah Jazz for not only the food donation and keeping our students healthy, but also for making sure they feel good about themselves," said Salt Lake Education Foundation Director James Yapias. "We will continue working with community partners to create an equitable educational experience for all Salt Lake City School District students."

The distribution of feast boxes will take place from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Oct. 12. Families will be treated to a fun drive-through experience at Park Place that will include balloons, a DJ, giveaways, and an appearance by Jazz Bear. One family per participating school will also receive a VIP Jazz night experience, including game tickets, food, transportation, and more.

Ken Garff Automotive Group and the Utah Jazz have made this initiative possible with the financial support and dedication of several of their dealerships, including Ken Garff Riverdale Honda, Riverdale Nissan, Riverdale GMC Buick, West Valley Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat, West Valley Ford, Ferrari Parking Lot, 50 North 300 West, directly across from the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. Families, Mercedes, Volvo, Alfa Romeo Maserati, and Jaguar Land Rover Downtown.

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Ken Garff, Utah Jazz Team Up to Provide "Feast Boxes" to 350 Food-Insecure Families

The Utah Jazz and Travelpass, a Utah-based booking platform that delivers a vast inventory of hotels and vacation experiences worldwide, announced today a multi-year agreement that will provide Jazz fans with access to special travel experiences starting with the 2023-24 season. 

The Travelpass platform is designed to help consumers unlock deep discounts on travel and simplify and enhance any trip-planning experience. Beginning in the 2024-25 season, the Jazz and Travelpass will launch the Utah Jazz Road Game Plan. Accessible on utahjazz.com and through the Utah Jazz mobile app, the Utah Jazz Road Game Plan invites fans to use travelpass.com to book and plan a trip to any of the team’s away games based off pre-made itineraries with deals on hotels and activities. Additionally, throughout the 2024-25 season, Travelpass will sponsor 10 in-game promotions at Delta Center where Jazz fans will be prompted to scan a QR code on their seat to be entered to win a Utah Jazz away game experience.

“We are incredibly excited to announce our multi-year partnership with Travelpass,” says Chris Barney, chief commercial officer. “The Utah Jazz are committed to the fan experience whether we're at home or on the road. Through this partnership, we can help Jazz fans traveling to away games benefit from Travelpass’ expertise when it comes to accessing and experiencing the best of the cities they are visiting and to also hopefully witness a Jazz win.”

“We are proud and excited to announce our partnership with the Utah Jazz. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for Travelpass, as it aligns with our vision to create exceptional experiences for travelers worldwide,” said Ryan McCoy, CEO and co-founder of Travelpass. “Joining forces with the Utah Jazz allows us to reach an even broader audience and share our commitment to delivering seamless, hassle-free travel solutions for the explorer at heart. We look forward to enhancing the Utah Jazz fan experience, making travel smoother, and celebrating the spirit of adventure.”

Travelpass plans to roll out several new advancements to their platform in the coming months, including an itinerary planning tool and travel management mobile application, as well as booking options for destination activities, such as food tours, museum tours, kayaking adventures, and more.

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Utah Jazz Welcomes Travelpass as Their Newest Partner

Presented By:

Delta

<strong>Tonight's game against the Golden State Warriors has been postponed. <a href="https://www.nba.com/jazz/news/utah-jazz-vs-golden-state-warriors-postponed">Learn More &gt;</a></strong>