The Celtics have long partnered with Massachusetts State Lottery to recognize community heroes at games. Their typical award is given to a fan along with a short presentation and acknowledgement of their work.
During the pandemic the team/partner has shifted the focus to those who have made a different related to COVID-19. This information is the shared to fans on social media channels. Importantly giving these heroes their moment, but also engaging and inspiring the Celtics fan base and in-part fulfilling the goals of the partnership. This format doesn’t have the memorable moment of the hero standing on the iconic parquet floor in Boston, but the long form interview with host Amanda Pflugrad is a great addition to this strong element.
Another great example of doing what you normally do in-game, but doing it online from-home during the COVID-19 interruption.
The Boston Celtics and Massachusetts State Lottery are teaming up to recognize and honor individuals for their heroic actions directly related to COVID-19. If you know someone who is deserving of being one of our Heroes Among Us, please nominate them below.
The Heroes Among Us program is one of the premier community outreach programs in professional sports. Established as an initiative of the Boston Celtics in 1997, Heroes Among Us honors individuals who have made an overwhelming impact on the lives of others.
The Heroes Among Us Award is presented to an individual or individuals who, through their unique commitment and humanitarian spirit, have made exceptional and lasting contributions to our community. At every home game, the Celtics and their fans have saluted the exemplary efforts of these citizens during a special in-game presentation on the legendary parquet floor.
To date, more than 850 individuals have received the Heroes Among Us Award. This program is proudly presented by the Mass State Lottery. Last year the Lottery returned over $1.1 billion in net profit to the Commonwealth. These funds flowed back to the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts and helped pay for local improvement projects, public safety and education initiatives.
