Kevin Durant Launching a New Charitable Foundation

The Devon Energy KD35 Ball, an inaugural fundraiser benefitting the newly formed Kevin Durant Family Foundation, will be held Saturday, March 31, 2012, at Oklahoma City’s Skirvin Hilton Hotel. The event, presented by Devon Energy and additional sponsors including Nike, the Oklahoma Lottery and Apollo Jets, is designed to launch a fundraising effort that will support the Foundation’s charitable giving plans.

Guided by Kevin and his mother, Wanda Pratt, the Kevin Durant Family Foundation’s vision is to “play forward” Durant’s own priorities—helping children and families succeed. To achieve that vision, monies donated to the Foundation will support funding areas that are aligned with the very things that Kevin believes were of help to him as he was growing up and on his personal road to the NBA: after-school and summer programs, single parents and education. The Foundation will also support Kevin’s plans for expanding his holiday giving activities for children.

“It’s an honor to play in the NBA, and I hope that I can use some of the attention given to me because of my work on the court to raise awareness and resources for the things that I know personally can make a difference in the lives of kids,” says Durant. “My mom believed in me, faced the many challenges of being a single parent, and she made sure that I had good grades and was involved in activities that helped make me become the person I am today. I’m excited to launch my foundation and look forward to making a difference.”

The Devon Energy KD35 Ball will feature a dinner, dance and entertainment by Grammy Award-winning violinist, Miri Ben-Ari. The silent and live auctions, presented by Riverwind Casino, will offer attendees the chance to support the Foundation while providing donors with a chance to obtain unique experience packages, sports memorabilia, and more.

“Devon is delighted to join Kevin Durant in launching his family foundation,” said Larry Nichols, Devon’s executive chairman. “We share Durant’s passion to enhance youth and education and are committed to providing support that helps communities flourish. Durant’s success is an example of what children can accomplish if they are given the opportunities and resources to thrive. By partnering with Durant and the Foundation, we can make an even greater difference in the lives of Oklahoma City’s children and their families.”

Pratt is proud to team up with her son to launch the Foundation as a resource to make a difference in the community and in the lives of families. “It didn’t surprise me when Kevin mentioned to me he wanted to set up a family foundation, because he understands the importance of giving support to others, says Pratt. “I’ve been proud of him since the day he was born, and I’m glad to help him in this latest endeavor to enrich the lives of others.”

The Foundation has contracted Oklahoma City-based Sold Out Strategies and Public Strategies to produce the event. A limited number of corporate sponsorships and tables are still available. For more information call (405) 418-3870 or visitwww.KD35Ball.com.