Nowitzki celebrates 25 years of giving

The Dallas Mavericks legend marked a quarter century of his foundation by hosting the eighth annual Tennis Classic, which raises money for North Texas children and nonprofits.

Tennis classic raises funds for kids

The foundation directs 100% of the Tennis Classic's proceeds to projects and annual grants for North Texas nonprofits. The event features celebrity athletes competing in exhibition matches.

Nash and Nowitzki renew old friendship

Steve Nash returned as opposing captain for the exhibition, reconnecting with his former Mavericks teammate. Their friendship cooled when Nash joined the Phoenix Suns in 2004 but rekindled in retirement.

“I think it went from super hot to very cold, super hot again.”

Foundation expands beyond grants

Nowitzki's wife Jessica became president and helped build fundraising and community events. The foundation now partners with H-E-B, Mrs. Baird's Bread and Heroes Foundation to distribute groceries.

Over $400,000 awarded to community

The foundation has distributed more than $400,000 in grants to community partners and over $250,000 in groceries to Dallas County families. It maintains a decades-long partnership with Children's Medical Center.

Eight groups receive summer grants

This summer, the foundation awarded grants to Dallas Tennis & Education Academy, For Oak Cliff, Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County, Klyde Warren Park, Mosaic Family Services, The Studio School of Music, Dallas Leadership Foundation and Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

Mission focuses on vulnerable children

The foundation targets children affected by illness, poverty, abuse or neglect through programs centered on health, education and well-being. Nowitzki personally visits patients at Children's Medical Center.

“With the Dirk Nowitzki Foundation I want to help provide education, health and well-being for these children and to make a difference in their lives.”