At Golden 1, supporting California’s financial wellbeing goes hand in hand with supporting the communities we serve. Through the Golden 1 Charity Shootout, we bring together our commitment to community impact and our love of basketball in a way that is both exciting and meaningful. During Sacramento Kings home games at Golden 1 Center, local nonprofits take center court for a chance to earn up to $10,000 to support their missions.
This season’s second Charity Shootout continued a community tradition that has taken place annually since 2016. This event featured the Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center.
How it works
During the Charity Shootout, a nonprofit representative steps onto the court for a timed free throw challenge, with every made basket translating directly into funding for their organization’s work. Each participant attempts four shots, including a layup for $1,000, a free throw for $3,000, a three-point shot for $6,000, and a half court shot for $10,000. This gives each organization the opportunity to earn up to $10,000 in a matter of seconds. This season, that opportunity shined a spotlight on the Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center.
Spotlight on the Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center
Anyone who knows what it feels like to leave home and start over somewhere new understands that support can make all the difference. That belief has guided the Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center, (SCCSC) since 1978, as it has helped immigrants and families navigate language, education, employment, and cultural transitions while honoring the traditions they bring with them.
Today, SCCSC serves multicultural, multilingual, immigrant, refugee, and low-income communities throughout Sacramento. Its mission is to help individuals achieve economic self sufficiency, social empowerment, and cultural appreciation through high-quality educational, vocational, human services, and health programs.
Supporting youth, families, and lifelong learning
The foundation of SCCSC’s work is its expanded learning programs, which provide innovative before school, after school, and summer enrichment opportunities. These high-quality programs give kids chances to learn, explore, and grow, bringing schools,
families, and communities together through hands on, project-based experiences that build on the school day.
Over time, SCCSC has significantly expanded its reach, now serving more than 10,000 students every day through out of school time programs for K to 12 students. Through partnerships with Sacramento City Unified School District, Elk Grove Unified School
District, Twin Rivers Unified School District, and Natomas Unified School District, the organization operates programs at more than 100 school campuses across the region.
In addition to academic support and enrichment, SCCSC provides families with language assistance, resource referrals, employment training, and access to essential services, helping remove barriers and create long term stability and success.
Why Support Matters
Funding isn’t just a nice added bonus for organizations like these. This support makes their mission possible. Every dollar they receive helps ensure that students and families throughout Sacramento have access to safe, high-quality programs that support learning, growth, and opportunity. Contributions go toward:
- Expanding after school and summer learning programs for K to 12 students
- Providing academic support, enrichment, and youth leadership opportunities
- Offering family services including language support and basic needs assistance
- Sustaining community learning programs that promote culture, health, and lifelong education
Michael’s moment on the court
Representing the Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center on the court was Michael Jett, the organization’s Director. He was selected with a few factors in mind: prior basketball experience (which isn’t required but certainly doesn’t hurt) and willingness to jump in and represent the Center with confidence. That confidence paid off. Michael earned $6,000 for SCCSC and came impressively close to landing the halfcourt shot, making for a highlight moment that was equal parts exciting and inspiring.
We spoke with Michael Jett who summed up the experience with humor and honesty. “My wife’s only advice to me was, ‘don’t get hurt.’” Then, when asked to describe the moment in one sentence, he added, “The dust is a lot heavier to shake off than you think it is and half court is definitely a lot further than I remember it being.” He went on to say, “Anytime we get opportunities for additional funding like this, it goes back right into our community and that’s the rewarding part.”
How you can support SCCSC
If you’re like us, you find the work the Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center is doing pretty inspiring. Why not turn that inspiration into action? There are several ways to get involved:
- Volunteer at school site programs, family events, or community activities
- Donate to support youth enrichment and family services
- Partner to expand educational, cultural, and community learning opportunities
- Share SCCSC programs and resources with families who may benefit
There’s something powerful about a community cheering together. The Golden 1 Charity Shootout turns memorable moments into impact that lasts well beyond the final buzzer. By highlighting organizations like the Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center, we are showing how even a little support can spark something bigger. We are honored to support the mission of the SCCSC and proud to help build a stronger, more connected Sacramento.
