La Lakers Kobe Bryant And Wife Vanessa To Receive Humanitarian Award

SAN PEDRO, Calif. - Feb. 24, 2015 - PRLog -- SAN PEDRO, Calif. – Feb. 23, 2015 -- Toberman Neighborhood Center, one of the oldest community nonprofits in Los Angeles, will host its 8^th annual charity gala at Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes on April 4, honoring Kobe and Vanessa Bryant with the Bill Sharman Humanitarian Award.

Jeanie Buss will present the award, and Los Angeles Lakers color commentator Stu Lantz will serve as master of ceremonies. The night will focus on the Bryant’s many philanthropic efforts and also celebrate Toberman’s 112 years of community service.

“We are extremely excited that Kobe and Vanessa have accepted and will be honored this year,” said Joyce Sharman, widow of Bill Sharman and event producer. “’Our theme, ‘Dedicated to a Lifetime of Excellence’, is not only representative of Kobe and Vanessa’s philanthropic achievements, but the view we share at Toberman about how we all can give back and make a difference.”

Attendees will be able to meet one of the NBA’s greatest stars at this special annual event. The award is named after Lakers legend and former coach Bill Sharman, who is one of only three people to be named to the NBA Hall of Fame as a player and coach.

Past Gala honorees include John Wooden, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Walton, James Worthy, Vin Scully, Louis Zamperini and Tommy Lasorda.

Kobe & Vanessa Bryant have dedicated countless hours and funds to improving the lives of youth and families in need, both domestically and globally through sports, educational and cultural enrichment.

Tickets for the Gala can purchased at: www.toberman.org/gala

For more information on how to participate, please contact Carter Calhoun at 310.832.1145, ext. 119, or by email at ccalhoun@toberman.org.