I purchased tickets to the January 2nd, 2009 home Trailblazers game for my family, for Christmas presents for my mother, parents-in-law, and sons.  The ticket price included a fundraiser for the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Foundation (Lou Gehrig's disease, which claimed a dear friend and neighbor two years ago).  ALS supporters were allowed early entry into the arena to watch warm-ups.  My sons and their friends were ecstatic. 

It was also a benefit for the Oregon Food Bank via public employees' attendance and through the generosity of the Trailblazers.  A check for $4,000 was presented at half-time, and I was invited to participate in the ceremony.

Photograph courtesy J. Isaac, Portland Trailblazers