The Boston Celtics' Kevin Garnett has been named the recipient of the NBA Community Assist Award for April in recognition of his outstanding efforts in the community and for his ongoing philanthropic and charitable work.

The 11-time NBA All Star and 2007-08 Defensive Player of the Year presented by Kia Motors is being honored for donating more than 600 Celtics' tickets to Boston Public School students during the month of April through his Big Ticket Challenge.  Garnett?s passion to help young people overcome obstacles prompted him to create a new initiative that encourages local at-risk students to excel in school while offering them the opportunity to attend Celtics' games and the chance to meet the ?Big Ticket? himself.

The Big Ticket Challenge involved having students to sign a contract declaring their commitment to improve their school performance.  The students that improved the most, as determined by school officials, were then hosted by Garnett at a Celtics game.  In addition, one student from each participating school was awarded a special meet-and-greet with Garnett after the game.