The Washington Mystics and the WNBA are deeply committed to the community and make hundreds of appearances during the season and the off-season. The Mystics and WNBA Cares focus on programs that improve the quality of life for all people, with special emphasis on promoting health and fitness, breast health awareness, reading and youth basketball programs. The league and its players are continuously recognized for their commitment to the community.

Community Theme Nights/Partners:

American Heart Association - Go Red for Women
Go Red for Women fights to lower the rates of heart disease and stroke among women. By 2010, the American Heart Association desires to reduce coronary heart disease and stroke by 25 percent. Educating women to talk with their doctors is one of the ways that the American Heart Association encourages women to learn about and combat the risks of heart disease. Through education, women all over the world will be inspired to make simple, yet significant lifestyle changes. Go Red for Women started the National Wear Red Day, which is when Americans all over the nation wear red to show their support for women’s heart disease awareness.

Breast Health Awareness Night sponsored by Sibley Memorial Hospital
The WNBA’s breast health awareness program strives to raise awareness while informing women about ways to fight against breast cancer. Another goal of the program is to raise funds and collect donations. To date, the WNBA has raised almost 2 million dollars for the cause. After the game on August 30th, the Mystics held a live auction featuring player uniforms, autographed shoes and balls and other items from other sports figures. The proceeds were donated to Sibley Memorial Hospital’s Sullivan Center.

Lupus Foundation
Lupus is a chronic disease that may affect different parts of the body, such as the skin, kidneys, joints, and blood. The causes of Lupus are unknown. The Lupus Foundation of America is a nonprofit health organization that works to discover the causes of Lupus as well a cure for the disease. They also give support to all people affected by this disease. The LFA was formed in 1977, and today, there are over 300 chapters and support groups worldwide.

March of Dimes
March of Dimes is a nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. Their primary goal is to increase the quality of life for babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. In order to accomplish these goals, March of Dimes has researchers, educators, community members, and others work as a team with the main goal being that babies’ lives should be free of health problems. March of Dimes works hard to not let babies be adversely affected by things such as low birth weight and prematurely.

Nothing but Nets
Nothing But Nets is a campaign that strives to prevent malaria, which is the number one killer of children in Africa. Nothing But Nets works to educate people about the importance of bed nets, which can protect children from getting malaria. The general public can also get involved in the cause. For example, members of synagogues, churches, sports teams, and friends or family members are encouraged to work together and do fund-raising and generate interest. The money that is raised will go toward buying bed nets for communities and countries that have the greatest need.

Through the Kitchen Door
Through the Kitchen Door is a nonprofit organization that is committed to helping immigrants, low-income adults, and at-risk youth improve their self-esteem, skills, knowledge, professionalism, and more. A few of the things the nonprofit endorses through its programs are positive life choices, school success, and family stability. Because the kitchen is typically a safe and comforting place, it is used to teach participants simple cooking in an effort to bolster self-esteem and self-confidence.

Until there’s a Cure
Until there’s a Cure Foundation is devoted to eliminating HIV/AIDS through raising awareness and money. The main goal of the foundation is to subsidize prevention education, services for those whose lives have been affected by HIV or AIDS, and vaccine development through The Bracelet. The Bracelet reminds people that the fight against HIV/AIDS must be one of compassion and love. It also tries to unite people in the fight against HIV/AIDS.