Pierce receives his award from Archibald. Boston, ma

Pierce receives his award from Archibald.

The Home Team Program is a partnership between NBA teams and the Fannie Mae Foundation to help rehabilitate neighborhoods in inner cities across the country and provide home-buying information to help more Americans achieve the dream of home ownership.

NBA team and league officials nominated nine finalists based on players’ community service and resulting impact on the community. Pierce, who earlier this season was selected to his first NBA All-Star Game, was chosen as the winner by a panel of judges from the league and the Fannie Mae Foundation. He will receive a $50,000 grant -- $25,000 from the Foundation and $25,000 from the NBA -- to donate to the charity of his choice.

“This is a great honor for me to receive the Home Team Community Service Award from the Fannie Mae Foundation and the NBA,” said Pierce. “As an NBA player, I have a unique opportunity to give back and make a difference in my community. So many players are actively involved in their community that to be singled out for recognition is very special.”

Since entering the league four years ago, Pierce has been involved in various community programs and has shown the city of Boston the difference one man can make. Pierce’s Playground, Paul Pierce Turkey Giveaway, Paul Pierce Celebrity Softball Challenge and the Paul Pierce Summer Basketball Camps are only a few of the programs that Paul has spearheaded over the past year. Pierce is also a national spokesman for the NBA’s “Read to Achieve” program which promotes the importance of reading and education to children and their families.

The Boston Celtics “Rock with the Jocks” fundraiser, which benefits the Home Team program, is another event in which he interacts and has fun with local fans invited to enjoy the evening playing pool with Celtics players. In addition, Pierce is scheduled to participate in the Boston Home Team workday on March 28.

“The Fannie Mae Foundation created the ‘Home Team Community Service Award’ in an effort to highlight the outstanding work and commitment of NBA players like Paul Pierce,” said Stacey H. Davis, President and CEO of the Fannie Mae Foundation. “I understand there’s an adage in basketball that great players make others better. Paul’s work in the community has made life better for a lot of people.”

“Paul Pierce demonstrates the commitment to excellence that the entire NBA family shares both on-the-court and in the community,” said Nate Archibald, NBA Community Relations Ambassador. “The Fannie Mae Foundation and the NBA joined together to improve our neighborhoods, and this award showcases the hard work Paul and the other nominees have contributed to their communities across the country. We're proud of all of them for what they have done.”