Business and basketball may fuel his competitive spirit, but the desire to give back is the passion that inspires Chris Webber every day. Webber grew up not far from 6-mile in Detroit, in a tiny house that was home for his three brothers, sister and parents. His mother, a retired school teacher, instilled his love for reading, music and education. His father, a longtime autoworker at the local Ford plant, taught him the importance of loyalty, hard work and discipline.

When Webber reached the NBA and its fortune and fame, his first decisions were for his family and foundation. Webber and his family established the Chris Webber Foundation to support underprivileged youth and their families in 1993. The foundation has provided toys, books, scholarships, school incentives, holiday presents and financial support for thousands of youth in Detroit, the District of Columbia, Oakland, Atlanta, Sacramento and Philadelphia.

Webber and his foundation also teamed up to bring four truckloads of books, uniforms and other relief supplies to Gulf Coast cities affected by Hurricane Katrina. He received the Sacramento Kings inaugural Oscar Obertson "Triple-Double" Award for his leadership and community service, the 2003 Make-A-Wish Foundation "Wishmaker of the Year" and has twice been recognized with the NBA Community Assist Award (2003, 2006). In 2005, he was recognized by the California Black Caucus and awarded a resolution by the California legislature. Webber also serves on the National Advisory Council for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.