We had the honor of interviewing guests at the Courtside Classic, an exclusive fundraiser supporting the Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation. Hosted at the renowned Steak 44, the highly anticipated annual event seamlessly blends gourmet dining and a collective dedication to giving back. Steak 44 generously covered all costs for the evening, ensuring that every dollar raised would directly benefit the foundation’s impactful work in the community.
The Courtside Classic brings together Suns and Mercury players, alumni, and key donors. Established in 1988, the Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation leverages the power of basketball to unite and uplift diverse communities. Each year, the foundation distributes over $3 million to hundreds of local organizations, positively impacting more than 400,000 children. To date, it has contributed more than $45 million to support Arizona-based initiatives, creating lasting change across the state. nba.com/suns/foundation
"The Suns built their practice center across the street, so we've had a great connection with them. Now it's even stronger than ever. We just love these events we can do for them and help their foundation. They do great, great work." -Oliver Badgio, Steak 44
"We're going to win a lot of games, we're going to lose a lot of games, but we can consistently change people's lives, and that's what we do every single year. I'm really proud of our team, and we continue to do it." -Josh Bartelstein, Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury CEO
"We want to give back to the families that support us. We want to keep inspiring and be good teammates and good people. And we want to show people there's life outside us being just basketball players. Our fans are behind us. They want to see our city win a championship, so that's our goal." -Monté Morris, Phoenix Sun
"I'm grateful to come out and be able to impact my foot in the community as much as I can. My ideal dish? It has to be my mom's mac and cheese, but I hear there's some great lobster mac at Steak 44." -Ryan Dunn, Phoenix Sun
"To get out and interact with our community is huge- it's memories for us and it's memories for our friends, fans and supporters." -Tyus Jones, Phoenix Sun
"For me, the amazing thing is, no matter the ownership chain, we always come back together and value giving back to the community- everybody believes in that, regardless of the changes we may have internally. And I love watching the Suns... I'm enjoying watching our players when they're healthy. They're really, really good." -Mark West, former Phoenix Sun