New York Knicks Star Carmelo Anthony Gives NYC Kids 'A Very Melo Christmas'
New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony gives holiday cheer to deserving children.
— -- Carmelo Anthony is spreading holiday cheer this season.
The New York Knicks star treated 150 children to a special screening of the new movie, "Alvin And The Chipmunks: The Road Chip," at the Carmelo Anthony Foundation's annual "A Very Melo Christmas" event in collaboration with Twentieth Century Fox.
"[This] keeps me motivated. To know that regardless of what I'm doing on the basketball court, I'm still making an impact in someone's life off the court," Anthony said of his charity work.
Kids from New York City's BELL and Tech International Charter After-School programs smiled for pictures on the red carpet with Anthony and the movie's animated star, Alvin the Chipmunk.
Anthony, who brought his 8-year-old son, Kiyan, to the event, received a standing ovation as he entered the packed theater.
"I want to say thank you for you guys being part of 'A Very Melo Christmas,'" he said. "It's not about me, It's about you guys. This is a moment that you guys will probably never forget."
"A Very Melo Christmas" is one of the events the Carmelo Anthony Foundation organizes to positively impact the lives of those living in under-served communities through three key focus areas including education, recreation, and community outreach. Many of the programs like “Camp Melo” and “A Very Melo GiveBack” have Anthony's "Melo" alias in the title, which he said speaks to his mindset and fits his personality and his brand.
"My motto is always just stay Melo," Anthony told ABC News.
The NBA honored Anthony in November with the Community Assist Award presented by Kaiser Permanente in recognition of his generosity and dedication to empowering children and families in need. The NBA and Kaiser Permanente pledged to donate $10,000 to the Carmelo Anthony Foundation.