PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland Trail Blazers guards CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard are the latest athletes to dive into the All-In Challenge.
Inspired by the coronavirus outbreak, All-In Challenge is a movement where celebrities donate memorable items and experiences to raise money for several national and international food charities.
McCollum accepted a challenge Tuesday, putting up an auction package that includes Blazers and Cleveland Browns tickets and a winery tour.
McCollum is offering two courtside tickets to a Portland Trail Blazers game, and two tickets while joining McCollum at a Cleveland Browns game. Included are airfare and one night’s hotel for two to the winning bidder. McCollum’s offer also includes an opportunity to join him at a winery tour, a bottle of wine, signed shoes and gear and an appearance on his “Pull Up” podcast.
Proceeds from McCollum’s winning bid go toward Feeding America, Meals on Wheels, World Central Kitchen and No Kid Hungry.
As of 3 p.m. Tuesday, the highest bid was $6,500. Bidding closes at 7 p.m. Friday, May 1.
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In conjunction with his offer on social media, McCollum turned to Lillard and challenged him to put up something. Lillard responded early Tuesday afternoon, saying he is going to come up with something. Given Lillard’s well-known competitiveness and ties to the music industry, it’s fair to say he’ll give McCollum’s offering a run for its money.
The All-In Challenge has raised nearly $16 million, with a goal of exceeding more than $100 million.
Some of the nearly 100 auction items have attracted six-figure bids, including one of $775,000 for package offered by Tom Brady that includes dinner and a game-worn Tampa Bay jersey. There is a sweepstakes category, where for as little as $10 a winner can receive an experience or merchandise from a celebrity.
-- Nick Daschel | ndaschel@oregonian.com | @nickdaschel
This article was originally published by The Oregonian/OregonLive, one of more than a dozen news organizations throughout the state sharing their coverage of the novel coronavirus outbreak to help inform Oregonians about this evolving health issue.
Editor's note: The video in the player above originally aired on March 23.