R&R and The XEL FOUNDATION Create an Impact at the LA Lakers Crypto.com Arena

2024-02-15 09:24 AM

We recently had the distinct honor of transporting the granite pedestal for the statue honoring legendary LA Lakers player, Kobe Bryant, to the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California.

The 4,000-pound bronze statue depicts Bryant walking off the court following his iconic 81-point performance in 2006. The base that we delivered includes the box score from that game and a QR code for fans to watch highlights of the performance. A Bryant quote is also featured: “Leave the game better than you found it. And when it comes time for you to leave, leave a legend.”

In the process of being loaded before transport to its final destination

“This statue may look like Kobe, but really it’s what excellence looks like. What discipline looks like. What commitment looks like.”

—Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Impact Beyond Shipping

At R&R, we understand the significance of every shipment, especially high-profile shipments like this one that carry so much meaning and inspiration to basketball fans across the globe. We love when we can make an impact through our transportation and logistics services, but we believe that our responsibilities go beyond daily business commitments. We, too, want to leave the game better than we found it.

A Dream Fulfilled

R&R Family of Companies CEO, Richard Francis attended the Lakers game on Thursday, Feb. 8 at Crypto.com arena, where he experienced more than a basketball game with a special LA fan. In collaboration with KultureCity, a Lakers fan with autism and her family had a dream of going to a game together, fulfilled.

This very meaningful shipment evolved into the ability to make a positive impact on this family's life. "We are so proud to support initiatives that uplift individuals with autism and at the same time, honor Kobe Bryant," said Francis. "This partnership with The XEL FOUNDATION demonstrates our commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others and allows us to be Powered by Purpose.”

Thanks to Crypto.com Arena and our partner KultureCity, neurodivergent and neurotypical fans alike can have a safe and positive game time experience. Crypto.com Arena has sensory bags and a sensory pod available for neurodivergent individuals. Together their objective is “to provide an inclusive and seamless experience for all guests for all events including those with sensory needs.”

Our Commitment to Making an Impact

The R&R Family of Companies helped establish The XEL FOUNDATION, which advocates for the inclusion of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and for research to end the increasing rates of autism. The foundation is supported by our employees who are “Powered by Purpose.” They can choose to donate $0.54 a truckload, which is matched by the company. With the help of R&R employees and individual donors, The XEL FOUNDATION has raised over $1.1 million since its inception.

Our foundation and other organizations around the country are doing amazing things to advocate for inclusion and help provide more enjoyable public experiences for neurodivergent individuals.

Learn More About The XEL FOUNDATION

Interested in learning more about The XEL FOUNDATION or getting involved in our mission to support autism inclusion and research? Here’s how:

Newsletter: Subscribe to The XEL FOUNDATION newsletter to stay up-to-date. There are many exciting announcements coming later this fall!
Online Donation: Make an online donation.
Online Store: Make a purchase from The XEL FOUNDATION online store.
Volunteering: Contact us to see how you can get actively involved with volunteer work for The XEL FOUNDATION.
Corporate Donation Program: Talk to us about setting up a recurring donation program for your business so you can be Powered by Purpose, too! Just as the brands within the R&R Family of Companies donate $.54 for every truckload moved, we can help set up a similar program that’s specific to the products or services that your company offers.