Her passion is helping out
Laurel DA’ ntoni reaches out to distressed communities and addresses the needs of the people … because she can
Laurel D’Antoni unloaded the boxes of toiletries and cleaning supplies from her car while people from the neighborhood stopped to pick up what they could carry to use at home.
Like so many areas around town, Greenriver Estates suffered devastating damage during Hurricane Harvey.
And Laurel, who has been a Houston resident for almost two years since her husband Mike was hired to coach the Rockets, wanted to help.
She and Mike were scheduled to fly into Houston the Friday before Harvey hit and their flight was canceled. A week later, when Hobby Airport opened up, they returned home.
Laurel thought she needed to help immediately and got to work.
Reacting to Harvey
While in the neighborhood near Greens Bayou, Laurel noticed several children outside.
She asked about them, about their schools.
Fast-forward seven months later.
On Monday night, Laurel stood midcourt at the Rockets game against the San Antonio Spurs and received the inaugural Partner in Public Education Award, given by the Texas School Public Relations Association, to honor her for her work with the Rockets Women’s Organization in helping Sheldon ISD recover after the storm.
After visiting the neighborhood that day, she got on the ball.
“I just cold-called the superintendent,” she said. “And he called me back. I had nothing to lose and figured it was worth a try.”
Thanks to her efforts, teachers were able to replace classroom supplies, students were given new backpacks and schools were given new books.
The project is near to Laurel’s heart, like so many others she has a hand in throughout the Houston area.
Mike is known first and foremost for what’s happening on the basketball court.
Rightfully so. The Rockets are in the midst of one of the best seasons in franchise history. Hit the ground running
But Mike and Laurel are dedicated to more than the team’s success. They’ve been active in the community since arriving in Houston about 19 months ago.
Laurel, who was worked in communications in the past, is also driven to do her part in every city in which she has lived.
She looks for different charities and nonprofits to which she can contribute.
Sometimes she finds them through the team Mike is coaching. Other times, it’s through new friends or neighbors.
Or in the case of Sheldon ISD, a phone call to a stranger when she saw an opportunity.
In an age where so many athletes and their families are told to “stick to sports,” Laurel uses her platform to make a difference.
“I am sticking to sports,” she said. “I’m using my connection to basketball to find projects and causes and areas where we can make a difference. I understand the power of sports and how impactful they can be.”
She also understands all the many ways to help.
“After Harvey, J.J. Watt used his celebrity to raise millions and is now distributing that and helping so many different organizations who can help flood victims,” she said. “And then there are guys like (Rockets guard/forward) Gerald Green, who is out in the community, was in a boat rescuing people and helping that way. All of it matters.
“Anyone can find ways to help people who need it.” Grass-roots preference
She also credited Astros players such as Carlos Correa, who has been working to help Puerto Rico in its time of need.
That’s another cause about which Laurel is passionate. She grew up in San Juan.
Laurel prefers doing things at the grass-roots level. She loves meeting Houstonians, talking to them, learning more about the city she’s growing to love.
Next up is her second annual book drive.
The Rockets Women’s Organization and Reliant are hosting the event during the Rockets’ game against the Phoenix Suns on March 30.
Literacy initiative
Fans who bring new or gently used children’s or young adult books to the game will be entered into a raffle for one of seven prize packages that feature an autographed jersey and a chance to meet a Rockets player after the game. Players include Ryan Anderson, Trevor Ariza, Clint Capela, Eric Gordon, James Harden, Chris Paul and P.J. Tucker.
The drive will benefit the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation.
Literacy has always been an important cause to her, but this drive matters even more.
“So many people lost books in the hurricane,” she said. “We have the chance to help replace those, and it’s so important for children to have books in their homes.”
Laurel shows no signs of slowing her charity work in the area.
Her passion for the city and the people in it continues to grow the longer she is here.
And she can’t think of anything she would rather do.
“I love doing this kind of work,” she said. “I have the ability to help, and that’s what I am going to do.”