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Bulls Named Sports Humanitarian Team Of The Year

(CBS) The Bulls have been named the Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year, an inaugural award given out by ESPN that recognizes how members of the sports industry use their platform to make a positive impact in communities.

The Bulls organized more than 100 community event focused on youth education, youth health/wellness, the military and violence prevention during the 2014-'15 season. That work was done by more than 1,350 volunteers serving more than 6,500 hours. Working with partners, the Bulls also distributed $2.5 million in cash and in-kind donations to support non-profits in the area.

"The Bulls feel a great sense of responsibility to give back to the city of Chicago and the people who give so much to us," Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf said in a statement. "The team's commitment to helping others has been steadfast for many years, but it has been incredible to watch our work evolve and flourish over the last few years under Michael and Nancy's leadership. I am very proud of the terrific job they have done engaging players, coaches, staff, corporate partners and community partners with the goal of helping others. We thank ESPN for this incredible honor and for recognizing the positive impact sports teams can have in a community."

In honor of the Bulls winning the award, ESPN will donate $75,000 to Chicago Bulls Charities, which will be distributed among the team's community partners that are making a significant impact within the team's three areas of focus: After School Matters (youth education), The Salvation Army Kroc Center (youth health and wellness) and Youth Guidance (violence prevention).

The other finalists for the award were the Portland Timbers of the MLS, San Francisco 49ers of the NFL and WWE Community Relations.

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