Vistaprint Teams Up with Boston Celtics’ Kemba Walker for Limited-Edition Capsule Collection to Support Black-Owned Small Businesses in New England
Kemba Walker is known for his ability to score in bunches. But when it comes to his community, the four-time All-Star is no stranger to tallying up the assists.
So in celebration of National Small Business Week, Walker along with Vistaprint have partnered up to create a limited-edition capsule collection that consists of a one-on-one Panini trading card and a one-on-one pair of custom, game-worn sneakers.
The collection will be up for auction starting at 9 a.m. ET on Sunday, May 9 until 11:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May 12 through the ‘I Got It’ mobile app.
All proceeds from the auction will support the Power Forward Small Business Grant program, which aims to create a lasting impact through the economic empowerment of Black-owned small businesses across New England. Vistaprint and the Celtics will cap off National Small Business Week by dedicating their home game on Sunday against the Miami Heat to small businesses throughout the Boston and New England community.
Vistaprint and the Celtics have committed $1 million to the Power Forward Small Business Grant program to-date, and through this collaboration with Walker the contributions will be bolstered with proceeds from the auction. Walker has also committed to donate his partnership fee to support the program and Vistaprint will match his donation.
The philanthropic gesture on Walker’s part is in itself a good reason to participate in the auction.
But when you take a look at the kicks that you could come away with …
Commissioned by Soems, a Black Boston-based artist, the custom Jordan 35 sneaker design will spotlight some of Walker’s favorite Black-owned businesses in Boston, including Mobar Cuts, The Urban Grape, Zaz and Murl’s Kitchen, in honor of National Small Business Week.
Walker will also autograph the sneakers following the game on Sunday night and they will be showcased within exclusively designed packaging that pays homage to the iconic parquet flooring at the TD Garden. The exclusive trading card will be autographed and feature a game-worn Vistaprint jersey patch swatch embedded within.
“It’s clear Vistaprint is committed to leaving its imprint in the Boston and greater New England communities and I am excited to team up with them for this capsule collection which will support Black-owned small businesses,” Walker said in a statement. “Between the exclusive gear and the great cause, you won’t want to miss this auction.”