Warriors invite Santa Rosa family who lost home in fire to game

OAKLAND, Calif. (Rob Malcom) - Nine-year-old  Jordyn Johnsen lost her home in the North Bay wildfires but something special was spared: Her Steph Curry sneakers, which she said make her play better.

In fact, she wrote a letter to the team wishing them well for the 2017 season.

The Warriors received the letter and invited the Santa Rosa family to watch the home game against the Detroit Pistons. 

Amid so much loss, the game meant everything to the Johnsen family,
"It's amazing, absolutely amazing,” her dad, Josh Johnsen said at the game Sunday night. “My kids are super excited. As a family we couldn't ask for a greater day to have." 

"This is really crazy how many people brought us here," said Jordyn, who plays for the North Bay Elite.

Her 11-year-old brother, Jack, shared her sentiments as they watched the shootaround court side.

Mother Donna Johnsen said she was humbled and grateful for all the support, including the family friendship with celebrity chef Guy Fieri, who also attended the game.

Also at the game, the Warriors Community Foundation presented a check for  $1.2 million to 49 local organizations including the East Bay College Fund. Executive Director Dianne Dodge expressed her gratitude: "It's amazing that somebody cares so much to get these kids into college and put their money and their word behind it".

Since 2012, the founding has delivered almost $9 million in grants to support education and youth development in the Bay Area and head coach Steve Kerr plays an important role.

"Coach Kerr is an amazing person so modest about the impact that he is having on the community he has donated all his speakers’ fees to the Warrior’s charity foundation,” said Joanne Pasternack, Warriors vice president of community relations.