Cade Cunningham Gives Back with “A Cade Christmas” Event

Detroit has always shown support to athletes who come to the city beyond their sports careers, and this week, Pistons star Cade Cunningham did precisely that. The 23-year-old point guard had a personal and joyful experience giving back to local families through his holiday outreach event, ‘A Cade Christmas’. Cunningham, his family, and members of the Pistons organization put together a holiday arrangement featuring bikes that had just been acquired.

Why Giving Back Matters to Cunningham

The event wasn’t about checking off boxes or flashing cameras for Cunningham. It’s something he’s been shaping over time.

“I’ve been trying to do something every year I’ve been in the league, you know, to give back, try to impact the community,” he said while taking a break from helping kids pick out toys. “This year, I just wanted to do something a little different than I had in the past.”

Those different touches included partnering with Kroger, which donated gift cards and bikes to help expand the event’s reach. Cunningham credited the collaboration and extra hands that allowed the vision to come to life: “It’s a great feeling for everybody.”

Cade Cunningham is hosting a holiday giveback event called “A Cade Christmas.” He, his family and Pistons personnel are gifting away brand new bikes, grocery and gas gift cards and a catered holiday meal to local youth and their families. pic.twitter.com/jgjoIhkN4J

— Omari Sankofa II (@omarisankofa) December 7, 2025

Families Chosen with Intention

Cunningham worked with Merit Park, an organization already heavily integrated into Detroit’s youth support network, rather than simply making a call and hoping for the best turnout.

“They’ve been doing a lot of work in the community already,” he explained. “So I’ve had a lot of teams put together the families that they felt could use the most help. I think it’s turned out great.”

The reaction of kids removing their new bikes with wide-eyed excitement, and of parents expressing gratitude for the relief that goes beyond one festive moment, was the best way to tell the story.

Lessons Passed Down

Cunningham’s passion for service is rooted in small moments from his childhood that have grown into a core part of his identity.

“I just remember going to family retirement homes, anything to give back,” he shared. “All those experiences added up to me falling in love with giving back, and my family pushing us to do that.”

Cunningham is developing into his role as Detroit’s lead guard and franchise cornerstone while also building something outside of the court.

A Holiday Tradition Worth Keeping

In a city where support is crucial, ‘A Cade Christmas’ was more than a seasonal gesture – it was a reminder that players and fans share this community. If Cunningham has his way, this won’t be the last time he comes to Detroit for the holidays. For now, dozens of families are heading into the season with full hearts, full bellies, and a new set of wheels, thanks to a young star who knows the real value of giving.