By, Scott Mittleman
Co Founder SF FunRaisers aisers
My first two articles I’ve touched on Athletes involvement in working with and creating a non-profit. Sticking to the same non-profit theme, I would like to delve into how teams are also making a difference.
The Sports Philanthropy Project has teamed up with The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in creating The Steve Patterson Award for Excellence in Sports Philanthropy.
About the Steve Patterson Award for Excellence in Sports Philanthropy
The Steve Patterson Award for Excellence in Sports Philanthropy is presented annually by The Sports Philanthropy Project (SPP) and The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The award acknowledges sports organizations and individual philanthropies that have demonstrated excellence, leadership, and a sustained commitment toward a mission that serves and improves the lives of others. www.sportsphilanthropy.com/patterson.
To keep all of New England reading my blog posts, I am happy to report that the Red Sox Foundation received the award for 2009. Principal owner John Henry made the following statement about the team’s priorities following the purchase of the Red Sox in 2002. “Immediately after we purchased the Red Sox in 2002, one of our biggest priorities was to create a foundation that will have a meaningful impact on the lives of people throughout New England who are facing some of the greatest challenges,”
When a teams ownership makes being a difference in the community a priority, this commitment trickles down to the players, the fans and the community in general. It shows that the hometown team believes in where they are from and wants to help preserve valuable non-profit work.
The Red Sox Foundation has not only donated time and money but is truly pioneering ways to fundraise, manage donor relationships, keeping volunteers, and generating in-kind opportunities.
With the World Series nearing an end, most baseball fans are moving onto football season while The Red Sox Foundation continues to make Boston a better city each day.
Check me out next week to read about who won the individual honors for The Steve Patterson Award for Excellence in Sports Philanthropy
Related Links: Press Release for Award
Featured on The Boston Business Journal Website
Listen to Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner’s interview during “Inside Pitch” with Casey Stern and Kevin Kennedy on the MLB Home Plate channel on SIRIUS XM Radio