Atlanta Braves Foundation Awards Nearly $90,000 in Grants to Local Non-Profit Organizations

The Atlanta Braves Foundation awarded grants totaling $87,000 to the following non-profit organizations prior to Friday's Braves game vs. the New York Mets: Atlanta Community Food Bank, Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, Atlanta Track Club, Canine Companions for Independence, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Cobb Christmas, Inc., East Lake Foundation, Latin American Association, L.E.A.D., Inc., Metro Atlanta Project, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Ga., North Metro Miracle League, READing Paws, Inc., Star Struck Foundation, The Auditory-Verbal Center, Inc., The Ron Clark Academy, Tomorrow's Champions, Villages at Carver Family YMCA, and YES! Atlanta.

The Atlanta Braves Foundation grants funds to youth-serving organizations that focus on health, education, and recreation; that have sound financial practices; and whose plans for the requested funds will have a significant impact upon the individuals served by the requesting organization.

Friday night's grant ceremony caps another successful year for the Atlanta Braves Foundation and its community outreach programs. The Foundation was successful in its fundraising efforts in 2008 thanks to the generous support of thousands of fans and community partners. Marquee events and initiatives including the Legacy Brick Paver Program, Atlanta Braves Foundation Weekend and the Third Annual Atlanta Braves Foundation Golf Classic experienced tremendous support and success. Annual fundraisers and ongoing programs including Jerseys Off Our Backs, Brown Bag Bonanza, the 50/50 Raffle and game day silent auctions helped provide additional funds to support the Atlanta Braves Foundation's outreach efforts.

Metro Atlanta youth baseball and softball programs benefited in 2008 from the "Pinch Hitter Grant Fund," an initiative to assist youth baseball and softball organizations in need. The Atlanta Braves Foundation made $12,000 in financial contributions to 12 organizations to help provide relief for lost or stolen equipment, damaged facilities, and uniform shortages.

The Atlanta Braves Foundation is the non-profit arm of the Atlanta Braves that actively supports community organizations and their programs within the metro Atlanta area. Since its inception in 1992, the Atlanta Braves Foundation has provided support to thousands of metro Atlanta based organizations and has contributed more than 2.7 million dollars in financial assistance to the community. Through the generous support of Braves players, employees, sponsors and fans, the Atlanta Braves Foundation continuously strives to improve the quality of life for our youth.

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Atlanta Braves Wives Fifth Annual "Brown Bag Bonanza" is Saturday, Aug. 16

Saturday, August 16, 4:30 PM- until the end of the 4th inning: Braves wives will sell the autographed baseballs cloaked in brown paper bags from the time Turner Field gates open at 4:30 until the end of the 4th inning.

The Atlanta Braves wives will sell more than 750 autographed baseballs, cloaked in brown paper bags, Saturday, August 16, at Turner Field during the Braves Wives fifth annual "Brown Bag Bonanza" to benefit the Atlanta Braves Foundation and Camp Erin Atlanta. Braves fans can purchase the brown bags for a flat fee of $40 and enjoy the element of surprise as they find out whose autograph they have received when they open their mystery bag.

Camp Erin is a bereavement camp designed for children ages 6-17 who have experienced the death of a parent, friend or loved one. It is a weekend-long experience filled with traditional, fun, camp activities combined with grief education and emotional support -- facilitated by grief professionals and trained volunteers.

The Atlanta Braves Foundation is the non-profit arm of the Atlanta Braves that actively supports community organizations and their programs within the metro Atlanta area. Since its inception in 1992, the Atlanta Braves Foundation has provided support to thousands of metro Atlanta based organizations and has contributed more than 2.7 million dollars in financial assistance to the community. Through the generous support of Braves players, employees, sponsors and fans, the Atlanta Braves Foundation continuously strives to improve the quality of life for our youth.

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Retired Baseball Players Visit Troops in Afghanistan

Jeff Nelson, a former New York Yankees relief pitcher, signs a baseball for a fan at a Morale, Welfare and Recreation-sponsored event at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, May 11, 2008. The Heroes of the Diamond Tour brought four retired Major League Baseball players to visit with deployed servicemembers. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jessica R. Dahlberg

The Heroes of the Diamond Tour brought four retired Major League Baseball players to visit servicemembers here May 11.

The Morale, Welfare and Recreation-sponsored event featured Tim Salmon, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim right fielder; Dean Palmer, Detroit Tigers third baseman; Mike Remlinger, Atlanta Braves relief pitcher; and Jeff Nelson, New York Yankees relief pitcher.

"We were glad that these players came, because a few were fresh out of the league," said Brian P. Lee, director and tour manager.

Lee said he sought players that servicemembers could recognize. For one soldier, Lee's pick in ball players was right on the money.

"I have been watching Tim Salmon since I was a kid," Army Sgt. Jeff M. Lucenti said. "This is the first person I have been excited to see, and it means a lot because I was at the last game he played in."

Lucenti said he was honored to meet one of his childhood heroes. Others shared the sentiment, as well.

"We really appreciate the players coming out and sharing with us," said Air Force Lt. Col. Rob Rocco. "Today is Mother's Day, and yet they sacrifice time to be here with us."

The major leaguers said the feelings were reciprocal.

"We wanted to come and show how much we support you," Remlinger said. "Being here with these soldiers and listening to their stories makes me realize how real this war is."

Palmer agreed and said that being able to talk with the servicemembers and listening to the things they have experienced has been one of the best experiences of his life.

The players autographed photos, papers and other memorabilia members brought in.

Some, like Rocco, plan on sending their new "treasures" home.

"What is more American than baseball?" asked Rocco, who added that he was very excited about sending his daughter a baseball that all the "heroes" signed. "This event was great."

A newly arrived airman also shared his reaction to the event.

"I haven't been here 24 hours," said Air Force Capt. Andres Munera. "This really is a huge morale builder for me, since this is a fresh beginning for me, and my son is going to love this ball they all signed."

By Army Pvt. Tamara Gabbard
Special to American Forces Press Service

Army Pvt. Tamara Gabbard is assigned to 382nd Public Affairs Detachment.