2009-06-17 19:12:13 -
Ryan Howard of the World Champion Philadelphia Phillies announced today the launch of The Ryan Howard Family Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by the MLB superstar. The Ryan Howard Family Foundation will set out to improve the lives of disadvantaged youth and families through the development and implementation of programs that advance education, nutrition, physical fitness, and socioeconomic status. In addition to providing financial assistance to students and supporting community extension programs that enhance formal education, the foundation will partner with local organizations to more effectively promote team sports and other positive group activities that advance self-esteem, creativity, productivity, and teamwork, while promoting healthy lifestyles and eliminating childhood obesity. The Foundation will focus its efforts on communities in Philadelphia and
St. Louis, Howard’s hometown.
"When we look at today's economic challenges, it is important for all of us to give our time and resources to help improve the quality of life for those who are in need,” said Howard of his desire to start a foundation. “This includes providing a lifting hand to disadvantaged youth to position them to realize productive lifestyles, goals and dreams."
In one of its first initiatives, the Foundation will partner with the Fairmount Park Conservancy on the revitalization of Hunting Park in Eastern North Philadelphia, an 87-acre recreational park that boasts a wide array of recreational and cultural amenities. A revitalized Hunting Park will offer a safer and more inviting place for children and families, as well as a place where a diverse community can come together. It also has the potential to serve as a catalyst for a larger neighborhood renewal. The Conservancy is currently spearheading a community master plan, funded in part by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The Ryan Howard Family Foundation will donate $50,000 to the Hunting Park revitalization project.
“The Ryan Howard Family Foundation recognizes that creating a safe outdoor place to play, explore, and learn is an essential element for maintaining a thriving and diverse community,” said Howard. “I am very proud to work closely with the Fairmont Park Conservancy on its revitalization of Hunting Park.”
"Partnering with the Ryan Howard Family Foundation provides us an amazing opportunity to heighten awareness and generate significant enthusiasm for the revitalization of this historic park in North Philadelphia,” said Katrina Wilhelm, executive director of Fairmount Park Conservancy. “Ryan is a world champion on and off the field and we're very proud to work with him as he gives back to the Philadelphia community."
Howard will celebrate the launch of The Howard Family Foundation by hosting a party on the eve of the 2009 All-Star Game in St. Louis. In addition to being one of the most-talked about events of All-Star weekend, the party with a purpose will also serve as a fundraising event for the Foundation. The event will be held at Lumen Event Space (2201 Locust Street; www.lumenstl.com :
) on Monday, July 13, and will feature a special midnight performance by DMC of Run-DMC. Additional event details are available at www.ryanhowardallstarbash.com :
.
About The Ryan Howard Family Foundation:
The mission of the Ryan Howard Family Foundation is to improve the lives of disadvantaged youth and families. This is achieved primarily through the development and implementation of programs that advance education, nutrition, physical fitness, and socioeconomic status. For more information, please visit www.howardsreach.org :
.
About The Fairmount Park Conservancy:
The Fairmount Park Conservancy is the non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the community, economy and environment of Philadelphia by raising funds and awareness for the Fairmount Park system. Since 2001, the Conservancy has raised more than $18 million for capital improvements and innovative programming. The Fairmount Park system covers more than 9,200 acres, includes a network of more than 60 parks and contains some of the region's most famous treasures and attractions.
It contributes to the quality of air, water and life, and is considered one of the largest urban parks in the world. For more information, please visit www.myphillypark.org :
.
About Ryan Howard:
Howard has quickly made a name for himself as one of the most prodigious power hitters of this generation. As the fastest player in history to reach 100 home runs, Howard has taken the game by storm in five seasons in the majors. His career started with a bang when he was named NL Rookie of the Year in 2005. He capped off a stellar year in 2006 with the National League MVP award, and in 2007, he led the Phillies to their first NL East championship in 14 years.
During the 2008 campaign, Howard led the Major Leagues in Home Runs with 48, while driving in 146 runs, leading to a 2 nd -place finish in the National League MVP voting. However, his greatest achievement was his World Series contributions, where he helped the Phillies win the 2008 title.
Howard is represented by CAA Sports, a division of Creative Artists Agency, a full-service entertainment and sports agency.
About the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation:
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation focused on the pressing health and health care issues facing our country. As the nation's largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to improving the health and healthcare of all Americans. The Foundation works with a diverse group of organizations and individuals to identify solutions and achieve comprehensive, meaningful and timely change. For more than 35 years the Foundation has brought experience, commitment, and a rigorous, balanced approach to the problems that affect the health and health care of those it serves. When it comes to helping Americans lead healthier lives and get the care they need, the Foundation expects to make a difference in your lifetime. For more information, visit www.rwjf.org :
The Ryan Howard Family FoundationCorey Howard636-458-2434
info@howardsreach.org : mailto:info@howardsreach.org orFairmount
Park ConservancyKatrina Wilhelm215-988-9334
kwilhelm@fairmountparkconservancy.org : mailto:kwilhelm@fairmountparkconservancy.org orCAA
SportsJennifer Brasile (For Ryan Howard)212-277-9000
Jbrasile@caa.com : mailto:Jbrasile@caa.com
