July 2007

NBA's Memphis Grizzlies, Phillies Pitcher Jamie Moyer's Foundation Receive 2007 Steve Patterson Awards for Excellence in Sports Philanthropy
In celebration of the many ways that sports improve people’s lives and strengthen communities, the Sports Philanthropy Project (SPP) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) today named the Memphis Grizzlies Charitable Foundation and The Moyer Foundation, the charity launched by All-Star baseball pitcher Jamie Moyer as recipients of the 2007 Steve Patterson Award for Excellence in Sports Philanthropy.

The awards were presented at the Associated Press Sports Editors Convention in St. Louis on June 23rd.

 “The Grizzlies Charitable Foundation and Jamie Moyer are outstanding sports leaders who care deeply for the health and well-being of people in their communities,” said Greg Johnson, Executive Director of the Sports Philanthropy Project.  “Their commitment goes much deeper than just financial contributions; they work strategically to identify pressing needs in their communities and develop innovative ways to address those needs.”(Full story)

And The Winner Is Winners Are...
We ’d like to to inform you about an exciting new development in the Steve Patterson Award for Excellence in Sports Philanthropy. To further our goal of inspiring excellence in sports philanthropy, effective in 2007 and continuing in future years SPP and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation will honor one athlete philanthropy and one sports organization philanthropy each year. 

Since the establishment of the award in 2005, we’ve continued to learn more about the inspiring work of so many sports entities across the U. S. and Canada, and about the rising growth and success off the field. We believe there's a compelling case for two distinct award categories: one specifically for athlete-led philanthropy (including athlete foundations and athlete donor-advised funds, etc.) and a separate category for philanthropy initiated by sports organizations (such as professional teams and team foundations, sports leagues, player associations, sports commissions and facilities, etc.). 

Effective in 2008, nominees will be eligible to apply for only one of the two categories; previous winners of the award are ineligible to reapply. 

More St. Louis Highlights:

St. Louis Post Dispatch (6/23/07) - "Sports can do a lot of good, in ways both big and small"

KTRS Radio (6/21/07) - Interview with SPP Executive Director Greg Johnson

The full Media Gallery (including press release, photos, and media coverage) is now posted on the SPP website!

 2007 Winners:

The Moyer Foundation

(Pictured: Jamie and Karen Moyer. Credit: Whitney Curtis)

The Memphis Grizzlies Charitable Foundation

(Pictured L-R: Elliot Perry, local owner; Andy Dolich, team President of Business Operations; Jenny Koltnow, Foundation Executive Director; & Staley Cates, local owner. Credit: Whitney Curtis)

St. Louis Snapshots:

SPP Executive Director Greg Johnson, in an on-field interview with Fox Sports Midwest prior to 6/22 game between the St. Louis Cardinals and Philadelphia Phillies. (Credit: Alisha Greenberg)

Award Committee and winner representatives, on field before the 6/22 Cardinals-Phillies game. (Credit: Alisha Greenberg)

 Don't Forget...

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