(l-r) are Marquetta Moore, Executive Director of FII, Chris Wallace, Grizzlies General Manager and VP of Basketball Operations, Jenny Koltnow, Executive Director of the Grizzlies Foundation and Sheila Fleming-Hunter, FII Board member. (photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE/Getty Images)
Grizzlies Foundation Announces Fall Grants
The Memphis Grizzlies Charitable Foundation announced 14 new grants to local non-profit organizations totaling $345,000 at an annual breakfast recognizing the work of Foundation partners Thursday, October 18th at Memphis Athletic Ministries.
Two new partners joined with the Grizzlies Foundation and received grants: AGAPE Child & Family Services and Families of Incarcerated Individuals. Other Grizzlies Foundation partners to receive grants include: ArtsMemphis, Church Health Center, Exchange Club Family Center, Memphis Child Advocacy Center, Memphis Food Bank, The Leadership Academy, Memphis Leadership Foundation, Memphis Mentoring Partnership/Volunteer Memphis, MIFA, STREETS Ministries, The Works and Youth United Way.
Additionally, the following partners were highlighted at Thursday’s breakfast: Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis, BRIDGES, Inc., Grizzlies Academy, Knowledge Quest, Memphis Athletic Ministries, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Soulsville, Urban Youth Initiative and Youth Villages.
“Our partners are great stewards of the resources provided by the Grizzlies Foundation, and we are proud to renew twenty of these partnerships and invest in two more,” said Grizzlies Foundation Executive Director Jenny Koltnow. “Each of these organizations is worthy of praise not only for their leadership but for their care of children. We encourage our fans and corporate community to join us in supporting these organizations by extending both volunteer and financial resources to assist youth in our community.”
These partners heard from General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace, who said that he had never worked with an NBA team so involved in the community. Later, Foundation partners participated in an activity designed to illustrate the connections these organizations have with each other.
Peggy Seessel from ArtsMemphis remarked, “I am always amazed not only at the extraordinary organizations we have here, but what the Grizzlies Foundation has done to create and promote such wonderful collaborations.”
The Memphis Grizzlies Charitable Foundation has contributed over $19 million in grants to Memphis-area nonprofit organizations since 2001. The Foundation’s work focuses on education, health, and mentoring of Memphis youth. The Grizzlies Foundation was the recipient of the 2007 Steve Patterson Sports Philanthropy Award for Excellence in Sports Philanthropy, given annually to a professional sports team and athlete who demonstrate excellence and leadership in community philanthropy.
Program updates: Honoring Our Military Families
For the third season the Grizzlies Foundation will host Mid-South area military families at each Grizzlies regular season home game. With the generosity of sponsors Ashley Furniture Homestore and Levy Restaurants, each selected family will receive up to 10 lower bowl tickets, $10 per person in concession vouchers and parking. Additionally, families will be honored on-court for fans to show appreciation for the sacrifices made by spouses and children when a family member is deployed overseas.
Those interested in applying for the program need only fill out an application found on our website, and meet the following criteria:
- A member of the family has been deployed to the Middle East in the past 6 years, is currently deployed or soon to be deployed
- The family must reside in the Mid-South area (TN, AR, MS, KY, MO)
Should you know of any deserving families, please tell them about this program.
Partner News
Sam’s Club Makes Donation To Grizzlies Academy
Sam’s Club stepped up their support of Grizzlies Foundation partners by providing an $8,000 donation to the Grizzlies Academy scholarship fund in September.
Six store managers and the regional marketing manager attended one of the weekly dinners held at Grizzlies Academy to award the grant that will help fund college scholarships for graduating seniors. The regional Sam’s Club stores pooled their funds for the third quarter support this initiative. Sam’s Club has been a corporate partner with the Grizzlies for two years, has sponsored the Staxtacular gala benefiting the Stax Music Academy, and partnered with Grizzlies point guard Damon Stoudamire to give 100 families from Memphis Athletic Ministries $400 gift cards last holiday season.
“We are very grateful to have the support of Sam’s Club. This donation will help us assist our graduating seniors with the costs of post-secondary education,” said Grizzlies Academy principal Dr. Jane Walters. “Additionally, these funds help to provide special learning opportunities such as test preparation for college entrance exams and field trips.”
Grizzlies Academy is a “second chance high school,” for students behind their expected grade level. With longer school hours and smaller student-to-teacher ratio, students may graduate in three years.
“(My classmate) Derrick (Gipson) and I are hoping to use this fund to help pay for education after we graduate,” said Grizzlies Academy senior Cedric Alexander. “I plan to take classes at Southwest Community College to become a fireman, and Derrick plans to go to barber school.”
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Mentoring Story of the Month
Lynn Saarinen, Chief Petty Officer (Ret.), Memphis Grizzlies season ticket holder for 3 years and LIFT Mentor at Youth Villages
Why did you have an interest in mentoring a young person?
I see so many kids that are heading down the wrong path. It breaks my heart. I knew I had to do something to help.....what better way to help then to mentor a young person!
What personal or professional experience(s) have helped you serve in this role?
I served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years and worked with people of all ages and from all walks of life. My passion was working with the young sailors. As a Chief Petty Officer, one of our biggest jobs was to mentor our sailors. I also raised my son on my own. My experience with him definitely help with mentoring now. He’s now 22 and an awesome young man!
What process did you go through at Youth Villages to become a mentor?
The process was simple. I contacted Lisa Hopper from YV. We talked about the program and how I could get involved. I filled out the application, went and had my fingerprints taken. I was then scheduled for an interview and an evening of mentor training at YV and then Lisa got busy working on a match.
What advice would you give others considering mentoring a young person?
Make sure you are willing to make a commitment to being a mentor. These kids are looking for a “constant" in their lives as well as needing a positive influence. It’s very rewarding......we owe it to our kids.........get involved!
Grizzlies in the News
Wallace In The Community
Chris Wallace has demonstrated his philosophy on moving to a new city and getting to know Grizzlies fans: Talk to them face to face. Since accepting the position of General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations in June, Wallace has been making public speaking appearances like he was running for mayor. On one occasion, he even played on the Memphis Grizzlies’ first-ever Dodgeball team in a charity tournament hosted by Youth Villages.
He recently spoke at the Grizzlies Foundation’s Fall Grants Breakfast at Memphis Athletic Ministries. Wallace’s other community speaking engagements have included a group from MPACT and The Leadership Academy at MAM on the styles of leadership he has encountered in his journey thus far in the NBA, and to the students, faculty and staff at Memphis University School on the importance of being active in one’s community. Ron Tillery from The Commercial Appeal talked with Wallace about his whirlwind tour approach to winning fans.
SPP online directory of philanthropic sports agencies.
Save the Date
Calendar
- Nov. 3: Grizzlies v Pacers; The Grizzlies Foundation to be presented with the Steve Patterson Award for Excellence in Team Sports Philanthropy
- Jan. 30: TEAM UP Awards (more information coming in November)
- Mar. 7: Staxtacular 2008
Grizzlies calendar of games and events.
