Yankees announce return of Hope Week in 2015

The New York Yankees are proud to announce the return of HOPE Week (Helping Others Persevere & Excel) in 2015 for the seventh consecutive season. The initiative is a unique week-long community program that brings to light five remarkable stories intended to inspire individuals into action in their own communities. HOPE Week 2015 will take place in New York from Monday, August 17 through Friday, August 21.

Each day over the five-day stretch, the Yankees will reach out to an individual, family or organization worthy of recognition and support, surprising honorees with a day celebrating their accomplishments. Outreach will often take place away from Yankee Stadium, allowing the Yankees to personally connect with individuals in settings that highlight their greatest successes.

This year's event will mark the fourth year that all of the organization's U.S.-based minor league affiliates will hold their own HOPE Weeks, allowing the initiative to reach five additional cities and touch more than two dozen additional individuals and groups.

HOPE Week is rooted in the fundamental belief that acts of goodwill provide hope and encouragement to more than just the recipient of the gesture. Fans can learn more about the initiative and nominate inspirational individuals for HOPE Week recognition by visiting the official website at hopeweek.com.

ABOUT THE CEREMONY AND HONOREE - PALMA CEIA LITTLE LEAGUE CHALLENGER BASEBALL

The Yankees will kick off their announcement of HOPE Week with a pregame ceremony on Friday, March 6, at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa prior to the Yankees' 7:05 p.m. game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

In the spirit of the initiative, the Yankees will honor Palma Ceia Little League Challenger Baseball, which is a baseball program designed for the needs of children that live with physical or mental disabilities.

In the Palma Ceia Little League (PCLL), players learn and grow while having fun. Challenger Baseball provides an essential opportunity for kids to develop stronger emotional and social skills, and the program instills a "can do" attitude in the players. The experience helps children gain confidence, while their self-esteem grows stronger. Participation is stressed over competition, and every player gets to bat, field and run the bases.

MORE ABOUT HOPE WEEK

(Please also visit hopeweek.com)

At its core, HOPE Week is about people helping people. The one thing everybody has - no matter their background or financial situation - is time. By involving every one of our players and coaches, Manager Joe Girardi, General Manager Brian Cashman and front office staff during the celebration of HOPE Week, the Yankees are sending the message that everyone can give of themselves to make their community a better place.

Equally significant during HOPE Week is garnering publicity for the highlighted causes and organizations. The greatest challenge facing many not-for-profits is generating interest, awareness and funding for their missions.

At the conclusion of the last five HOPE Weeks, the Yankees organization has been honored with the President's Volunteer Service Award, given "in recognition and appreciation of commitment to strengthening the nation and for making a difference through volunteer service." The awards were bestowed by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation in conjunction with the Corporation for National and Community Service.

The Yankees have additionally been honored with the "Just Cause" Award at the PromaxBDA Sports Media Marketing Summit on November 15, 2011, and the "DMF Champion of HOPE" Award from Daniel's Music Foundation on November 8, 2011. HOPE Week was also recognized by the National Sportsmanship Awards in 2010.

The Yankees encourage all their fans to get involved … Give HOPE!