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Yankees announce return of Hope Week in 2014

Pregame ceremonies on Friday, March 28, at Steinbrenner Field to honor Therapeutic Equestrian Organization "Quantum Leap FOarms"

AWARD-WINNING COMMUNITY EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE THIS SUMMER FROM JUNE 16-20

The New York Yankees are proud to announce the return of HOPE Week (Helping Others Persevere & Excel) in 2014 for the sixth 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 2014 will take place in New York from Monday, June 16 through Friday, June 20.
 
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.
 
Last year's event marked the second year that all of the organization's U.S.-based minor league affiliates held 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 FRIDAY'S CEREMONY
 
The Yankees will kick off their announcement of HOPE Week with a pregame ceremony on Friday, March 28 at approximately 6:45 p.m. at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa prior to the Yankees' 7:05 p.m. game against the Miami Marlins.
 
In the spirit of the initiative, the Yankees will honor Odessa, Florida-based Quantum Leap Farm (www.quantumleapfarm.org). Founded in 2000 by Edie Ebbert Dopking, PhD, the organization serves individuals with mental and physical disabilities by providing therapeutic equestrian programs.
 
All BBWAA cards, universal spring credentials and Yankees spring credentials will be honored for this event. All others should submit requests via the MLB credentialing website at credentials.mlb.com. Those unfamiliar with the process or those with questions about the ceremony may call (813) 673-3053 or e-mail [email protected].
 
ABOUT HOPE WEEK HONOREE QUANTUM LEAP FARM
 
Quantum Leap Farm is a 501(c)(3) charity which proudly marked its 14thanniversary on January 19, 2014. The organization provides therapeutic horseback riding, Hippotherapy, carriage driving, equine assisted behavioral health services, and a variety of equine experiential learning programs. Additionally it offers opportunities for individuals, students, or organizations to conduct community service projects, accumulate community service hours, and host a variety of family and corporate functions.
 
Participants range in age from 2 to 92 years old and have a variety of conditions including traumatic brain injury, post traumatic stress disorder, spinal cord injury, neurodegenerative and vascular diseases, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and the effects of strokes. Others have developmental syndromes, such as muscular dystrophy, Down syndrome, autism, and cerebral palsy.
 
Quantum Leap Farm's values and goals center around recognizing the fact that having an injury or a disability may change the way individuals experience life, but it doesn't change who they are. Using horses to help navigate these life challenges, the group helps clients focus on their abilities and explore what it means to be meaningful, purposeful and productive.
 
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 four HOPE Weeks, the Yankees organization (2010), the Steinbrenner family (2011) and Yankees minor league affiliates (2012-13) have 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!

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