Atlanta Braves Foundation Awards $250,000 in Grants in 2012 to Local Non-Profit Organizations

September 25, 2012

ATLANTA - Standing by its mission to serve community organizations in and around Braves Country, the Atlanta Braves Foundation will award grants to local non-profit organizations prior to tonight's Braves vs. Miami Marlins game at 7:10 p.m. Through this charitable giving, the organizations will fund initiatives including after-school programs, health and wellness efforts, anti-bullying campaigns, educational projects, athletic programs, and much more. In 2012, the Braves will award $250,000 in grants to 28 deserving recipients.

Tonight's grant ceremony caps another successful year for the Atlanta Braves Foundation and its community outreach programs. The Foundation was successful in its fundraising efforts in 2012 thanks to the generous support of thousands of fans and community partners. Marquee events and initiatives including the Atlanta Braves Foundation Weekend and Foundation Golf Tournament experienced tremendous support, and the expansion of the 50/50 Raffle program to an electronic system has proved to be a great success. The additional revenue generated through the growth of the program has enabled the Foundation to nearly double its community contributions through the grant program. Furthermore, ongoing programs including game day silent auctions and the scoreboard message program helped provide additional funds to support the Foundation's outreach efforts.

"The 2012 Atlanta Braves grant recipients have presented a remarkable commitment to the betterment of our community," said John Schuerholz, President of the Atlanta Braves. "We are pleased to contribute funding to these organizations that are invested in improving the lives of those in and around Braves Country."

Since its inception in 1992, the Atlanta Braves Foundation has provided support and resources to thousands of metro Atlanta-based organizations and has contributed more than $3.5 million in financial assistance to the community. Through the generous support of Braves players and staff, sponsors and fans, the Atlanta Braves Foundation continuously strives to improve the quality of life for our youth.

Summary of the 2012 Atlanta Braves Foundation Grant Recipients and Initiatives

Assistance League of Atlanta will use funds to support Operation School Bell, a program that provides new school clothing and hygiene supplies to homeless and/or impoverished youth.
Atlanta Music Project will support the African Drum and Dance training for elementary and middle school students.
Atlanta Track Club will allocate funding to support the Kilometer Kids, a program dedicated to inspiring youth to achieve health and fitness through a fun and supportive running program.
Anti-Defamation League Southeast Region will use funds to support the No Place for Hate, anti-bullying initiative.
Brian Jordan Back to the Future Foundation will support Camp Jordan, a free baseball clinic for more than 200 children held at the Villages of Carver Family YMCA.
Camp Kudzu, Inc. will support diabetes management education camp programs.
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta will provide follow-up support for the B.R.A.I.N. (Bringing Rehabilitation and Injury Recovery to New Levels) program that addresses the needs of teens with acquired brain injuries.
East Lake Foundation funds will support the Charles R. Drew Charter School's After-School Program.
Empty Stocking Fund will purchase and distribute sports equipment for families during the holiday season.
Fulton County Global Youth Leadership Program will support a two-year education and leadership and training experience for middle and high school students.
Kenny Leon's True Colors Theatre Company will support the August Wilson Monologue Competition (AWMC), an arts education program that allows diverse groups of high school students to practice theatre craft through monologue performances instructed by theatre professionals.
LaAmistand, Inc. will support Latino students and their families through a tutoring and mentoring program.
Make-A-Wish Foundation of Georgia and Alabama will provide wish experiences for children with life-threatening illnesses.
Moving in the Spirit funds will support the "Stepping Stones," a program that inspires and unites youth through the art of dance.
National Coalition of 100 Black Women Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter will fund the Teens on the Move program that consists of in-school mentoring sessions, teaches youth how to manage their personal finances, improve academic grades and prepare for job readiness.
North Metro Miracle League will help fund the Common Ground/Common Goals program, which brings diverse groups of children and youth together to participate in sports and social programs.
Raising Expectations, Inc. will support the organization's after school tutorial program that focuses on youth in elementary, middle and high school while exposing them to science, technology, engineering & math.
Reconnecting Families, Inc. will provide the Celebrating Families!™ curriculum written for families that are dealing with substance abuse, domestic violence, child abuse or neglect.
Royal Family Kids' Camp (A Division of Compassionate Hands, Inc.) funds will support a weeklong camp for foster care children.
Ryan Cameron Foundation will sponsor participation in 2012 Leadership Academy, medical Day, community services outings for ninth grade students.
Special Olympics Georgia will help fund the winter and summer games for Special Olympic athletes.
Teach For America - Metro Atlanta funds will help recruit, train, place and support a number of talented recent college graduates who commit to teach two years in the nation's lowest income communities. The Center for Black Women's Wellness Fund will support the 2012-2013 After-School & Summer Youth Leadership Training Program, an intensive leadership experience for youth ages 12 to 15 years who reside in the Turner Field area.
The Center for Pan Asian Community Services, INC. funding will support the after-school and summer programs for the low-income immigrant and refugee youth in Dekalb, Fulton, Cobb and Gwinnett Counties.
Tomorrow's Champions, Inc. funding will support youth softball programs including clinics and summer travel teams.
Variety-The Children's Charity of Georgia funding will provide backpacks filled with supplies to local school districts that have the highest rate of students that are living below the poverty line.
Vox Teen Communications Inc The grant will support the expansion of the region's only citywide youth publication and increase its coverage of health and wellness content to impact young people's healthy behavior.
Women's Sports Foundation--GoGirlGo! Atlanta funding will support the GoGirlGo! curriculum which helps coaches and adult leaders convey effective information about health risks and how to cope with the physical, mental and social challenges that young girls face, including body image, peer pressure and bullying over social media networks.
Villages of Carver Family YMCA will use funds to support the youth baseball initiatives at the Atlanta Braves Youth Baseball Academy.