Introducing the DICK'S Sporting Goods Foundation Quarterly Giving Series
TOGETHER, WE MAKE AN IMPACT!
Originally published by DICK's Sporting Goods
We're excited to bring you the first edition of our quarterly giving series from The DICK'S Sporting Goods Foundation. Each quarter, we’ll highlight the great work being done in support of the Foundation by teammates across the company.
Throughout the second quarter, we:
Went back to school and continued our lasting partnership with UNITED at Twin Rivers school.
Kicked off our store & DC giving by leveraging our community marketing managers through unforgettable pep rallies across the country. Read on to learn more.
ACROSS THE COUNTRY
From mid-August though mid-September, DICK'S stores and community marketing managers nationwide surprised youth athletes with an epic run of pep rallies. This 30 days of giving was part of The DICK’S Foundation’s $6 million Sports Matter Community Grant Program, which enables our stores, distribution centers and community marketing managers to choose a local youth sports organization in need of support.
These heartwarming and unforgettable moments -- including integrations with the Girls' Power Panel -- are what make our bond with our communities so special. To celebrate the occasions, we've rounded up key stats and a few of the many great moments.
GIVING HIGHLIGHTS
Store #1308 – Boston, MA provided a $25,000 grant to South End Soccer. This free program allows athletes ranging in age from 5-18 to play soccer and refine crucial skills in the areas of confidence, resilience, conflict resolution, sportsmanship and cross-cultural appreciation.
Store #689 – Orchard Park, NY provided a $20,000 grant to River Rock Little League after the program’s gear was stolen from an equipment shed. With this help, youth athletes in Buffalo will continue to have the opportunity to play baseball for free.
In Miami, the district team hosted a pep rally at American Senior High School and caught it all on video when they surprised the program with $27,000. The team was expecting a $22,000 grant for a new year-round batting cage, upgrades to the playing surface and more, but our team led by CMM Robert Pimentel brought an extra $5,000.
Store #780 – Anderson, SC team up with CMM Erin Byrd and provided a $20,000 grant to a local middle school in Anderson, South Carolina. It marked the first pep rally at the school in two years, and the funds provided updated gear and uniforms for teams like volleyball, which was facing a cut if unable to raise funds.
Store #4608 – Chesapeake, VA hosted several local DICK’S stores to give a total of $19,000 in grants that will impact five organizations and support about 100 youth athletes. They rallied in style with a DJ, games and Kona Ice truck.
In Pittsburgh, CMM Maureen Lawrence presented a $16,000 grant to support the Barack Obama Academy of International Studies' swim, tennis and soccer team after student president Isaiah Trumbull wrote a grant request to provide items such as lane lines, storage, suits, balls, racquets, nets and coolers.
In Colorado, CMM Jess Gilman surprised the Colorado Soccer Foundation during halftime of a Colorado Rapids game with a $20,000 grant. The grant was announced at DSG Park in front of a crowd of 20,000 people.
In Houston, GPP member Bentley teamed up with CMM Diana Gabel to provide a $5,000 grant to Miracle League during its opening day celebration.
In Memphis, CMM Amber Sawyer provided a $10,000 grant to Special Olympics. For most of the athletes, it was their first time in two years that they were able to get together. It was a memorable event where they had the chance to bowl and plan continued programming in the fall.
Store #1161 – Cullman, AL provided $2,000 to Holly Pond High School so the softball team could upgrade its equipment, batting cages and get new coolers to stay hydrated in the Alabama heat.
In Chicago, CMM Liz Horan and her 15 store teams went all-in and provided a $70,000 grant to Beat the Streets Life Champions Academy, which offers free life skills and a wrestling program for athletes in middle and high school.
In Ohio, CMM Morgan Baughman provided a $16,000 grant to Legendary Soccer Club in support of its mission to provide a positive outlet within the community. The funds will allow the group to literally level the playing field, purchase goals, bleachers and gear, and create the club's first girls' team.
In Southern California, CMM DeAnna Holland and her team provided $50,000 to Run LA during an afterschool pep rally.
In Central California, GPP member Katelynn provided an assist to CMM Brian Alamano, as they teamed up to present a $20,000 grant to the Fresno Junior Hockey Club.
THESE MOMENTS ARE MADE POSSIBLE BY CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SPORTS MATTER FUND. IF YOU'D LIKE TO DONATE, VISIT WWW.SPORTSMATTER.ORG.
