Grizzlies Charitable Foundation Issues $100K in 100 Days Challenge Grant to MAM
Memphis, Tennessee, May 12, 2005 — The Memphis Grizzlies Charitable Foundation today issued a ‘$100K in 100 Days Campaign’ challenge grant to Memphis Athletic Ministries (MAM) in an effort to help fund expansion of MAM’s four newly refurbished neighborhood centers.
The challenge begins today, and the Grizzlies will match, dollar for dollar, all funds raised up to $100K through August 13.
To date, the Grizzlies have provided over $3 million in gifts to MAM used for the construction of the Memphis Grizzlies Athletic Center, a state-of-the-art basketball complex for youth, in addition to year-round camps and clinics, coach development programs, and league support. Memphis Athletic Ministries is the Grizzlies’ primary partner in sports outreach, reaching some 7,500 youth per year through various sports, primarily basketball, as a vehicle to teach social and life skills and foster positive self-esteem.
Founded in 2000, MAM’s mission is to use organized sports to favorably impact the lives of urban, potentially at-risk young people and to foster unity and acceptance across all segments of the community. MAM has over 180 diverse partner organizations throughout Shelby County, including 63% churches, 17% sports organizations, and 3% community centers. The new neighborhood centers will be located in Whitehaven, Midtown Memphis, Frayser and Parkway Village.
MAM currently partners with over 180 different organizations, including schools, faith-based organizations, community centers and non-profit agencies. These partners provide coaches, tutors and trainers who develop “one-on-one” mentoring relationships with the children.
The Memphis Grizzlies Charitable Foundation was established in July 2004 to heighten awareness and ensure better delivery of services and opportunities to potentially at-risk youth in Memphis. Since its inception, the Grizzlies Foundation has donated more than $16.25 million to organizations including Urban Youth Initiative, Soulsville, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Bridges USA, Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis and Memphis Athletic Ministries.
For more information on how to participate in the '$100K in 100 Days Campaign', contact Jenny Koltnow at (901) 205 -1243 or Gib Vestal at (901) 744 -6261.