Pittsburgh Steelers’ Super Bowl Champion Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger Announces First Grant from New Foundation
NOVEMBER 28, 2006 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Findlay, OH) – November 29, 2006 - Findlay, Ohio native and Pittsburgh Steelers’ Super Bowl Champion Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger announced today the first grant from his newly established Ben Roethlisberger Foundation at The Giving Back Fund. The grant will be distributed to help the Findlay Police Department replace their police dog, Flip, who was tragically shot and killed last week. Flip was the only canine dog in the unit. The grant will also cover the cost of purchasing a K-9 ballistic vest.
Roethlisberger expects this grant to be the first of many to police and fire departments throughout the US, for whom he has shown long-standing support.
“When we received the call that someone wanted to help us buy a new dog, they didn’t need to tell me who the donor was. I knew it was Ben. He’s been great to us.” said Findlay Police Chief Bill Spraw.
Roethlisberger has expressed an interest in continuing to support new training dogs through the Foundation. “My Dad instilled in me a love and respect for animals.” said Roethlisberger. “This is a good way to combine that passion with a desire to support the police and fire departments, which deserve all the appropriate resources needed to protect our cities and neighborhoods, and allow these brave men and women to arrive home safely.”
As law enforcement becomes increasingly dangerous, agencies are relying more and more on the Police K-9 to protect officers and citizens. Due to tight budgets, many Police Departments rely on public donations to purchase police dogs and K-9 ballistic vests.
Plans for the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation also include grantmaking to nonprofit organizations assisting children in need in cities where Ben has lived and played football.
In commenting on why establishing a charitable foundation is important to him, Roethlisberger said, “I have been blessed with opportunities throughout my life to pursue my goals and achieve some success, all under the guidance of a loving family and supportive communities. I was raised to appreciate my blessings and always try to help others who may not be as fortunate. I feel honored to be able to do so.”
For more information about the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation or The Giving Back Fund, please contact Stephanie Sandler or visit www.givingback.org and www.bigben7.com.
About Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger is in his third season as quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and already has secured his place in the record books. At 6 foot 5 and 245 pounds, he is aptly referred to as Big Ben, and has become known for big performances and a humble approach. In 2006, Big Ben became the youngest starting quarterback ever to win a Super Bowl, defeating the Seattle Seahawks 21-10 in Detroit. In the process, the Steelers became the first team to win three playoff games on the road. Ben’s record as a starter in his first two seasons was an astonishing 27-4, and he is the only quarterback to lead his team to the conference championship game in each of his first two seasons. He was the unanimous Rookie of Year in 2004, breaking Dan Marino’s rookie records for completion percentage and passer rating, and is the only quarterback in NFL history to compile a 13-0 record in the regular season.
Ben was raised in Findlay, Ohio and was a three sport star at Findlay High School. He went on to set nearly every quarterback record at Miami University (Ohio) prior to foregoing his senior season and becoming the 11th overall pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2004 NFL Draft. Ben resides near Pittsburgh with his two dogs, Zeus and Hercules. His parents, Ken and Brenda Roethlisberger, continue to reside in Findlay, OH with his sister Carlee, who will attend the University of Oklahoma next year on a basketball scholarship.
About The Giving Back Fund
The Giving Back Fund (www.givingback.org) is a national nonprofit organization established in 1997 to provide professional philanthropic consulting, mentoring, and management to athletes, entertainers and others. With offices in Boston and Los Angeles, The Giving Back Fund has worked successfully with more than 75 professional athletes, entertainers, and business entrepreneurs, helping them achieve their philanthropic goals. It has overseen the distribution of more than $12 million dollars in charitable grants, programs, and scholarships. While The Giving Back Fund has developed special expertise in providing philanthropic consulting to athletes and entertainers, its services are available to anyone committed to increasing the impact of their philanthropy.
Stephanie Sandler, CEO
The Giving Back Fund
Phone: 310.649.5222
Fax: 310.649.5070
Email: ssandler@givingback.org
www.givingback.org
Ryan Tollner, Agent
REP 1 Sports Group
Phone: 949.748.6000
Fax: 949.748.6001
Email: ryan@rep1sports.com