Major Leaguers Provide $42,000 Grant to Jackie Robinson Foundation in Honor of Jackie’s Everlasting Contributions to the Game and Society
NEW YORK, April 15, 2016 /3BL Media/ - Major League baseball players will bestow a $42,000 grant from the Players Trust to the Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF), the Trust announced today – the day in which every Major Leaguer will wear the number 42 in honor of Jackie’s legendary leadership and courage.
Jackie Robinson, one of America’s most iconic figures, didn’t just break barriers in 1947, when he became the first African American to play Major League Baseball, he shattered them. Jackie’s determination and passion for equality helped set the stage for the modern civil rights movement; and for the past 42 years, the Jackie Robinson Foundation has continued Jackie’s commitment to equal opportunity by addressing the achievement gap in higher education.
“As a Trustee of the Players Trust, and a former Major Leaguer, it is an honor to announce that today’s contribution from the Trust is just the beginning of a relationship that seeks to help the Jackie Robinson Foundation exceed its goals in providing educational opportunities to those in need,” stated MLBPA Executive Director, Tony Clark. “Jackie’s life story, in particular, and the stories of the men forced to play in the Negro leagues, in general, had a tremendous impact on my life as a man, as a husband and as a professional baseball player. To this day, Jackie’s determination, perseverance and passion for excellence, on and off the field, are characteristics that I strive to emulate and instill in my own children.”
"We are very grateful for this generous contribution from the Players Trust and pleased to acknowledge Tony Clark's own pioneering assumption of leadership of the Major League Baseball Players Association," said Della Britton Baeza, Jackie Robinson Foundation President and CEO. “We also applaud the Players Trust's commitment to improving communities through volunteerism and supporting worthy causes, consistent with the values espoused by Jackie Robinson and those we reinforce among the talented Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholars whom we serve through our mission."
Founded in 1973 by Rachel Robinson, the Foundation has advanced higher education by providing generous, multi-year scholarship awards coupled with a comprehensive set of support services to highly motivated JRF Scholars and Extra Innings Fellows attending colleges and universities throughout the country.
About the Players Trust
Through the Players Trust, Major Leaguers contribute their time, money and celebrity to call attention to important causes affecting the needy and to help encourage others to get involved in their own communities. In partnership with Volunteers of America, the national human service organization, the Players Trust created and helps administer the Action Team, a national youth volunteer program currently training and inspiring the next generation of volunteers in cities throughout the United States. For more information on the Major League Baseball Players Trust, please visit www.PlayersTrust.org
Follow the Players Trust on Twitter & Instagram: @MLBPlayersTrust
Contacts: Greg Bouris, Director of Communications, gbouris@mlbplayers.com, 212-826-0808; Chris Dahl, Assistant Director of Communications, cdahl@mlbplayers.com; 212-826-0808
