The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation distributed more than $150,000 in grants to K-9 units around the country during the 2016 NFL season, including $76,000 in the Pittsburgh community. The Foundation has distributed in excess of $1.65 million since 2007.
“My Dad instilled in me a love and respect for animals. 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.” — Ben.
On November 9th, Ben announced the ninth and tenth grant awards of the 2017 season.
The Foundation will be distributing grants to the Indiana State Police and the Avon Police Department, just west of Indianapolis where the Steelers played the Colts on November 12th.
“The Indiana State Police Alliance has a proud history of supporting the K-9 program. The generous grant provided by the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation will promote the continued success of the state police K-9 program.” — Scott Krueger, President, Indiana State Police Alliance.
The Indiana State Police will use the grant funds to purchase training equipment, and the Avon Police Department will use the funds to add a second dog to their K-9 unit.
“The Avon Police Department is humbled to learn that we were selected to receive the 2017 Ben Roethlisberger Foundation grant. This is an honor and privilege for the Avon Police Department, and we wish to thank Mr. Roethlisberger and his foundation for such a wonderful opportunity to make a positive impact in our community. The Avon Police Department would also like to commend Mr. Roethlisberger for his passion, dedication and generosity that he has demonstrated throughout the United States to help law enforcement agencies. The Avon Police Department looks forward to partnering with the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation in the fight against illegal narcotic distribution, sales and abuse. The Foundation’s generosity will assist the Avon Police Department with the purchase of an additional K-9 unit that will be focused on the interdiction of illegal drugs such as heroin, and other dangerous opioids that have destroyed and taken so many lives. With this grant and the dedication of the men and women of the Avon Police Department, we now have the opportunity to substantially increase our resources to help reduce illegal drug activity in our community and potentially save lives.” — Chief Sean Stoops, Avon Police Department.
During the 2017 NFL season, the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation will be distributing grants to K-9 units of police and fire departments in the cities and surrounding communities of each regular season away game for the Steelers. The Foundation will also distribute several grants to the Pittsburgh area and will consider a grant to a non-NFL market city in the United States if the Steelers advance to the playoffs. Ben invited police and fire departments across the country to submit proposals detailing their needs.
This marks the 11th season that Ben’s foundation has distributed grants to K-9 units.
The mission of his foundation is to support K-9 units of police and fire departments throughout the United States, with a particular emphasis on support for service dogs in Pittsburgh, PA. Ben and his foundation also support Make-A-Wish.
“We are fortunate to be one of this year’s grant recipients from the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation. Our K-9 program has become an integral part of the Medina County Sheriff’s Office. If not for the generous citizens of Medina County and others such as the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation, our K-9 program would not be possible or have the success that it has achieved.” — Sheriff Tom Miller, Medina County Sheriff’s Office.
“Our department is grateful for the support from The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation and The Giving Back Fund in helping us to better care for our K-9’s. Thank you to the Giving Back Fund for overseeing this grant process and to Mr. Roethlisberger for his support of Law Enforcement K-9 Units. — Sgt. Bev Fraser, Medina County Sheriff’s Office.
Blue Mountain Canine Services is a proud supporter of the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation and provides a personalized leather collar etched with an American flag for each new dog awarded by the Foundation.
The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation, founded by Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, welcomes grant inquiries for foundation support. The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation will disperse grants to police and fire departments’ canine units throughout the US. If you would like to make a donation to The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation at the Giving Back Fund, just click here.
