New Balance has partnered with Major League Lacrosse (MLL) to raise funds and awareness for Boys and Girls Clubs in participating MLL markets.
Since 2006, Major League Lacrosse, with the support of the New Balance Foundation, has raised over $125,000 for charity through the online auctioning of limited-edition, autographed All-Star Game items. This announcement is in conjunction with the MLL All-Star Game, which takes place Thursday July 16 at 10 PM ET/8 PM MT at INVESCO Field at Mile High. There will be involvement with the Boys and Girls Clubs throughout this event.
On Wednesday, July 15, a Long Drive Competition will take place at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club that will feature six players from the game that will compete against fans to raise money for the Boys and Girls Clubs. Players include Anthony Kelly (Chicago), Kevin Leveille (Chicago), Ray Megill (Boston), Paul Rabil (Boston) and Denver's own Jessie Schwartzman and Matt Bocklet.
All players appearing on both rosters will also autograph their game worn jerseys following the event. Bidding for the 41 limited-edition All-Star jerseys will begin online at the start of the game at www.charitybuzz.com, the online leader in global charity auctions, and will continue through Friday, August 14.
“For over a century, Boys and Girls Clubs have been providing worthwhile opportunities for children and young adults,” said MLL Commission David Gross. “We are proud to support an organization that has working diligently to make such a positive impact in their local communities.”
“New Balance is proud to have long-standing partnerships with the local Boys and Girls Clubs in Massachusetts and Maine where our company facilities are located,” says Rob DeMartini, President & CEO, New Balance. “We are excited to expand our support of this great organization through the 2009 Major League Lacrosse All-Star Game and help them continue to make a difference in the lives of young people.”
“Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver is excited to be working with Major League Lacrosse, and appreciate their commitment to helping children and teens achieve academic success, live healthy lifestyles, and develop good character and citizenship,” said John Arigoni, President and CEO, Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Denver. “On behalf of the more than 9,000 youth we serve from at-risk neighborhoods, we are honored to be the beneficiaries of the MLL All-Star Game festivities.”
Proceeds raised through this year's auction will be distributed among the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston, (including West End House Boys and Girls Clubs, and Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester); Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago; Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Denver; and the St. Albans Boys and Girls Club (Toronto).
