Educational Programs Read to Achieve Read to Achieve is an NBA-league-wide program that encourages our community s youth to develop a life-long love for reading and promotes the value of reading and on-line literacy. This initiative encourages families and adults to read regularly with young children to foster a desire to learn in our children and to prepare them to be leaders of tomorrow. Locally sponsored by International Paper, the Read to Achieve initiative has touched thousands of local youth through book donations, on-line programs, reading and learning centers, the Grizzlies Reading Challenge and the Memphis Grizzlies Read to Achieve Celebration. Overall, the Read to Achieve program reaches an estimated 50 million children a year. It is the most extensive educational outreach initiative in the history of professional sports. Grizzlies Reading Challenge The Memphis Grizzlies Reading Challenge is a four-week program designed to encourage students to read outside of their classroom curriculum, and is open to students in first through fourth grades. Last season, the Grizzlies hosted the Challenge in 50 schools within the Memphis City Schools, Shelby County Schools, Private/Independent Schools and Desoto County Schools Districts. The students in the winning class of each grade level received the opportunity to attend the first Memphis Grizzlies Read to Achieve Celebration at FedExForum. Nearly 5,000 students attended the Celebration, where they were welcomed by Grizzlies All-Star Reading Team members Shane Battier, Pau Gasol, Dahntay Jones and Mike Miller. Grizzlies Read to Achieve Assembly Program The Grizzlies Read to Achieve Assembly program is designed to encourage elementary age students to read by demonstrating how much fun reading can be. Dance team members and a Grizzlies representative serve as guest readers while Grizz acts out select portions of the book as it is being read. A donation of at least 100 books is made to each school s library during each assembly. Read to Achieve Caravan The Memphis Grizzlies hosted reading assemblies at elementary schools in Jackson, TN, Olive Branch and Horn Lake, Mike Fratello has been actively involved in the community since joining the Grizzlies MS, and Jonesboro, AR, to encourage kids to Read to Achieve. Each school had the opportunity to meet Grizzlies Dance Team members and book donations were made to each school. Stay in School Challenge To combat truancy in the Memphis City School district, the Grizzlies teamed up with the Hyde Family Foundation, Memphis City Schools and District Attorney General of Shelby County Bill Gibbons to encourage middle school students to improve their attendance rates through the Stay in School Challenge. Now in its third year, the Stay in School Challenge recognizes students who achieve a 95 percent or better attendance rate during the 12-week challenge. Last season, students who achieved 100 percent attendance received a pair of athletic shoes donated by Nike. All students who achieved 95 percent or better attendance were invited to take part in the Stay in School Challenge reception held at Opus Restaurant in FedExForum. Pau Gasol and Antonio Burks made a special appearance to congratulate students on a job well done. 88
Stay in School Challenge Tip-Off Basketball Game The Memphis Grizzlies and Hyde Family Foundations tipped off the 2004-2005 Stay in School Challenge with a basketball game between the Vance Middle School Majestic Eagles and the Westside High School Wildcats at FedExForum. Vance Middle School took home the trophy to become the first champions of the Stay in School Challenge Basketball game. Memphis Grizzlies All-Star Reading Team A crucial component of the Read to Achieve Initiative is its All-Star Reading Team, which consists of Grizzlies coaches and players along with their family members, ownership, senior management, local celebrities and business leaders. Last season, Shane Battier, Mike Miller, Pau Gasol, Lorenzen Wright and Dahntay Jones headlined the Grizzlies All-Star Reading Team. Memphis Grizzlies Reading and Learning Centers The Memphis Grizzlies established Reading and Learning Centers and Corners in various schools, libraries and nonprofit organizations throughout the Memphis community and surrounding areas to provide kids with greater access to books and technology. These centers serve as study locations for children and young adults as well as an area for Grizzlies All-Star Reading Team members to host Reading Time Outs. Last year, the Grizzlies opened a Reading and Learning Center at The Cornelia Crenshaw Library and a Reading and Learning Corner at the Collierville Public Library. Memphis Grizzlies Summer Reading Club For the third consecutive year, the Memphis Grizzlies partnered with the Memphis and Shelby County Public Library System for the 2005 Memphis Grizzlies Summer Reading Club. The Summer Reading Club offered prizes to adults, teens and children who read a specified number of books during the summer months. This year, program leaders estimated more than 25,000 people participated in the program. COMMUNITY INVESTMENT Black History Month In honor of Black History Month, the Memphis Grizzlies joined the Memphis and Shelby County Public Library System to open a Reading and Learning Center at the Cornelia Crenshaw Branch, which in 1939 became the first public library open to African Americans. The Cornelia Crenshaw Branch is located only blocks from FedExForum and is a historical landmark for the African American community. Grizzlies guard Antonio Burks and forward Ryan Humphrey were on hand to assist with the grand opening. Memphis Grizzlies Read to Achieve Celebration and Kids Day Game Last season, the Grizzlies continued its mission of encouraging youth to read regularly by partnering with International Paper to host the 2005 Read to Achieve Celebration. Nearly 5,000 elementary students filed into FedExForum for a fun-filled celebration featuring Grizzlies players and local school leaders. The Celebration was a reward for students who participated in the Grizzlies Reading Challenge and read the most minutes in their grade level. Pau Gasol leads students in the Read to Achieve Pledge. 89
Holiday Impact Hoops for the Hungry The Grizzlies, ACH Foods and FedEx teamed up to help the Memphis Food Bank assist families in need during the holiday season. During select games last season, the Grizzlies collected non-perishable food items that were donated to the Memphis Food Bank. Many Grizzlies fans showed their support by donating food items and in return received a discounted ticket to a Grizzlies home game. Grizzlies Toy Drive During the month of December, Grizzlies players and coaches hosted a toy drive at the Memphis Hilton Hotel to support local youth. Fans who brought new, unwrapped toys to the event received autographs from Grizzlies players and coaches. All toys were donated to MIFA as a part of the MIFA/Grizzlies Holiday Stars program. Salvation Army Angel Tree Last year during the holiday season, Grizzlies players, coaches, staff members and executives adopted 100 angels through the Salvation Army Angel Tree program. Gifts such as winter coats, toys and books were purchased to help children and seniors in need enjoy a happier holiday season. Holiday Dinners Also last year during the holiday season, Grizzlies Majority Owner Michael Heisley and former players Bonzi Wells, Jason Williams and Andre Emmett delivered holiday dinners to families of MIFA, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Memphis, St. Patrick s Center and Grizzlies Academy. Memphis Family Shelter Wives and mothers of Memphis Grizzlies basketball players and executives teamed up to donate winter clothing to the children and families of the Memphis Family Shelter. The women donated gloves, hats, coats and scarves to the children to protect them from the cold winter weather. The Memphis Family Shelter provides transitional housing and supportive services for homeless mothers and their children. Shane Battier got into the holiday spirit at a Read to Achieve event 90
Sports Programs Jr. NBA/ Jr. WNBA The Jr. NBA/ Jr. WNBA program utilizes the expertise of NBA and WNBA coaches, players and staff to assist some of the country s leading youth basketball organizations. The Memphis Grizzlies support this program and provide additional programs at no cost to qualified recreational youth basketball leagues in the Mid-South. Local leagues include Germantown Parks and Recreation, Johnson City Parks and Recreation, the Davis YMCA, Olive Branch Parks and Recreation, the Boys and Girls Club of Jackson, Tennessee, The Robert Hill Youth Foundation, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Memphis, the Memphis Jewish Community Center, Batesville Boys and Girls Club, and the City of Memphis Parks and Recreation. This program serves boys and girls, ages 5-14. To date, the program has touched the lives of more than 5,000 youth. AutoZone Kids Klinics AutoZone and the Memphis Grizzlies teamed up to host five free basketball clinics for 100 girls and boys held before select Grizzlies home games last season. Grizzlies coaching staff and players met with the young players and taught basketball fundamentals while also offering words of encouragement and advice. More than 2,000 kids have learned from the pros through this program. Camp for Kids Last season, the Grizzlies held a series of half-day basketball camps called Camp for Kids at the Germantown Community Centre. These day camps focused on fun, friendship and skill development for girls and boys ages 7-15 of all skill levels. More than 1,000 youth have participated in this series to date. COMMUNITY INVESTMENT Dahntay Jones and Brian Cardinal makes regular appearances at basketball camps. 91
Spring Break Camps The Memphis Grizzlies Spring Break Camps are designed to improve basketball fundamentals for youth ages 7-15. In past seasons, Grizzlies players have visited campers at the week-long camp to talk to the kids about what it takes to make the team in middle school, high school, college and in the NBA. Also, the Grizzlies hosted a Spring Break Camp at Tupelo Christian Preparatory School in Tupelo, Miss. Coaches Clinics The Grizzlies provided support for local youth basketball organizations by hosting several coaching clinics. Members of the Grizzlies coaching staff and Basketball Operations taught basketball drills and skill development methods to local volunteer community coaches who dedicate their time to aspiring youth basketball players. Player Summer Camps and Initiatives The Grizzlies assisted its players in hosting their own summer basketball camps, clinics and initiatives during the summer months. Lorenzen Wright hosted his annual basketball camp for the Memphis Parks and Recreations Department and Shane Battier hosted his first basketball camp series in Memphis. Pau Gasol gives a young fan a lift at T.O. Fuller Park. Wheelchair Basketball The Memphis Grizzlies are proud to support the Rollin Grizzlies wheelchair basketball team. Wheelchair basketball is a thriving sport in Tennessee in league and tournament play. The Rollin Grizzlies were invited to have a team member represent them at the NBA All-Star Weekend wheelchair basketball game, which featured outstanding wheelchair basketball players from each of the 30 NBA markets. Westwood Co-Act 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament Each summer, the Memphis Grizzlies partner with the Memphis Police Department to host its 3-on-3 basketball tournament for area youth. This tournament encourages kids to stay off the streets and focus on good choices and education. To register, each participant was asked to provide canned food items to benefit the Hoops for the Hungry program. Memphis Grizzlies First Annual 3-on-3 Tournament The Grizzlies partnered with Gus Macker Basketball s renowned 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament for the first time during the 2004-2005 season. More than 60 teams participated in this tournament on the rooftop of the Ford Parking Garage at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies Community Outreach Community Partner Fundraising Program During the season, the Grizzlies assisted partner organizations in their fundraising efforts with a group night ticket sales program. As part of this program, community partners participated in special in-arena nights which highlighted a particular organization on FedExForum s Plaza concourse. Each featured partner also received special in-game announcements or on-court presentations, which brought awareness to the notable work of each organization. Grizzlies Give Back As part of the Memphis Grizzlies mission to work, play and live as champions, all team members and full-time employees are encouraged to volunteer with local non-profit organizations or groups regularly. Staff members participate in the Hands on Memphis Annual Servathon as well as numerous community walks/runs. Also, Grizzlies business operations personnel have dedicated personal time with local non-profit organizations, serving as volunteers and board members. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration The Memphis Grizzlies along with the National Civil Rights Museum, City of Memphis and Brand Jordan hosted its third annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration commemorating Dr. King s life and legacy. Last season s theme focused on the Family of Sport, which was also the title of the Martin Luther King Jr. Symposium presented by Hyde Family Foundations. The symposium featured top athletes and their fathers such as Shane Battier and father Eddie Battier, NBA great Bill Walton and son Nate Walton plus WNBA star Tameka Catchings and father and former NBA player Harvey Catchings. 92
Tickets for Kids The Memphis Grizzlies Tickets for Kids program facilitates the distribution of tickets purchased by players, coaches, owners, corporate partners, Season Ticket Holders and sponsors to worthy charities and youth organizations. These groups provide tickets to young people who would not otherwise have the resources or the opportunity to attend a Grizzlies game. To date, nearly 140,000 local youth have been rewarded with game tickets for having perfect attendance in school, improving grades, helping in the community or making other strides in their personal or academic development. Wish Granting Many wishes have been granted by the Memphis Grizzlies to children with life threatening diseases. With the help of organizations such as Make-a-Wish Foundation and St. Jude Children s Research Hospital, many children have received the opportunity to attend a Grizzlies game and meet their favorite NBA players. Memphis Grizzlies R.O.L.E M.O.D.E.L. Program Memphis Grizzlies front office staff developed lasting relationships with the students of Grizzlies Academy by attending weekly dinners at the Academy and serving as role models for the students. The program was tipped-off with a special dinner for the students and staff members hosted by Grizzlies Assistant Coach Lionel Hollins at Opus Restaurant at FedExForum. Furthermore, FedExForum served as a collection site at numerous events. Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts Majority owner, Michael Heisley, matched dollar-for dollar contributions made by Grizzlies employees in the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Furthermore, FedExForum served as a collection site at numerous events. COMMUNITY INVESTMENT Memphis Grizzlies Community Investment Staff Staci Franklin Director, Community Investment Jenny Koltnow Director, Grizzlies Foundation Teresa Dickerson Manager, Community Investment James Underwood, Manager, Sport Development Lacara Black, Administrative Assistant 93
GRIZZLIES FOUNDATION Memphis Grizzlies Charitable Foundation Founded in July 2004, the Memphis Grizzlies Charitable Foundation was created to facilitate the delivery of resources, services and opportunities to youth in Memphis. The Grizzlies are among the most philanthropic teams in professional sports, having contributed over $17 million to local nonprofit organizations with a focus on youth since December 2001. The Grizzlies Foundation makes a concentrated effort to support agencies who receive funds to yield a more profound, deeper and long-lasting impact on the community. The Grizzlies also recognize that our support extends beyond the actual grant or check. By leveraging the Grizzlies myriad of partnerships, community brand and resources we add a great deal of value to the monetary contribution. This results in more public awareness of Foundation partners and outreach services, better availability of resources to partners and ultimately more effective delivery of programs to the youth who need it most. Mentoring Initiative Upon the inception of the Grizzlies Foundation, mentoring was identified as a top priority, because of the mounting evidence of its effectiveness in helping youth to stay in school, aspire to higher achievement and further education, and develop self-esteem and a more positive vision for their own lives. We believe that by providing mentors to at-risk youth, they may be better equipped to overcome challenges, find hope and meet success. Foundation Partnerships Below are just a few examples of the impact of our community partnerships: Grizzlies Academy The Memphis Grizzlies made a $1.5 million donation to Grizzlies Academy in July 2003 to support the school over five years. Since that first donation, members of the Grizzlies organization have made regular visits, donated incentive items, participated in weekly dinners, and coordinated special events. In addition, the Grizzlies have provided game tickets and tickets to other FedExForum events, and have engaged the kids in special projects, including building a mosaic mural to be permanently displayed in FedExForum. Youth Villages is one of a number of local organizations supported by the Memphis Grizzlies Charitable Foundation supports 94
GRIZZLIES FOUNDATION Memphis Athletic Ministries (MAM) Since December 2001, the Memphis Grizzlies have donated $3.5 million to Memphis Athletic Ministries (MAM). The Grizzlies continue to add value to MAM s existing grassroots sport programs by providing merchandise, sponsoring major tournaments, facilitating player appearances, and promotions MAM leagues and events. Soulsville Since February 2003, the Memphis Grizzlies have donated $1.5 million to Soulsville, the umbrella organization which oversees the Stax Museum of American Soul Music and Stax Music Academy. Most recently, the Grizzlies Foundation worked with Shane Battier, Brian Cardinal and their wives to create STAXTACULAR, an annual fundraiser which resulted in over 200 new visitors to the Stax Museum, over $50,000 to support the Stax Academy, and tremendous goodwill and new interest in the efforts to revitalize the South Memphis neighborhood where Soulsville exists. Memphis Grizzlies Charitable Foundation Partners Through September 2005, the Memphis Grizzlies Charitable Foundation had made over $17.1 million in donations to nonprofit organizations in the Greater Memphis community. Major foundation partners who received donations in excess of $500,000 each include: Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis/ Phoenix Club $ 1,025,000 BRIDGES $ 1,000,000 Greater Memphis Arts Council $ 1,100,000 Grizzlies Academy $ 1,500,000 Memphis Athletic Ministries $ 3,100,000 Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association (MIFA) $ 575,000 St. Jude Children's Research Hospital $ 5,000,000 Soulsville $ 1,500,000 Urban Youth Initiative $ 1,760,000 Youth Villages $ 500,000 COMMUNITY INVESTMENT Additional gifts include: Church Health Center $ 100,000 Exchange Club Family Center $ 29,000 Hands on Memphis $ 100,000 Memphis Child Advocacy Center $ 50,000 Memphis Leadership Foundation $ 75,000 National Civil Rights Museum $ 29,000 STREETS Ministries $ 100,000 The Works, Inc. $ 100,000 Volunteer Memphis $ 52,000 Youth United Way $ 41,000 Dahntay Jones plays video games with a young Memphis Grizzlies House resident Shane and Heidi Battier along with Brian and Danielle Cardinal (Pictured with Deanie Parker, President, Soulsville Foundation) hosted the inaugural Staxtacular Fundraiser for the Stax Museum of American Soul Music 95
NBA Community Outreach The dedication of the NBA, its teams and players to the improvement of communities around the world has a long history and tremendous reach. The league s implementation and execution of its Read to Achieve program impacts and inspires children and their families to develop a life-long love of reading. The NBA family has placed reading and children s education at the forefront of its community work by donating millions of dollars, extensive resources and countless volunteer hours to the promotion and sponsorship of literacy initiatives. In addition, through the internationally acclaimed Basketball without Borders program, the NBA reaches people all over the world. Through the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA program, the NBA positively impacts millions of kids and their parents on a year-round basis by stressing fundamental basketball skill development, teamwork, sportsmanship and positive adult participation. The Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA provides a support structure that encourages participation and makes youth basketball fun and rewarding for players, coaches, officials and parents. As the world s greatest athletes, NBA players are dedicated to the community and committed to giving back in extraordinary ways. Through their foundations, camp efforts and charitable work, they make a difference for thousands of non-profit and youth-serving organizations. Each month, the NBA honors one of its players who has achieved outstanding accomplishments in the community, with the Community Assist Award and the David Robinson plaque, which represents the standard and legacy set by the NBA Legend. Additionally, the NBA and WNBA each present an annual Sportsmanship Award to a player who best represents the ideals of sportsmanship. In addition to youth sports and education, the NBA also supports numerous causes and organizations that positively impact communities, including but not limited to: The Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund; UNICEF; The National Wheelchair Basketball Association; The National Civil Rights Museum; Gallaudet University; The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center; and the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS. Mike Miller is a member of the Grizzlies All-Star Reading Team 96