The family of Patriots & MLS Revolution Owner ROBERT KRAFT yesterday announced that both teams' foundations will "collect donations online, with funds earmarked to assist with victim recovery" from the Boston Marathon bombings. The Kraft family will "match the first $100,000 in donations" (BOSTONHERALD.com, 4/16). Meanwhile, Patriots DT VINCE WILFORK announced that he would "take proceeds toward the Vince Wilfork Foundation through the end of April and donate them to victims." To donate $10, text "VINCE" to 50555. Wilfork also "pledged to donate an additional $10,000 if 1,000 people made donations by the end of the month" (BOSTON HERALD, 4/17).
ON THE BIG BUS: The Bobcats and Lowe's are partnering to donate a full-service literacy bus that will encourage reading and learning programs for Charlotte-area youth ages 5-13. The bus will feature Bobcats and Lowe's branding, as well as an NBA hardwood floor on the outside (Bobcats). In Charlotte, Mike Price writes it is "yet another gesture" by Bobcats Owner MICHAEL JORDAN to "show he's serious" about the team becoming invested in the community. Team officials said that "up to 6,000 books will be given out annually" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 4/17).
STEPPING UP: USA TODAY's Jarrett Bell notes Ravens DE CHRIS CANTY yesterday was "at a domestic violence prevention seminar in the ballroom of an Inner Harbor Hotel." The seminar, part of a "national initiative, was aimed at educating coaches -- from rec leagues to the college level -- about domestic violence against women and urging the coaches to effect change." Domestic violence is "clearly on the social radar of the NFL and the NFL players union, with support systems including a hotline for victims and counseling offered with an array of off-the-field initiatives." Bell: "Canty's involvement in this can't hurt. In fact, more players need to follow his lead" (USA TODAY, 4/17).
CHARITY STRIPE: Every Brewers stolen base at Miller Park throughout the '13 MLB season will result in a $1,000 donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin to expand services for children and families fighting childhood cancer and other diseases (Brewers)....Colts QB ANDREW LUCK appeared at an event for a Change the Play wellness initiative at the Riley Hospital for Children (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 4/14)….The WWE announced the “Superstars for Sandy Relief” auction raised $524,742 (WWE)….Gold Medal-winning judoka KAYLA HARRISON and Celtics Managing Partner STEVE PAGLIUCA attended the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children’s annual Together Against Abuse Dinner at the Fairmont Copley Hotel in Boston (BOSTON HERALD, 4/15).
NAMES: A bronzed bas-relief sculpture of former Univ. of Maryland men’s basketball coach LEFTY DRIESELL was unveiled yesterday at Comcast Center (Baltimore SUN, 4/17)….The North Carolina Sports HOF has been selected as a recipient of the Naismith Legacy Award. The award is normally for individuals, but “can be given on an ad hoc basis.” Exec Dir DON FISH and ’12-13 President JANIE BROWN will accept the award on May 1 (TRIANGLE BUSINESS JOURNAL, 4/12 issue)….AFL Philadelphia Soul coach CLINT DOLEZEL was inducted into the league’s HOF prior to last Saturday’s game against the Iowa Barnstormers (PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS, 4/13)….The NFL is “putting players through cooking classes as part of a series of programs designed to prepare them for life after football.” A group of 21 current and former players will “attend a workshop” next month at the Institute of Culinary Education in N.Y. (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 4/17)….JOHN ODOM, the father-in-law of MLS Revolution G MATT REIS, was “among those injured” Monday in the Boston Marathon bombings (CSNNE.com, 4/15).
Did you or someone you know within the industry run or attend the Boston Marathon and be willing to share your firsthand account of the situation? Please email Theresa Manahan at tmanahan@sportsbusinessdaily.com.
