The Magnolia-based Moyer Foundation instituted by ex-Mariners pitcher Jamie Moyer and his wife Karen has been tendered the 2007 Steve Patterson Sports Philanthropy Award for Excellence in Sports Philanthropy, a joint presentation of the Sports Philanthropy Project and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Also recognized at the same time was the Memphis Grizzlies Charitable Foundation. The awards were presented June 23 at the Associated Press Sports Editors Convention in St. Louis.
"The Grizzlies Charitable Foundation and Jamie Moyer are outstanding sports leaders who care deeply for the health and well-being of people in their communities," said Greg Johnson, executive director of the Sports Philanthropy Project. "Their commitment goes much deeper than just financial contributions; they work strategically to identify pressing needs in their communities and develop innovative ways to address those needs."
"I am humbled and honored to receive this award on behalf of the Moyer Foundation, our staff, partners, volunteers and all those who have been a part of our mission," said Jamie Moyer.
"As an athlete, you are most often measured by stats and what you do on the field, but receiving an award like this for the work you do off the field, that is most meaningful because of the impact it has in raising awareness and inspiring others to give back in their own communities.
"Having the opportunity to create a nationwide initiative like Camp Erin and knowing that these camps will be here - helping kids long after my baseball career is over - that is what is most important to me," Moyer added.
The Moyer Foundation, established in 2000, has helped raise more than $10 million to support more than 120 nonprofit organizations that assist children in physical, emotional or financial distress.
This annual award was created in memory of Steve Patterson, former UCLA basketball star, NBA and college coach, and one who believed in and practiced the power of sports philanthropy to make a difference in the lives of others. Patterson died of cancer in July 2004.
The award includes a $5,000 honorarium to advance the work of each winning foundation.
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