The New York Yankees donated $500,000 to support relief efforts in the tornado ravaged southern region of the United States. Of the total, $250,000 was allocated to The Salvation Army and $250,000 to The American Red Cross.
"On behalf of the entire New York Yankees organization, we would like to express our deepest condolences to all those affected by the devastating storms in Alabama and throughout the South," said New York Yankees General Partner and Vice Chairperson Jennifer Steinbrenner Swindal. "During the most difficult of times, the resiliency of the American spirit brings people together. We are eager to join so many others in helping to rebuild these proud and vibrant southern communities. In the days, weeks and months ahead, we will continue to keep everyone in our hearts and prayers."
The New York Yankees and Mayor Bloomberg worked in conjunction to address the issues of truancy, chronic absenteeism and lack of school engagement in New York City public schools. The campaign, called WakeUp! NYC, sends chronically absent students automated phone calls with wake-up messages from public figures encouraging them to attend school on time. WakeUp! NYC also sends automated phone calls with congratulatory messages acknowledging students for their improved attendance. As part of the campaign, NYC public school students received surprise wake-up messages from Yankees stars Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes and Mark Teixeira.
On June 15, the New York Yankees and Wake Up! NYC recognized public school students from across the five boroughs for their improved attendance over the past school year during a pre-game ceremony. In addition, the New York Yankees hosted in excess of 300 students at Yankee Stadium to share in this experience and hopefully motivate them to follow in the footsteps of the 2010/2011 honorees.
The New York Yankees are proud supporters of Highbridge Voices and were honored to showcase their program at Yankee Stadium. On June 29, Highbridge Voices was recognized during the pre-game ceremony for inspiring excellence in the lives of children through their active participation in the performing arts. In addition, the Highbridge Voices Chamber Choir, an ensemble of young men and women dedicated to musical and academic distinction performed "The National Anthem".
The New York Yankees and the New York Blood Center established a partnership to address the issue of the declining blood donor population. As a result, the New York Yankees High-School Blood Donor Championship was initiated. High-schools based in the metropolitan area are provided with incentives (tickets, promotional items, etc.) to motivate staff and students 16 years or older to donate blood at their school blood drives. The total number of donations collected at each school competing in the Blood Donor Championship is tallied at the end of the academic year, and the top schools are invited to attend a game at Yankee Stadium and are honored in a pre-game ceremony on-field. Since the program's inception in 1996, approximately 650,000 donations have been made, providing patients in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut-based hospitals with almost two-million life-saving blood products.
In response to the drastic drop in blood donations associated with Hurricane Irene, the New York Yankees and the New York Blood Center teamed-up to administer numerous blood drives throughout the tri-state area and implement an incentive program to enhance donations. Approximately four thousand two hundred tickets to various New York Yankees 2012 regular season home games were donated by the Yankees organization to support the effort. In recognition of each donors' espouse/commitment, they were provided with 2 tickets to attend a game at Yankee Stadium. Exceeding the New York Blood Centers goal by 577 donors, the united effort inspired 2,187 individuals to donate blood.
On an annual basis, the New York Yankees work in conjunction with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to grant the wishes of approximately 30 children who have been diagnosed with life threatening medical conditions.
In recognition of our efforts dedicated to supporting their mission, the Make-A-Wish Foundation presented the New York Yankees with one of their highest honors, the 2010 Chris Greicius Celebrity Award.
Prior to the start of the school year, the New York Yankees and Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center partnered to host several immunization fairs to afford Bronx youth, ages 4-18, the opportunity to receive their required vaccinations at no cost. Vaccinations protect children against serious and sometimes life-threatening diseases. The New York Yankees worked in conjunction with doctors, nurses and health educators from Lincoln Medical Center to kick-off the Campaign's 5th Annual Back-to-School Immunization Fair at Yankee Stadium. Families who attended the event received information on healthy lifestyle initiatives, food, entertainment, promotional give-aways and tickets to attend a 2011 home game. During this year's Campaign, more than 1,680 vaccinations were administered and the immunization records of 1,360 Bronx youth were updated to ensure they were ready to start school on day one of the 2011/2012 school year.
The New York Yankees partnered with the 161st Street Merchants Association to ensure local youth kicked-off the 2011/2012 school year on a positive note. Throughout the day individuals in attendance of the 10th Annual Back-to-School Jamm/Health Fair were provided with food, entertainment and free health screenings. In addition, 2,500 Bronx-based students received a New York Yankees backpack complete with school supplies.
The New York Yankees worked in conjunction with State Farm to support and highlight the efforts of individuals who are committed to making a difference in the lives of Bronx residents. All honorees were invited to watch batting practice on the field, recognized and presented with the State Farm Go To Bat Award during a pre-game ceremony, enjoyed a pre-game meal in one of the restaurants at Yankee Stadium, and watched the game from field box seats.
The New York Yankees, Legends Hospitality, Stop & Shop and Nourishing NYC partner to implement/host healthy lifestyle initiatives at Yankee Stadium. The Healthy Home Plate Program provides area youth, ages 12-15, the opportunity to participate in a program focused on the importance of preparing affordable healthy meals and incorporating these meals into their lifestyle. Legends Hospitality opens the doors of various kitchen outlets, where Sous Chefs engage the youth in attendance with hands on cooking demonstrations. During the interactive lesson, nutritionists from Nourishing NYC educate students about the nutritional value of the ingredients in the recipes prepared. Stop & Shop supplies the ingredients for the meals prepared in class, and environmentally-friendly shopping bags with healthy eating magazines, coupons and the provisions required from the cooking demonstration for students to make the recipes at home. In recognition of the students' participation/completion of the program, their efforts are showcased during a pre-game ceremony at Yankee Stadium. In addition, each participant receives a certificate, personalized cookbook of healthy recipes, Stop & Shop gift card and tickets to attend a game.
The Sport Management Mentoring Program was implemented to expose local high-school students, ages 15-18, to various careers associated with professional sports. On a monthly basis, the New York Yankees invite approximately twenty-five students to attend an interactive discussion with front office personnel who share their career paths, position/day-to-day responsibilities, how their work supports game-day activities, and an overview of what takes place behind the scenes. In addition, students are treated to lunch and a tour of Yankee Stadium.
The New York Yankees partnered with Community Board 4 (CB4) to host the 4 + 44 Awards Ceremony at Yankees Stadium. During the event, the efforts of local police officers are showcased and they are recognized for their commitment to make a difference in the lives of the residents of CB4. Honorees included:
The New York Yankees worked in conjunction with the Bronx Borough President's Office to host the Bronx Borough President's Cup Championship baseball game at Yankee Stadium, featuring Little League Raiders and Rolando Paulino Little League. Bronx Little League teams were invited to identify their players, who excelled on the baseball diamond and in the classroom, and provide them with the opportunity to compete in the Bronx Borough President's Cup Tournament. Close to 1,200 fans were in attendance to recognize the achievements of all the student athletes that competed and witness the Little League Raiders win the 2011 Bronx Borough President's Cup trophy.
The New York Yankees support Harlem Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) efforts to provide New York City youth with positive educational, recreational and social outlets. The two organizations partnered to host the 2011 Northeast Regional RBI Championship Games at Yankee Stadium. Approximately 1,500 spectators watched two regional championship games; the Jersey City Yankees defeated the Greater New York Sandlot Amateur Association in the 15 and under division, and the Greater New York Sandlot Amateur Association defeated the Jersey City Yankees in the 18 and under division. The winners of each game advanced to compete in the RBI World Series in Minnesota.
In association with the inaugural New Era Pinstripe Bowl, the New York Yankees, the Public School Athletic League and DeLea Sod worked in conjunction to resurface Harry S. Truman High School's outdoor athletic/recreational area.
In association with the New Era Pinstripe Bowl, the New York Yankees, Nike and the Public School Athletic League teamed up to host the 2011 PSAL Varsity City Championship Football game at Yankee Stadium on December 6, 2011 featuring Lincoln High School and Erasmus Hall High School. Close to 8,000 fans were in attendance to witness Lincoln Hall defeat Erasmus, 20-12, in an exciting game.
In association with the New Era Pinstripe Bowl, the New York Yankees, Nike and the Public School Athletic League worked in conjunction to host the 2011 MVP Scholar Athlete Awards Ceremony at Yankee Stadium. Eleven scholar-athletes from each of the five boroughs were identified and recognized for their outstanding academic and athletic achievements. In addition, the 55 scholar-athletes were recognized on field at the end of the first quarter of the New Era Pinstripe Bowl on December 30, 2011.
In association with the New Era Pinstripe Bowl, the New York Yankees and the Rutgers Football team partnered to host a Coach's Talk for local youth from the Bronx Youth Tackle Football League and Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club at Yankee Stadium. Youth in attendance were treated to lunch and a viewing of the Rutgers Football team's 2011-2012 season highlight reels. Directly following, Rutgers Head Coach, Gregory Schiano, along with Rutgers players held an interactive practice, and talked to the children about the importance of being a well-rounded scholar-athlete.
On Wednesday, November 9, 2011, the New York Yankees partnered with New York Cares and Hard Rock Cafe to host a Coat Drive at the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square. Coats collected were donated to New York City-based residents who would otherwise be unable to afford a coat during the winter months. In exchange for a coat, donors were provided two tickets to the Army vs. Rutgers football game held at Yankee Stadium on November 12, 2011.
On Thursday, November 17, 2011, the Yankees and White Rose teamed up to hold their annual Thanksgiving Food Voucher Giveaway at Yankee Stadium. During the event, Bronx residents were provided with vouchers that could be redeemed at local Met Food or Pioneer Supermarkets to assist with the expense related to preparing a Thanksgiving meal. Approximately 1,200 food vouchers were allocated.
On Wednesday, November 23, 2011, the Yankees, Legends Hospitality and the Supportive Children's Advocacy Network (SCAN) partnered to host a traditional Thanksgiving feast for approximately 200 local residents at SCAN-NY's Mullaly Recreation Center - located in Yankee Stadium's backyard. In addition, the Yankees donated $2,500 in sporting equipment to support SCAN's efforts to provide local with positive recreational outlets.
On an annual basis, the New York Yankees work in conjunction with White Rose and members of the Bronx clergy to host a Holiday Food Drive at Yankee Stadium. On December 14, 2011 approximately 130,000 pounds of food was collected and distributed to families in need throughout the Bronx.
Yankee Stadium transformed into the North Pole on Friday, December 16, 2011 when the New York Yankees hosted the 2011 Winter Wonderland event in conjunction with the Bronx Borough President's Office and Legends Hospitality. Approximately 3,500 local youth were treated to a holiday extravaganza in Yankee Stadium's Great Hall, complete with holiday decorations, festive music, including caroling by the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club Choir, and food and soft drinks. As a result of the commitment of the New York Yankees Foundation, Bronx Borough President's Office and Neil and Amanda Friedman, every child in attendance was provided with a holiday gift.
On an annual basis, the New York Yankees Comp Ticket Program provides local youth with the opportunity to experience professional and amateur sporting events hosted at Yankee Stadium. As a result, in 2011 the New York Yankees donated approximately 62,000 tickets to various community-based organizations.
The New York Yankees are committed to supporting community-based organizations that provide positive educational and recreational outlets for New York City youth. During 2011, the New York Yankees dedicated in excess of 7.1 million dollars in resources to such programs. Below is a list of a number of our community partners: