Grizzlies Giving Again

I read an article today that reminds me of the good that the Grizzlies have brought to the Memphis scene since their arrival 7 years ago.

Sure the team was disappointing last season with their 22-60 record and attendance was down accordingly but the team has continued thier self-enforced mission of giving back to the community anyway. It was reported yesterday in the Memphis Business Journal that the Grizzlies handed out $345,000 in grants including money to such notable charities as Agape Child and Family Services, ArtsMemphis, Church Health Center, Exchange Club Family Center, Memphis Child Advocacy Center, The Leadership Academy, Memphis Leadership Foundation, Memphis Mentoring Partnership/Volunteer Memphis, MIFA, STREETS Ministries, The Works and Youth United Way.

No other organization in all professional sports gives back as much to their communities as the Memphis Grizzlies give to our city. The team just passed the $19 million mark in donations to the city's school and non-profit organizations since 2001. Just this summer the Grizzlies were awarded the 2007 Steve Patterson Sports Philanthropy Award for Excellence in Sports Philanthropy signifying their constant endeavors in the community. For an organization that reportedly loses millions of dollars every season to continue to give as much to help promote this city is a wonderful thing. The little things this organization does to promote a better living environment for the city are truly admirable.

The Grizzlies are not only helping to build a world class franchise in our city. They are helping to develop a future generation of leaders in our community while helping families make ends meet today. If you would like to learn more about the work this Grizzlies Foundation supports check out their webpage on the Grizzlies Web Site.

I hope people think about this the next time they consider to buy tickets for a game. The Grizzlies find a lot in their hearts to support Memphis. Maybe it is time Memphis can find it in their hearts to support the Grizzlies as well. It would benefit our local business and our community as well.