D-backs present 100K grant to anti-bullying group
PHOENIX -- The Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation will present a $100,000 Grand Slam Grant to notMYkid on the field prior to Wednesday's D-backs vs. Dodgers game. The D-backs chose notMYkid to receive the award for its anti-bullying campaign which is designed to educate “bullies,” those being bullied and bystanders (third-party observer) through a series of presentations at Valley schools.
“We are proud to present notMYkid with one of our prestigious Grand Slam Awards,” said D-backs President and CEO Derrick Hall. “The impact notMYkid has had on bettering families and individuals’ lives on so many issues makes them a perfect organization for the D-backs to align ourselves with, because we both care so much about making the Arizona community and the national community a better place to live.”
The Scottsdale-based organization encourages kids to reach their fullest potential through making positive life choices by empowering and educating youth, families and communities to identify and prevent negative behavior, including drug abuse, alcohol abuse, eating disorders, unhealthy relationships, depression and internet safety.
“This very generous contribution from the D-backs makes it possible for notMYkid to provide programs to 80 Valley middle schools and high schools,” said notMYkid CEOand& Executive Director Jill Woods. “For most schools, funding is not available for prevention education and this award will allow us the opportunity to serve thousands of students, parents and faculty. notMYkid is so grateful to have been chosen as a Grand Slam recipient and to partner with an organization that cares so much about the wellbeing of our children.”
The Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation established the Grand Slam Awards in 2002 to make a larger impact on community organizations by providing a grant for up to $100,000. The grants are made possible by fundraising efforts by the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation.
Founded in 2000 by Debbie and Steve Moak to share their family’s experience with teen addiction, notMYkid is a Phoenix‐based national non‐profit dedicated to inspiring positive life choices by educating individuals and communities about the consequences of destructive youth behaviors such as substance abuse, eating disorders, binge drinking, bullying, depression and internet safety. In an effort to promote prevention messages, notMYkid increases awareness of the challenges kids face, provides information and offers resources to support the success of students, families and educators. For more information visit www.notMYkid.org.