It’s that time of year again and today, Ben announced the first grant of the 2016 season from the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation at The Giving Back Fund.
The Foundation will be distributing a grant to the Arlington County, VA Police Department – not too far from where the Steelers will play the Washington Redskins on September 12th.
The Arlington County Police Department will use the grant funds to purchase ballistic vests for their existing seven K-9’s.
“Our K-9s are integral members of the Arlington County Police Department, both in the field and from a community outreach perspective. We are grateful to receive this grant so we can provide our K-9’s with ballistic vests as an added layer of protection to keep them safe.” — Arlington County Police Chief M. Jay Farr.
During the 2016 NFL season, The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation will be distributing grants to K-9 units of police and fire departments in the cities and surrounding communities of each regular season away game for the Steelers. The Foundation will also distribute several grants to the Pittsburgh area. Ben invited police and fire departments across the country to submit proposals detailing their needs.
This marks the 10th season that Ben’s foundation has distributed grants to K-9 units. His mission is to support K-9 units of police and fire departments throughout the United States, with a particular emphasis on support for service dogs in Pittsburgh, PA. Ben and his foundation also support Make-A-Wish.
The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation distributed more than $170,000 in grants to K-9 units around the country during the 2015 NFL season, including $93,250 in the Pittsburgh community. The Foundation has distributed in excess of $1.5 million since 2007.
“We’re very fortunate to be in the position that we are able to help these K-9 units. The work that is performed by the dogs and their handlers as well as the bond that is formed is incredible. We’re just thrilled to do our small part.” — Ben.
Big Ben’s Touchdowns for K9’s –
Fans can support future K-9 grants by joining Ben’s crowdfunding campaign on https://pledgeit.org/big-ben. Ben is pledging $1,000 per throwing touchdown this season to his foundation. Supporters can increase the impact by pledging to donate any amount per touchdown!
For more information about the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation or The Giving Back Fund, please contact Jessica Duffaut at www.givingback.org.
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