Golfing for a great cause!
Grab your clubs and three golfing buddies and meet Ben, his friends and teammates on the golf course at the Sewickley Heights Golf Club on June 3rd for the Second Annual Ben Roethlisberger Foundation Invitational!
The tournament will benefit both the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation.
Since 2007, the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation has made 107 grants totaling more than $950,000 to 102 police and fire departments and five community youth organizations, including Ronald McDonald House Charities and the Make A Wish Foundation. These 102 canine grants have funded the purchase of 66 dogs, the training of 28 dogs and 50 handlers, safety equipment for more than 50 dogs, and training equipment for 31 dogs, as well as food, vet services and housing for countless more.
“The Montgomery County (MD) Sheriffs Office wanted to again thank Ben Roethlisberger and BigBen7.com for the support you have shown our office in the past. Last year we were able to purchase ballistic vests for all of our K9s because of your support.” – Deputy Sheriff James Johnson, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.
A total of 112 golfers participated in last year’s tournament with 27 companies and corporations sponsoring the event, including Apollo Jets, Patriot Homes Corporation, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PNC, #1 Cochran, and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The golfers and their host had a great time with the pre-tournament competitions, which included the Chip Shot Challenge, a Super Bowl XLIII Challenge (throwing the football through the hands of a cardboard Santonio Holmes), Shuffleboard Golf, a “Big Shot” Challenge (driving your way through the AFC North), a $5,000 Putt Challenge, and a $1 million dollar Shootout (165 yard shot). During the tournament, golfers had the opportunity to try their hand at other competitions along the course, including Poker & Roulette Golf, a Men’s and Women’s Long Drive, the Straight Drive, a “Coffin Corner” on the 9th hole, and a TPC Sawgrass “Island Green” hole on the 17th.
Space is limited for the tournament, so make your golfing plans now!
You can sign up for the tournament (foursomes only – no single golfers), or learn more about it here.
You can see an album full of photos from last year’s Invitational here.
Is dining and dancing more your […]
“Roethlisberger leading the way at workouts”
“I wanted to tell them this is the start of the 2013 season. It’s important for us to know if we want to be the best we can be it starts now. I wanted to let them know that I am here to help and support them, and I plan on leading any way I can.” — Ben, on being there for his teammates.
From an interview today with Teresa Varley, at Steelers.com:
After going through the team’s first voluntary conditioning workouts on Monday, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger signaled for the large turnout of players to gather around him on the field.
While his words couldn’t be heard beyond the tight knit group that formed a circle around him, his actions certainly could. It was a true sign of leadership, Roethlisberger showing that he is not just committed to winning, but to being one of the true veteran leaders on the team.
Roethlisberger doesn’t have to be at the workouts, as they are voluntary and as a veteran he knows what it takes to get ready for when OTAs begin. But for younger players, and even other veterans, seeing him there definitely shines a light on the importance of getting off to a strong start.
“I want the younger guys to know how important this is,” said Roethlisberger. “The older guys, they don’t need to be here. They have been here long enough. Me being here is to encourage the young guys and the ones that haven’t been doing it a long time, to know how important it is by seeing a veteran guy here and do what I can to lead these young guys.
“We have had so much change. We lost a lot of veteran guys. I look around and I think there are only five or six guys on this team that are older than me now. It’s important for me as a leader and a quarterback to be here and show guys I am dedicated to this team and this season and am doing what I can to be the best I can be.”
Roethlisberger agrees that change can be good. But he also likes the fact that he will still have some of his receivers in the fold, including Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders.
“It’s going to be big for these […]
“Offseason workouts underway for the Steelers”
“I started seven days after our last game, doing cardio five to six days a week. I want to play 16 games and more.” — Ben, during an interview with Mike Prisuta today.
From Teresa Varley this afternoon, Steelers.com:
The first regular season game isn’t until September, but football season got underway for many Steelers’ players on Monday with the first day of voluntary workouts.
“It’s great to see so many guys come out, especially after a disappointing year last year,” said defensive end Brett Keisel. “Everyone is here on the first day ready to work and hopefully get back on the winning side of things.”
Among the newcomers at voluntary workouts was quarterback Bruce Gradkowski, a seven-year veteran who signed with the team in March. Monday was an opportunity for him to start building a rapport with his new teammates, including Ben Roethlisberger, and he was happy to finally get his Steelers’ career rolling.
“Ever since I signed I couldn’t wait for this day because this is the start of the 2013 football season,” said Gradkowski. “We’re excited to get it started. Just to see all of the guys here working hard, Ben, the linemen, Keisel. It’s an exciting time.
You can read more from Ms. Varley’s report here.
You can watch video from their first workout here.
You can also read more from Ben’s short interview with Mike Prisuta here.
A Make-A-Wish day to remember
“Brandon’s Make-A-Wish was to meet Big Ben and the Steelers. That day was the best day since Brandon was diagnosed with cancer.” — Brett Brawdy, father of Brandon.
The Brawdy family reached out to us this week to share their son, Brandon’s experience in meeting Big Ben, Brett Keisel and all of their teammates last summer:
“The day Brandon got to meet the Steelers, Ben yelled out ‘Make-A-Wish’ and was the first one to run right up to Brandon on the field as soon as the horn sounded that practice was over”, said Mr. Brawdy. “Then it was on…the whole team surrounded him like he was a rock star to sign his football! They stayed out there until he got to meet all of the players that were there.”
It was exactly what 15-year old Brandon, who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer a year and a half ago, had wished for ever since his parents contacted the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
“The smile and awe that was on my nephew’s face that day, captured in photos that we will forever cherish”, said his aunt, Janice Brawdy. “He lit up when he was around them. I love looking at all the photos! It was such an amazing, wonderful day for him. Thank you Big Ben and all the Steelers family for making Bran’s day one of the best days ever!”
One of the best moments of the day for Brandon was meeting his favorite player, Brett Keisel. He also posed for photos with Ben, Brett, Antonio Brown, Coach Tomlin, and smiled in several group shots with the Steelers defense!
More from Brandon’s father:
“The story behind the picture I sent of Ben reaching out to shake my wife’s hand with the huge grin on Bran’s face is one I will always remember.
After Ben yelled out ‘Make-A-Wish’, he ran towards Bran and about five feet before he got to him, he turned towards my wife and acted like the wish was for her. Everyone that was with us cracked up laughing – it immediately put everyone at ease!
Ben also knew that Brett Keisel was one of Bran’s favorite players, so Ben was introducing himself to our family as Brett!
We just couldn’t believe how much time Ben and […]
There’s just three weeks left
…before Big Ben’s appearance at the King of Prussia Mall in Philadelphia!
The public autograph signing will take place at the Sports Vault store, at their location in the Plaza of the King of Prussia Mall on May 4th, 2013, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM.
The Sports Vault is across from the Food Court in the Sears wing.
Photo Ops will be available, but are very limited (see update below)!
This is Ben’s first autograph signing in PA in over 7 years! Don’t miss out!
You can get more information on pricing and purchase your tickets in advance here.
You can get travel info to the King of Prussia Mall here.
*The photo above is from Ben’s last signing event, which took place in Virginia in April, 2012. That’s big #7 fan Bryce Bishop who traveled from New York just to meet Ben, and will be attending Ben’s Football Camp in June!
UPDATE from the Sports Vault:
“Important announcement on Big Ben photo Ops – This is a limited offer due to time and will sell out. The 1st day response was the BIGGEST sales day we have ever seen. This is our warning that this option will sell out, so please do not wait. Thanks for the incredible response to this offer.”
Sunscreen? Check!
Sun hat? Check! O-ball football? Check!
My dad and personal lifeguard? Double check!
Loved my first experience in a pool during our trip to the Breakers in West Palm Beach this week! — Benjamin, Jr.
And on a perfect Sunday afternoon…
Last day by the pool. Got my sweet hat on and enjoying the day!! — Jr.
You can see more pictures of my awesome family (and me) right here.