(Findlay, OH) – October 19, 2007 - Findlay, Ohio native and Pittsburgh Steelers’ Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger announced today the latest in a series of grants the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation at The Giving Back Fund will be distributing during the 2007 NFL Season. The grant will be distributed to the Spirit of Aurora, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, on behalf of the Aurora, Colorado Police K-9 Unit. The City of Aurora has 7 full-time officers assigned to the Police K-9 unit.
The K-9 unit will use the grant to purchase and train a new dog. Zacko, the city’s only bomb sniffing dog, is ready for retirement. The new dog is critical to prepare for the National Democratic Convention in 2008. “If we are to acquire a new dog and have him completely trained and familiar with his surroundings and responsibilities, we need to have that dog now in order to have the time and opportunity to train him to his full potential,” said Police Chief Oates. “We don’t have the budget for acquiring new dogs and rely completely on donations.”
“I respect and appreciate the efforts of our police and fire departments across America, and I admire their use of specialized K-9s to further protect our communities.” said Roethlisberger. “I feel honored to provide this grant to the City of Aurora’s K-9 unit, and hope it will serve to enhance safety in the area
This NFL season The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation will be distributing grants to Police and Fire Departments in Pittsburgh and in the cities and surrounding communities of each regular season away opponent for the Steelers in 2007. The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation invited police and fire departments in the 9 cities to submit proposals detailing their needs.
The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation seeks to provide support for police and fire departments throughout the US and to enhance the quality of life for residents of Findlay, OH and Pittsburgh, PA.
In commenting on why establishing a charitable foundation is important to him, Roethlisberger said, “I was raised with a grounded perspective on life, to recognize my blessings and help others as best I can. I feel fortunate to establish a foundation committed to servicing our communities in its own unique way. This is something I am sincerely passionate about.”
In 2006, the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation distributed its first grant to the Police Department in Findlay Ohio, Ben’s hometown. The grant helped to replace their service dog, Flip, who was tragically shot and killed. The grant also purchased a K-9 ballistic vest for the new dog.
For more information about the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation or The Giving Back Fund, please contact Stephanie Sandler or visit www.bigben7.com or www.givingback.org
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