Great Job Ben!

Pittsburgh Steelers’ Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger
Announces Grant to the Oxford K-9 Unit

(Findlay, OH) – October 25, 2007 - Findlay, Ohio native and Pittsburgh Steelers’ Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger announced today that the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation will be distributing a grant to the Oxford, Ohio Police Department’s K-9 unit.

The Oxford Police Department patrols a seven square mile area including the Miami University campus, Ben’s alma mater. The current K-9 unit is comprised of “Dover”, “Simon”, and “Scarlet”---two German Shepherds and a Blood Hound. The Ben Roethlisberger grant will be used to purchase vital handler and training equipment that the department does not currently have the budget to buy.

“Ben played his college football at Miami University and we have always enjoyed cheering him on,” said Sergeant Horvath of the Oxford Police Department. “We are so grateful that he has chosen to give back to the Oxford community this way.”

“Oxford is a community that was so good to me during my years at Miami University,” said Roethlisberger. “It is important to me that Oxford remains a safe environment for students and residents. I am happy to contribute to their Police K-9 unit, as a token of gratitude to the men and women protecting Oxford, and to the community as whole for the experience I enjoyed.”

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
ces Grant to the Oxford K-9 Unit