Girls Given Chance to Play, in Pennsylvania
The Women’s Sports Foundation, along with The Hershey Company Gives $40,000 to Community Groups with Girls’ Sports Programs in the state of Pennsylvania
NEW
YORK
,
September 21, 2009
- The Women’s Sports Foundation and The Hershey Company awarded a total of $40,000 in grants to seven organizations across Pennsylvania this year through its GoGirlGo! Grant Program. The grants were awarded to organizations that provide girls, ages 8-13, the opportunity to participate in sports and other physical activities. By using the Women’s Sports Foundation’s GoGirlGo! educational curriculum, each grantee will be able to achieve its goal of adding new, or expand existing, participation opportunities for girls, especially those in underserved communities.
“The Hershey Company is delighted to partner with the Women’s Sports Foundation,” said Jim George, Vice President, Community Relations for The Hershey Company.” We are firm believers that physical activity, nutrition, and mentorship are keys to success in the lives of today’s children, especially those living in underserved communities. We are honored to provide these girls with the funding and tools they will need to live a healthier and happier life.”
“By taking the initiative these organizations have not only provided new opportunities for young female athletes, but have given them the confidence to become the next generation of healthy and successful leaders,” said Women’s Sports Foundation President Jessica Mendoza.
Established in 2001, the Women’s Sports Foundation’s GoGirlGo! Program has awarded more than $4.6 million to institutions providing greater opportunities for girls. The mission of the GoGirlGo! Program is to encourage girls and to equip them with the education and life skills necessary to become healthy, active young women. GoGirlGo! grants have been used to pay for athletic equipment, supplies, facility rental, league/tournament fees, travel, coaching, scholarships and/or program administration expenses for more than 1,000 organizations.
With national GoGirlGo! grant funding from national sponsors like Gatorade, and local sponsors like The Hershey Company, the Women’s Sports Foundation is able to provide cash grants as well as its award-winning educational curriculum at no cost to community organizations. Foundations and individual donors also support the Women’s Sports Foundation in its endeavor to improve the well-being of our nation’s girls. Schools, non-profits and community centers use the cash grants and curriculum to bring girls together on a regular basis for physical activity and educational sessions on various health-related topics such as smoking, stress, body image and bullying.
Below is the list of deserving organizations in the state of Pennsylvania awarded a GoGirlGo! Grant:
Black Women in Sport Foundation – Philadelphia, Pa.
Dawn Staley Foundation – Philadelphia, Pa.
Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation – Philadelphia, Pa.
Neighborhood Bike Works – Philadelphia, Pa.
George Westinghouse High School – Pittsburgh, Pa.
The Pittsburgh Project – Pittsburgh, Pa.
Olivet Boys and Girls Club of Reading and Berks County – Reading, Pa.
About the Women’s Sports Foundation
The Women’s Sports Foundation—the leading authority on the participation of women and girls in sports—advocates for equality, educates the public, conducts research and offers grants to promote sports and physical activity for girls and women.
Founded by Billie Jean King in 1974, the Women’s Sports Foundation builds on her legacy as a champion athlete, advocate of social justice and agent of change. We strive for gender equity and fight discrimination in all aspects of athletics.
Our work shapes public attitude about women’s sports and athletes, builds capacities for organizations that get girls active, provides equal opportunities for girls and women, and supports physically and emotionally healthy lifestyles.
The Women’s Sports Foundation is recognized worldwide for its leadership, vision, strength, expertise and influence.
For more information, please call the Women’s Sports Foundation at 800.227.3988 or visit www.WomensSportsFoundation.org.
About The Hershey Company
The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is the largest producer of quality chocolate in North America and a global leader in chocolate and sugar confectionery. Headquartered in Hershey, Pa., The Hershey Company has operations throughout the world and more than 12,000 employees. With revenues of more than $5 billion, Hershey offers such iconic brands as Hershey’s, Reese’s, Hershey’s Kisses, Kit Kat, Twizzlers and Ice Breakers as well as the smooth, creamy indulgence of Hershey’s Bliss chocolates. Hershey is a leader in the fast-growing dark and premium chocolate segment, with such brands as Hershey’s Special Dark and Hershey’s Extra Dark. In addition, Artisan Confections Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Hershey Company, markets such premium chocolate offerings as Scharffen Berger and Dagoba. For more than 100 years, The Hershey Company has been a leader in making a positive difference in the communities where we live, work and do business. The Milton Hershey School, established by the company’s founder in 1909, provides a nurturing environment, quality education, housing, and medical care at no cost to children in social and financial need. The School is administered by the Hershey Trust Company, Hershey’s largest shareholder, making the students of Milton Hershey School direct beneficiaries of Hershey’s success. Please visit us at www.Hersheys.com.