community
Diamonds in the Rough

Atlanta Braves Foundation, FanFest, Weekend of Caring, Community Day, Diamond of Dreams

In 1992, the Braves established an organization to raise much-needed funds for overlooked and underdeveloped community programs in the metro-Atlanta area. Since its inception, The ATLANTA BRAVES FOUNDATION has teamed up with local corporations and supported neighborhood organizations and events as diverse as Habitat for Humanity, the Children's Healthcare Celebrity/AM Golf Tournament, and Yes!Atlanta as well as anchored relief efforts in countries devastated by natural disaster.

One of the Foundation's most exciting programs is OPPORTUNITY THROUGH BASEBALL. Each summer, the Braves select six boys from at-risk metro Atlanta neighborhoods who possess leadership potential and strong baseball skills to attend a three-week baseball camp in Denver, Colo. These participants receive expert instruction in baseball fundamentals such as fielding, hitting and baserunning.

They also work with camp counselors on improving academic, motivational, family and leadership qualities. The camp seeks to engender good citizenship in student-athletes in hopes that these positive examples will be brought home and carried over to their peers.

A major source of funding for the Braves Foundation is BRAVES FANFEST, a fan-friendly extravaganza. This weekend of happenings provides thousands the opportunity to shake off their winter doldrums and turn their thoughts towards spring and the start of baseball season. BRAVES FANFEST begins with an online auction of sports memorabilia that is open to fans anywhere in the world with Internet access. Turner Field hosts two days filled with player autograph signings, a sports memorabilia and collectibles show, tours of the Braves clubhouse, the opportunity to walk onto the field and run the bases, great food and interactive games.

An in-season complement to BRAVES FANFEST is the ATLANTA BRAVES FOUNDATION WEEKEND, which takes place during a weekend homestand in late summer. It's a weekend of great silent auctions, featuring unique memorabilia from around the sports world.

Reflecting the Foundation's expansive mission, an annual event was created to celebrate and offer support to a broad range of local charitable organizations. The WEEKEND OF CARING consists of three days, each of which is devoted to a particular cause, whereby the Braves bestow major financial gifts to diverse local Atlanta charitable organizations who support the causes. These vital groups receive monetary contributions from the Braves, greatly enhancing their work and securing the resources they need to carry on with their community service programs.

The Braves also recognize the importance of being good neighbors, and strive to fulfill their obligation as part of an Atlanta neighborhood.

On COMMUNITY DAY, the Braves extend hospitality to the families in the communities surrounding Turner Field; and invite them to an old fashioned "block party." As the special guests of the Braves, these nearby residents get tickets to attend a Braves game and tokens to enjoy the sights and sounds of Turner Field Plaza and play the games in Scouts Alley. In an on-field presentation, the Braves will recognize outstanding citizens in the community.

The Atlanta Braves Foundation is just one of the many ways the Atlanta Braves strive to have a positive impact on our neighbors and become a meaningful part of the Atlanta community.