The Atlanta Braves Wives Association strives to make a positive impact on the metro-Atlanta community through a series of events and programs that raise funds for organizations that support women and children.

Some of the programs that the Braves Wives have participated in are toy drives, Katrina Relief collections, Brown Bag Bonanza and Baseball 101. The Atlanta Day Shelter for Women and Children, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Jaden's Ladder and the Atlanta 2-Day Walk have been past beneficiaries of the Braves Wives' fundraising efforts.

In addition to the Braves Wives initiatives, several wives are involved in other community outreach efforts such as:

Jaden’s Ladder
Andruw Jones and his wife, Nicole, will host the annual Jaden's Ladder benefit, "A Summer's Night Dream," on Saturday, May 19, 2007 from 5 p.m. - 12 a.m. at the Wentworth Country Club in Rye, NH. Andruw and Nicole are "Jaden's Ladder Ambassadors" and plan to host the event as part of their efforts to raise funds and awareness in support of Jaden's Ladder. Jaden's Ladder is dedicated to providing services that empower survivors to break the cycle of domestic violence, become active members of the community and reach new personal milestones. All proceeds from the event will benefit Jaden's Ladder.

Jaden's Ladder provides life-enhancing programs that support the survivors, build confidence and foster self-reliance. Jaden's Ladder works with area shelters to provide post-shelter care guidance to ensure that survivors are empowered to take back their lives and become active and vital members of the community. For additional information please visit www.jadensladder.org.

Make-A-Wish Foundation
While with the Oakland Athletics, Tim and his wife Kim developed a strong relationship with the Make-A-Wish Foundation in their area and have continued their partnership with the organization as ambassadors for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Georgia and Alabama. Throughout the season, the Hudsons host critically ill children on Make-A-Wish visits to Turner Field.

The Hudsons have also been very active in helping the organization raise money for granting wishes. In November 2006, Tim and Kim served as honorary co-chairs for the annual Celebration of Wishes black-tie gala. They were actively involved in every phase of planning for the event and helped make it a success as nearly $300,000 was raised. During the evening of the gala, Tim and Kim led a challenge to the guests in attendance to fill out pledge cards; the challenge alone raised $6,000. The Hudson's also secured several items such as individual baseballs signed by every member of the 2006 team and manager Bobby Cox for the event's silent auction that brought in thousands of more dollars. Several current and former Braves players attended the gala, and the Hudsons and other couples bid and won large-ticket auction items to help raise even more money for granting wishes.

During the 2006 Stories of Light Wish-A-Thon, a holiday fundraising campaign held Dec. 15-16 on 94.9 Lite FM, Tim did on-air interviews to encourage people to participate in the Wish-A-Thon. In addition, in support of an online auction held to benefit the organization, Tim and Kim donated a dinner for four hosted by the couple at Capital Grille in Buckhead. The dinner went for nearly $1,000.

On Dec. 13, 2006, Tim and Kim invited 75 children from the Make-A-Wish Foundation to participate in a shopping spree and holiday party at Toys R Us in Atlanta. Each Make-A-Wish child and their siblings received a $50 Toys R Us gift card, and after shopping for their favorite toys with Tim, Kim, Santa, and Geoffrey the Giraffe, the children enjoyed milk and cookies, face painters, and story time during a festive holiday party.

Baseball 101
Designed specifically for women, Baseball 101 offers firsthand insight and instruction into many facets of the game. Guest speakers include Braves broadcasters and wives. Each year, proceeds from this event benefit a local women's charity. More >




Braves Wives' Toy Drive
In 2007, the Atlanta Braves Wives hosted their annual Christmas In July Toy Drive on June 18 - 20. Fans donated new, unwrapped toys which were delivered by Braves players and their wives to children in Atlanta-area children’s hospitals as part of the Braves Christmas in July hospital visits. Braves Wives Kim Hudson, Julie James, Jamie Cormier, Leslee Diaz, Jodi Orr, Minerva Escobar, Kelly Thorman, Erin Woodward, Liezel Yates, Ronnie Snitker, Carmen Smith and Lynn Cadahia were successful in collecting over 1,000 toys during the three-day event. Fans received an autographed bumper sticker signed by their favorite Brave in exchange for their donation.



Braves Wives' Brown Bag Bonanza
The Atlanta Braves Wives Brown Bag Bonanza raised more than $33,000 to benefit the Atlanta Braves Foundation, Anna’s Angel Fund, and Jaden’s Ladder, on Saturday, Aug. 18. The Braves wives and volunteers from Anna's Angels and Jaden's Ladder sold more than 800 baseballs in the fourth annual Brown Bag Bonanza fundraiser. Each season the Braves Wives roam Turner Field selling baseballs hidden in brown paper bags that have been autographed by their husbands and other Braves players and coaches. Fans may purchase these surprise bags for $40 from gates opening until the end of the third inning. Proceeds benefit a charity of the wives' choice.