AZ RBI and Feed the Children Hold Annual Event to Help Fight Hunger

Partners Coca-Cola, Albertson’s Provide Food and Essentials, Offer Long-Term Support for Overcoming Poverty

PHOENIX, June 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — AZ RBI, part of Major League Baseball’s RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) program, and Feed the Children will help fight hunger and make a difference in the lives of Phoenix inner-city families at a summer food distribution event. Today, players and coaches from AZ RBI and Feed the Children staff will gather with corporate partners from Coca-Cola, Albertson’s, CBS Radio’s KMLE and Lamar to give 400 pre-identified families boxes of food and essentials from 5 – 7 p.m. at 475 E. Lincoln in Phoenix, located one block south of Chase Stadium. One in four Arizona children lives in poverty – and these partners know the issue of hunger can’t be tackled alone. At the event, each family will receive a 25-pound box of food and a 10-pound box of essentials from Feed the Children. Also, Coca-Cola will bring juice, water, sports activities and hot dogs, and Albertson’s will donate 400 fresh vegetable packages. Local community partners, including Roosevelt Early Childhood, Salvation Army, WIC Outreach, SNAP Outreach, Marco Deniza, University of Arizona College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and others, will be on-site to offer long-term support by providing resources for Phoenix-area programs and services, such as WIC, SNAP, low housing options, and summer programs for families. “The numbers of children experiencing hunger in Arizona continue to rise, and I salute the annual efforts of AZ RBI, Feed the Children and other partners to create change and heighten awareness of this local issue,” said Arizona Congressman Matt Salmon. Hunger’s roots go deep, and children are affected every day in every state in the United States. Many children are unsure of where they will find their next meal, especially in the summer months when school programs are closed. Over half of Arizona students receive free or reduced lunches during the school year. That means over half of Arizona’s children are at risk of going hungry during the summer months. “This annual event provides an opportunity for AZ RBI’s baseball players to take charge and make things better in their own communities,” said Matt Panos, Feed the Children’s chief development officer. “When I see the happiness and pride on the faces of these determined, young volunteers, I know we are truly making a difference in the lives of others.” “We are pleased to be a partner in this community outreach effort to help local families in need and support the outstanding youth of today,” said Brandon Buchanan, president of the Coca-Cola African American Business Resource Group and Coca-Cola district sales manager. “No child should ever have to go to bed hungry.” About Feed the Children Feed the Children is one of the world’s leading anti-hunger organizations, dedicated to creating a world where no child goes to bed hungry. Since 1979, Feed the Children has grown into one of the largest United States-based charities, accredited by GuideStar Exchange and the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, with a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator. By banding together with partners, donors, and communities to defeat hunger, Feed the Children distributed over $344 million in food, essentials, educational supplies, and medicine to over 10 million individuals in the United States and 18 other countries in fiscal year 2013. Visit www.feedthechildren.org for more information. About AZ RBI AZ RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) organization is a youth outreach program designed to: Increase participation and interest in baseball and softball among inner-city underserved youth Encourage academic participation and achievement Increase the number of talented athletes prepared to play in college and minor leagues Promote greater inclusion of minorities into the mainstream of the game Teach the value of teamwork RBI has been embraced in all MLB communities because it teaches kids that being a success in life takes more than succeeding on the ball field – it also means succeeding in the classroom and the community. The national RBI program is administered by Major League Baseball and is designed to give young people from underserved and diverse communities the opportunity to play baseball and softball, encourage academic achievement and success, and teach the value of teamwork and other important life lessons. RBI currently serves more than 220,000 young men and women in over 300 programs established in approximately 200 cities worldwide, and has served more than one million young people since its inception in 1989. MLB and its Clubs have designated more than $30 million worth of resources to the RBI program, and all 30 Clubs support RBI leagues. For more information about the RBI program, please visit MLB.com/rbi. SOURCE Feed the Children RELATED LINKS http://www.feedthechildren.org

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/az-rbi-and-feed-the-children-hold-annual-event-to-help-fight-hunger-300097823.html]]]]> ]]>

Arizona State University and Banner Health launch major effort to fight neurodegenerative diseases

TEMPE, Ariz., June 10, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Arizona State University and Banner Health today announced a new research alliance to advance the scientific study, treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. The partnership between Arizona State University (ASU), one of the nation’s largest public research universities, and Phoenix-based Banner Health, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit health systems, includes the launch of a new Arizona State University-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center on ASU’s Tempe campus. “We are grateful for the opportunity to work together to build one of the world’s largest basic science centers for the study of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases at ASU and to further develop our clinical and research programs at Banner,” said Eric Reiman, M.D. Reiman is the executive director of the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute and university professor of neuroscience at ASU, who along with Raymond N. DuBois, M.D., Ph.D., executive director of the Biodesign Institute at ASU, will lead the new alliance. This effort capitalizes on Banner’s internationally recognized programs in Alzheimer’s disease research and patient care and ASU’s rapid ascension as a world-class research university. It also leverages Banner’s close working relationships with other research organizations in Arizona. “This extraordinary research alliance will help galvanize the search for answers to degenerative brain diseases,” said ASU President Michael Crow. “This is yet another example of how institutions in Arizona are leading the way for groundbreaking research in age-related diseases. This new effort will be a magnet to attract more researchers, more businesses and more resources to this urgent fight.” Currently, more than 5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s. This has profound implications for Arizona, with a population of more than 1 million people over age 65 living today that is expected to expand to 2.4 million by 2050. The new center at ASU will begin July 1 and the search for a world-renowned scientific director will continue. As part of this partnership, ASU will invite six scientists from Banner Sun Health Research Institute to relocate to the Tempe campus where they will have access to other scientists, state-of-the art laboratory space and support to advance their research. The center is expected to rapidly grow to become a pre-eminent research center in both size and impact through aggressive recruitment of innovative research teams pursuing causes and treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. Banner will continue to grow its clinical and research programs at Banner Alzheimer’s Institute and Banner Sun Health Research Institute (BSHRI). For instance, BSHRI plans to develop its clinical and clinical research programs for the study of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, further develop its world-renowned Brain and Body Donation Programs for the study of these and other age-related disorders, and explore new opportunities to work with the rest of Banner and its organizational partners to expand and test new models of elder care. Together, Banner and ASU receive nearly $65 million in current research funding in the neurosciences. That number is expected to rise significantly with the recruitment of new researchers and funding. “This collaboration is an opportunity to bring together Banner Health’s leadership roles in research and patient care with ASU’s growing translational science expertise to fight devastating neurodegenerative diseases,” said Peter Fine, Banner’s president and CEO. “Leaders from Banner Health and ASU have worked hard to make this partnership a reality – a partnership that will enhance the scientific strengths of our two organizations, provide major growth opportunities for research in the Sun City area, and strengthen Arizona’s position as a major research center.” Barring any significant treatment breakthroughs, the number of people affected by Alzheimer’s disease could more than triple to 16 million in the U.S. by 2050, at a health care cost of more than $1.2 trillion annually. Parkinson’s afflicts up to 10 million people worldwide, and an estimated 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s each year, while thousands of cases go undetected. Other neurodegenerative diseases continue to take a devastating toll on patients and family caregivers. “Bringing the two groups together will accelerate the bench-to-bedside development of new diagnostic, drug and other treatment options for patients and family caregivers,” said DuBois. “Time and time again, the scientific community has shown how multidisciplinary teams can come together as incubators for innovation and discovery.” In addition to his other positions, Reiman is the CEO of Banner Research. He is internationally recognized for his contributions to brain imaging, the early detection and tracking of Alzheimer’s disease, and the accelerated evaluation of Alzheimer’s prevention therapies. The Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center will be closely affiliated with faculty from ASU’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Biodesign Institute, a translational science institute with some 500 faculty, staff and students, representing expertise in the biosciences, engineering and advanced computing. The agreement between Banner and ASU is an extension of their work with the Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, a leading model of statewide collaboration in biomedical research, and it is intended to help make Arizona a destination for the best and brightest minds in this field. The two institutions will continue to work closely with other organizational partners to advance scientific research. Under the agreement, the center’s scientists will hold joint faculty appointments at both ASU and Banner Research. “The new collaboration will allow Banner, ASU and other organizations in the state to have an even greater impact in the scientific fight against Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases,” said Reiman, “and it will permit us to have an even greater impact on the care of patients and family caregivers.” About Banner Health Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Banner Health is one of the largest nonprofit health care systems in the United States and the largest private employer in Arizona. From Arizona to Alaska, it is dedicated to fulfilling the nonprofit mission of making a difference in people’s lives through excellent patient care. To learn more visit www.bannerhealth.com. About Banner Alzheimer’s Institute Through its internationally recognized brain imaging, clinical trials and clinical care programs, Banner Alzheimer’s Institute is intended to accelerate the evaluation of treatments to prevent the clinical onset of Alzheimer’s and find ones that work without losing another generation, establish a new standard of dementia care for patients and family caregivers, and forge a model of collaboration in biomedical research. For more information, visit www.bannerALZ.org. About Banner Sun Health Research Institute Through its internationally recognized brain and body donation, clinical trials, other scientific and clinical care programs, Banner Sun Health Research institute is intended to advance the scientific understanding of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other age-related diseases, the discovery of new treatments, the provision of clinical care, and the promotion of healthy aging. For more information, visit www.bannerSHRI.com. About Arizona State University Arizona State University is the largest public research university in the United States under a single administration, with total student enrollment of more than 70,000 in metropolitan Phoenix, the nation’s sixth-largest city. ASU is creating a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real-world application, blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity and welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 120 nations. www.asu.edu. About the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University works to improve human health and quality of life through its translational research mission in health care, energy and the environment, global health and national security. Grounded on the premise that scientists can best solve complex problems by emulating nature, Biodesign serves as an innovation hub that fuses previously separate areas of knowledge to serve as a model for 21st century academic research. By fusing bioscience/biotechnology, nanoscale engineering and advanced computing, Biodesign’s research scientists and students take an entrepreneurial team approach to accelerating discoveries to market. They also educate future generations of scientists by providing hands-on laboratory research training in state-of-the-art facilities for ASU students. About the Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium The Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium capitalizes on the complementary resources of its member institutions and affiliated institutions to promote the scientific understanding and early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and find effective disease-stopping and prevention therapies. The consortium is comprised of both the NIA-funded Arizona Disease Core Center and the state-funded Arizona Alzheimer’s Research Center. Its seven member research institutions include Arizona State University, Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, Banner Sun Health Research Institute, Barrow Neurological Institute, Mayo Clinic Arizona, the Translational Genomics Research Institute and the University of Arizona. For information: Banner Health/Banner Alzheimer’s Institute Sarah Boggan, Public Relations (480) 287-2543; Sarah.Boggan@BannerHealth.com Arizona State University Biodesign Institute Joseph Caspermeyer, Media Relations (480) 727-0369; Joseph.Caspermeyer@asu.edu SOURCE Banner Health RELATED LINKS http://www.bannerhealth.com

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/arizona-state-university-and-banner-health-launch-major-effort-to-fight-neurodegenerative-diseases-300097302.html]]]]> ]]>

Indoor Football League’s (IFL) Tri-Cities Fever and Kicker Brady Beeson Team Up on June 13, 2015 to Benefit Colleen’s Dream Foundation in Battling Ovarian Cancer

Indoor Football League’s (IFL) Tri-Cities Fever and the Iowa Barnstormers are playing a benefit game on June 13, 2015 to benefit Colleen’s Dream Foundation in battling ovarian cancer, according to NFL Kicker Billy Cundiff, a member of the Colleen’s Dream Foundation Board of Directors.

(PRWEB) June 09, 2015

Indoor Football League’s (IFL) Tri-Cities Fever and the Iowa Barnstormers are playing a benefit game on June 13, 2015 to benefit Colleen’s Dream Foundation in battling ovarian cancer, according to NFL Kicker Billy Cundiff, a member of the Colleen’s Dream Foundation Board of Directors.

“Colleen’s Dream Foundation is very excited to once again be working with the Tri-Cities Fever and their kicker Brady Beeson to help fight ovarian cancer,” says Cundiff. “Brady has been a strong advocate and supporter of Colleen’s Dream. We are excited to be joining forces for his game versus the Barnstormers. Each kick he makes during the game is a chance to raise more money.”

Go here for Brady Beeson’s Kicking For The Dream page for more information or to make a donation.

Cundiff, who will be in attendance for the game, says Beeson’s fundraising efforts for Colleen’s Dream Foundation will be directed through Kicking For The Dream, a project Cundiff set up for kickers, punters and snappers of all ages to help in the fight against ovarian cancer. Cundiff says Kicking for the Dream is Colleen’s Dream Foundation’s signature fall fundraiser.

Brady, who joined the Tri-Cities Fever in 2012, has become the all-time leading scorer among Fever kickers. He says he is very excited that the Tri-Cities Fever and Colleen's Dream Foundation will be teaming up for another great opportunity in 2015 to follow their successful fundraiser in 2014.

"This will be an exciting and unique opportunity since Billy will actually be in attendance at our game,” says Beeson. “What an awesome opportunity for loyal fans to meet a great kicker, and more importantly learn more about what Kicking For The Dream is trying to do."

“Billy and I will push to raise ovarian cancer awareness both on and off the field,” says Beeson. “Fans will be able to pledge donations based on my performance online, or at the Colleen's Dream Fund booth at the arena.”

Go here for Brady Beeson’s Kicking For The Dream page for more information or to make a donation.

Go here to find out more about Colleen’s Dream Foundation.

ABOUT COLLEEN’S DREAM FOUNDATION:

Colleen’s Dream Foundation started in 2012 and supports research for early detection and improved treatment for ovarian cancer. The story of Colleen’s Dream started in 2007 when Colleen Drury –Nicole Cundiff’ mother and Billy Cundiff’s mother-in-law- was diagnosed with late-stage ovarian cancer. The family became aware of a new world that was filled with invasive surgery, harsh chemotherapy, and lots of uncertainty, and realized they needed to help others who were dealing with ovarian cancer.

If you have any questions regarding information in these press releases please contact the company listed in the press release. Our complete disclaimer appears here Colleen’s Dream Foundation believes it is important to raise money for research that will lead to reliable early detection testing and improved treatment for ovarian cancer. Because so little is known about ovarian cancer in proportion to other women’s health issues, there is an incredible opportunity for research and education.

Colleen's Dream Foundation is a qualified 501 (c) (3) tax exempt non-profit organization based in Phoenix, Arizona.

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2015/06/prweb12772512.htm]]]]> ]]>

Neighborhood College Offers Free Pressure Washer Training

Theo nguồn tin trên trang của phoenix.gov

June 3, 2015 Graffiti Busters staff from the city’s Neighborhood Services Department will host a free pressure washer training session from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, June 13, at the NSD West Facility, 3325 W. Flower St. During the two-hour session, residents will watch a video on how to safely operate a pressure washer and receive hands-on instruction. Once attendees are comfortable with the equipment, they will remove graffiti under observation. Upon completion of the course, residents will be able to use a pressure washer free of charge for community cleanups. As a reminder, paint and supplies for community cleanups and blight removal are free of charge to neighborhood associations listed with Neighborhood Services. Residents must wear casual clothing to the training session and closed-toe shoes. For more information or to register for this Neighborhood College workshop, visit phoenix.gov/nsd/neighborhoodcollege or call 602-534-4444. For more NSD-related news and events, connect with us on social media at @PHXNeighborhood and facebook.com/PhoenixNeighborhood. Media Contact: Stephanie Romero, 602-510-3581 General Contact: Neighborhood Services Phone Number: 602-534-4444

https://www.phoenix.gov/news/nsd/824]]]]> ]]>