Foundation Announces Third Quarter Grants

The Indianapolis-based Finish Line Youth Foundation is detailing more than $150,000 in grants awarded in the third quarter of 2013. The organization says the funding will support programs in 12 states focusing on youth development and active lifestyles.

Indianapolis, Ind. — The Finish Line Youth Foundation announced today the award of $152,500 to grant recipients in the third quarter of 2013. The 17 grants went to organizations that place an importance on youth development and an active lifestyle in 12 states. The Youth Foundation is also in the midst of its annual Holiday Drive which takes place in all 658 Finish Line stores and online through December 31.

“We're proud to support so many wonderful organizations through our Holiday Drive and quarterly grants,” said Marty Posch, executive director of the Finish Line Youth Foundation.”It's rewarding to see the positive impact grants like these have on kids.”

The Finish Line Youth Foundation supports qualified non-profit organizations that provide community-based access to athletics for children, as well as camps that provide services to those who are disadvantaged or disabled.

LEGACY GRANT

Champ Camp (Indianapolis) – $75,000 for the organization to build a universally accessible zip line at Bradford Woods. Established in 1991, Champ Camp is an all-access camp for kids ages six and above who have tracheostomies and require respiratory assistance, including the use of ventilators. To learn more about Champ Camp, please visit www.champcamp.org.

CAMPS

Autism San Diego (San Diego) – $5,000 for the organization’s Camp I CAN, which serves children with autism.

Catch the Stars Foundation (Indianapolis) – $5,000 for a holiday basketball camp for at-risk children taught by WNBA World Champion Tamika Catchings.

Keshet (Northbrook, Ill.) – $5,000 to help fund a summer camp for youth with special needs.

Kidpower (Castro Valley, Calif.) – $5,000 to fund a skill building program for disadvantaged and special needs kids.

The Center for Courageous Kids (Moorestown, N.J.) – $5,000 for a camp for children who have serious medical conditions.

HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

Achilles International (New York) – $5,000 to fund a running program for kids with disabilities.

Foundation for Blind Children (Phoenix) – $5,000 for the organization’s SHARP – Sports, Habilitation, Arts and Recreation Program – for blind or visually impaired youth.

Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (KEEN) USA (Washington, DC) – $5,000 for fitness programs for children with disabilities.

Madonna Neighborhood Center (San Antonio) – $5,000 to fund a restoration of the group’s athletic field.

Playworks Indiana (Indianapolis) – $5,000 to further the organization’s mission to give every child in America access to safe, healthy play every day.

Playworks Massachusetts (Boston) – $5,000 to further the organization’s mission to give every child in America access to safe, healthy play every day.

Shining Stars Foundation (Tabernash, Colo.) – $5,000 to help fund a sports and recreation program for children with cancer or life-threatening diseases.

The Grand Strand Miracle League (Myrtle Beach, S.C.) – $5,000 for soccer and fitness training for kids in wheelchairs.

Trinity Boston Foundation (Boston) – $5,000 for the foundation’s Sole Train running program for at-risk Boston youth.

Westhab (Yonkers, N.Y.) – $5,000 to fund fitness programs for homeless and at-risk children.

Youth Winter Sports Alliance (Park City, Utah) – $2,500 for the organization’s winter sports programs.

About The Finish Line Youth Foundation

The Finish Line Youth Foundation strives to make a difference in the lives of youth in the communities where employees and customers live, work and play. The Youth Foundation funds non-profit organizations that provide opportunities for kids to participate in community-based youth athletic programs and camps that emphasize sports and active lifestyles, especially programs that serve disadvantaged and special needs kids. In partnership with The Finish Line, Inc., the Youth Foundation has pledged multi-year support of Special Olympics as a part of its ongoing mission to celebrate the everyday achievements of athletes everywhere. For more information about the Youth Foundation, please visit www.finishline.com/youthfoundation. Follow the Youth Foundation on Twitter at www.twitter.com/finishlineyf or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/finishlineyouthfoundation.