BOSTON (June 3, 2014) Major League Lacrosse, the premier professional lacrosse league, will work to raise funds and awareness for Wounded Warrior Project®(WWP), one of the leading support organizations for veterans and service members whose mission is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors, and the official charity of the 2014 MLL All-Star Game.
This is the second season MLL chose WWP as their charity beneficiary. In 2007, WWP was the charity of the All-Star Game, and MLL raised $26,654 through the auction of jerseys won during the game. In addition, the New Balance Foundation matched the donation, for a total of $53,308 raised for WWP. The League is looking to top their 2007 fundraising total to further support those injured in military service.
The 2014 MLL All-Star Game, which will take place, Thursday, June 26, at Harvard Stadium in Boston, MA, and air live on CBS Sports Network at 7:30 PM EST, will recognize WWP and its dedication to serving our veterans and service members.
The special edition jerseys worn during the game and autographed by Team MLL, along with select equipment from Team MLL will later be auctioned to the public, with all net proceeds donated to WWP. Just like in 2007, the New Balance Foundation will generously match the auction net total raised, and a final check will be presented to Wounded Warrior Project® at the MLL Championship Game in Kennesaw, GA, August 23.
WWP uses the funds raised by MLL and others to honor and empower Wounded Warriors through their unique 20 programs and services. WWP's purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs.
It is estimated that more than 51,000 servicemen and women have been physically injured in military conflicts since September 11, 2001. In addition, it is estimated as many as 400,000 service members live with the invisible wounds of war including combat-related stress, major depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Another 320,000 are believed to have experienced a traumatic brain injury while on deployment. Currently, WWP serves more than 56,000 injured veterans and service members, as well as almost 7,000 family members.
WWP takes a holistic approach when serving warriors and their families to nurture the mind and body, and encourage economic empowerment and engagement. Through a high-touch and interactive approach, WWP hopes to foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation's history. These programs include Combat Stress Recovery Program, Peer Mentoring, Warriors to WorkTM, and a variety of Physical Health and Wellness programs.
Through its extensive grant program that began in 2012, WWP also supports other veteran-serving nonprofit organizations to ensure that every service member, veteran and their family member is recognized and their reintegration needs are supported. Historically, WWP has supported organizations that seek to enhance the lives of wounded service members through programs aimed at improving mental health and wellness; exposing wounded service members to new opportunities for physical fitness and activity; connecting wounded service members with their peers and communities; and enhancing economic empowerment and independence. To date, WWP has funded more than 75 different organizations, totaling more than $6.5 million in support.
Past partners of the MLL All-Star Game have included JDRF, MetroLacrosse, Boys and Girls Club of America, Special Olympics of North America, HEADstrong Foundation, and Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.
Tickets are now on sale for the 2014 MLL All-Star Game, which will feature MLL All-Stars vs. Team USA, on ticketmaster.com or by calling 617-746-9933. Click HERE to buy today!