As sports fans, this is one of our favorites times of year. NBA playoffs are tipping off, Phillies season has just begun, and we have an opportunity to honor the legacy of one of the great heroes of American history, Jackie Robinson. And there's no organization that does a better job of honoring Robinson than the Anderson Monarchs baseball program. For over 25 years, they have taken youngsters from neighborhoods - where the sport of baseball would otherwise be left behind - and taught them the values of teamwork, community, and leadership inherent in the sport.
For the past few years, Jackie Robinson Week has been an opportunity to spotlight Anderson's work and to help them raise money for the various opportunities they provide. This year, we're fundraising for a week-long tourney for the Monarchs 12-and-Under Team in Cooperstown this summer.
Monarchs Executive Director Amos Huron told us, "there are 40 teams there from across the country. Teams will play between six and ten games, live together in dorms, eat meals together, visit the Hall of Fame, and make life-long memories."
To help them pay for the trip, Shibe co-owner Johnny Goodtimes will be doing 50-50 raffles at his quizzos this week, and Shibe will be donating 30% of all sales between Thursday and Sunday to the Monarchs.
Adds Huron, "Shibe Sports has a long history of supporting our work. We want to thank them for helping us honor Jackie Robinson's legacy every April and all throughout the year."
So when you shop with us this weekend, you'll be not only helping a local business, you'll be supporting a baseball organization that truly carries on the legacy of one of our greatest Americans here in Philadelphia.
