Catalyst News
Johnny Bench and DHL Make Special Delivery to At-Risk Kids for Reds Rookie Success League
DHL Delivery of Baseball Equipment Marks Launch of Cincinnati Reds'; Annual Equipment Drive in Partnership with Baseball Tomorrow Fund
Ohio and PLANTATION, Fla. - June 11, 2008 - DHL, the world's leading express delivery and logistics company, has teamed up with Hall of Famer Johnny Bench to deliver brand-new baseball equipment to at-risk children from the Cincinnati area Boys & Girls Clubs, helping to launch the annual Reds Rookie Success League summer baseball program.
The special delivery by DHL and Bench in a convoy of yellow and red trucks took place today at Rockdale & Harvey Field in Avondale. Bench surprised more than 100 kids from the local Boys & Girls Clubs and the Reds Rookie Success League and caught the ceremonial first pitch during a recreational game with the children.
The donation of equipment, including new baseball bats, balls, gloves and catcher equipment, will benefit the Reds Rookie Success League, a non-competitive, coed, character-building summer baseball program for more than 1,500 at-risk kids in the Cincinnati area.
DHL's special delivery also marks the launch of the Cincinnati Reds'; annual equipment drive in partnership with the Baseball Tomorrow Fund, a joint initiative of Major League Baseball® and the Major League Baseball Players Association. Members of the Cincinnati community can participate in the equipment drive, which will culminate on July 5, by contacting the Reds Community Fund at www.redsyouthbaseball.org.
DHL is the Official Express Delivery and Logistics Provider of the Cincinnati Reds and is in its fourth season as an official sponsor of Major League Baseball, serving as the Official Express Delivery and Logistics Provider of Major League Baseball and MLB.com®.
About DHL
DHL is the global market leader of the international express and logistics industry, specializing in providing innovative and customized solutions from a single source. DHL offers expertise in express, air and ocean freight, overland transport, contract logistic solutions as well as international mail services, combined with worldwide coverage and an in-depth understanding of local markets. DHL's international network links more than 225 countries and territories worldwide. Some 300,000 employees, including more than 40,000 employees in the U.S., are dedicated to providing fast and reliable services that exceed customers'; expectations. Founded in San Francisco in 1969, DHL is a Deutsche Post World Net brand. The group generated revenues of more than 63 billion euros (more than $93 billion) in 2007.
About the Reds Community Fund
The Reds Community Fund is the official non-profit organization of the Cincinnati Reds dedicated to improving the lives of youth through its baseball-themed outreach efforts. Since its inception in 2001, more than 25,000 kids have benefited from the Reds Rookie Success League, youth baseball and softball funding, field renovation, youth baseball "match" and Greater Cincinnati RBI programs.
About The Reds Rookie Success League
Entering its sixth season, the Reds Rookie Success League (RRSL), administered by the Reds Community Fund, brings character-based education and introductory baseball instruction to more than 1,500 kids. Over a six-week period, Volunteer Coaches will introduce these young people to the game of baseball by utilizing the "Six Stars of Success" - Cooperation, Integrity, Respect, Education, Determination and Spirit (CI REDS).
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