Posted on November 29, 2008

Major League Baseball, McCormick Foundation Raise Nearly $6 Million for Veterans

The Chicago-based McCormick Foundation has announced $2.9 million in grants to twelve nonprofits working to provide veterans with mental health services, job training and placement, and family care.

The funds are part of the nearly $6 million the foundation raised in partnership with Major League Baseball through a national public awareness and fundraising initiative called Welcome Back Veterans. This initial round of grants will be distributed to twelve nonprofits that provide veterans with mental health services, job training and placement, and family care. Recipients include the University Hospitals of Weill Cornell in New York City, the University of Michigan, and Stanford University. The remaining $3 million will be awarded in the spring of 2009.

Created by New York Mets chairman and CEO Fred Wilpon and private citizens, the initiative is designed to address the mental health and employment needs of returning veterans and their families and is supported by the foundation, MLB, and MLB Advanced Media, the league's interactive media and Internet company.

"We owe a debt to these veterans and their families that we can never fully repay," said McCormick Foundation president and CEO Brig. Gen. (retired) David L. Grange. "We are grateful for Major League Baseball and the caring citizens who have stepped up to help and give generously, even in these difficult times. The funds raised, along with the matching dollars, will go directly to high-quality agencies enhancing the health, family, and livelihood of those who have courageously served our country and protected our freedom."

For a complete list of grantees, visit the McCormick Foundation Web site.