http://teamupmemphis.org/index.php en mentor@grizzlies.com Copyright 2010 2010-03-11T15:59:38+00:00 http://teamupmemphis.org/index.php/site/team-up-with-you http://teamupmemphis.org/index.php/site/team-up-with-you#When:15:59:38Z The Memphis Grizzlies Charitable Foundation has been all over the Greater Memphis area recently recruiting mentors and assisting local mentoring programs. Grizzlies local owner and Foundation board member Elliot Perry addressed both the local U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and FedEx African-American Network in February, and Grizzlies Foundation staff participated in the Volunteer Memphis Expo, Leadership Memphis Annual Luncheon and Metro Memphis Attractions Association monthly meeting. In addition, a terrific TEAM UP Happy Hour was hosted at Boscos in February, with plans for another Happy Hour event in the Hacks Cross/ Winchester vicinity on Tuesday, March 30. You can TEAM UP with the Grizzlies Foundation by hosting an event, a guest speaker or setting up the TEAM UP booth at your workplace or place of worship. To make arrangements, contact us at 205-TEAM or mentor@grizzlies.com | March 11, 2010 2010-03-11T15:59:38+00:00 http://teamupmemphis.org/index.php/site/sleek.-smooth.-simply-staxtacular-to-be-hosted-by-all-star-zach-randolph-ru http://teamupmemphis.org/index.php/site/sleek.-smooth.-simply-staxtacular-to-be-hosted-by-all-star-zach-randolph-ru#When:15:59:38Z The Memphis Grizzlies are set to host the biggest soul shakin’ function of the year with Staxtacular 2010 presented by SunTrust on March 26 at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Rudy Gay and Mike Conley will make their return to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music and this year will be joined by All-Star Zach Randolph to host an event that stands out for its colorful cast of characters, including local sports and music celebrities. Now in its sixth year, Staxtacular 2010 will feature the chance to bid on NBA memorabilia, original artwork, travel packages and once-in a lifetime experiences in live and silent auctions. Guests will savor gourmet cuisine, and enjoy open bar and pay tribute to the Soul tunes of yesteryear. Local soul-music favorites the Bo-Keys will be on hand to perform live for the crowd that will enjoy a “70’s Movie” themed event that is sure to be as laid back and cool as the evening’s hosts.   Doors for the event open at 7 p.m. Tickets for the Staxtacular 2010 are only $150 per person, and All-Star packages, which include 12 tickets and name recognition on the event program, website and during the event, are $1,500. To purchase tickets and get the most up-to-date listing of live and silent auction items call (901) 261-6385 or visit staxtacular.com. Since its inception, Staxtacular has raised more than $400,000 for the Stax Music Academy and has become Soulsville’s biggest annual fundraiser. The Academy provides mentoring, music education and exciting performance opportunities designed to enhance students’ music abilities and academic and leadership skills.  For more information on the Staxtacular 2010, including complete listing of auction items, sponsors and All-Stars, go to Staxtacular.com. | March 11, 2010 2010-03-11T15:59:38+00:00 http://teamupmemphis.org/index.php/site/boscos-and-grizzlies-foundation-team-up-for-grizzlies-academy http://teamupmemphis.org/index.php/site/boscos-and-grizzlies-foundation-team-up-for-grizzlies-academy#When:15:59:38Z Boscos Squared in Memphis took an interest in Grizzlies Academy in the summer of 2009. After they met Principal James Griffin and toured the school that fall, they offered to host a month-long promotion and scholarship fundraiser to help Grizzlies Academy students achieve their dreams of attending college. In mid-January, Boscos hosted a Grizzlies Academy student “pizza contest,” where the three finalists Joshua, Alexis and Chequita instructed the chef to assemble the pies they each designed. Grizzlies rookies DeMarre Carroll and Hasheem Thabeet judged the freshly-baked pies and ultimately chose Alexis’ “Hoopin’ Hawaiian” as the winner. Throughout February, proceeds from Hoopin’ Hawaiian pizza, Academy Ale and a Grizzlies card all benefited the Academy’s Scholarship Fund. Then on February 22, Carroll and Thabeet, joined by fellow teammates Lester Hudson and Hamed Haddidi and head coach Lionel Hollins, packed Boscos with Grizzlies fans and beer lovers alike for an evening fundraiser. The silent auction drew oohs and ahhs and many patrons that night enjoyed the plethora of autographs and photo opps they got with players, coach, mascot Grizz and Grizz Girls. See more photos from this event at the Team Up Memphis flickr page. We appreciate Boscos generous support of Grizzlies Academy. A formal check presentation will be made on March 16 during the Grizzlies vs. Chicago Bulls game at FedExForum, where total funds raised with be announced! | March 9, 2010 Featured, 2010-03-11T15:59:38+00:00 http://teamupmemphis.org/index.php/site/what-are-you-doing-today-that-will-have-an-influence-or-impact-the-next-gen http://teamupmemphis.org/index.php/site/what-are-you-doing-today-that-will-have-an-influence-or-impact-the-next-gen#When:15:59:38Z This is a compelling question that each one of us has to account for.  How can we not afford to invest in the future of young people?  We do this by mentoring.  Mentoring is a structured and trusting relationship that brings young people together with caring individuals who offer guidance, support and encouragement all aimed at developing the competence and character of the protégé.  At its most basic level, mentoring helps because it guarantees a young person that there is someone who cares about them…that a person is not alone in dealing with their day-to-day worries. And the good news is….everyone can be a mentor.  Everyone has something to offer. Every mentor has a treasure chest of experience and this is a great forum in which to share it. Mentoring is not about age, but about experience.  It is the bridge that will connect, strengthen and stabilize future generations in an increasingly complex and threatening world.  A single word focusing on mentoring is “relationship.”  The only criterion to be a mentor is to care.  To identify a mentor in your life ask the question, “Does this person care for me?” You don’t have to be beautiful or handsome, educated, rich or socially skilled to be very meaningful to someone.  We always need a mentor.  You are never too old to be one…or have one.  Again, perquisite is, Do you care? If you have the ability to care, you have the ability to be a mentor. One of the terrific advantages of having a mentor is this person can serve as a Truth Teller and everyone needs a truth teller.  I’m talking about someone who will tell it like it is and not necessarily just what you want to hear.  It is essential to have, at least, one person in your life you can talk to and who will confront you with the truth no matter what the consequences.  We all need someone who is willing to risk the entire relationship with their honest answer or assessment of a particular situation or circumstance.  A mentor’s main purpose is to help a young people define their individual goals and find ways to achieve them.  There are two questions that a mentor needs to ask his protégé every time they meet: 1.) What are your plans and dreams? 2.) How can I help you achieve them? These two questions will stimulate tremendous dialogue.  Remember, it is not the mentor’s agenda, it is all about the protégé’s agenda. Mentoring should be a significant part of your legacy.  I like to say, “Prepare your replacement.” When you go-and you will go-who do you want to take your place? To deprive a young person of your wisdom and past experience is like dying without a will.  So, I challenge you today to build into the life of another person; to give some of yourself away. There are two lines that run through every person’s life: a life-line and a purpose-line.  Wise is the person who can combine both.  A good mentor can get you there.  James Dobson said, “Attach a boy to a good man & he seldom goes wrong.” | March 3, 2010 Blog, 2010-03-11T15:59:38+00:00 http://teamupmemphis.org/index.php/site/serving-up-food-drinks-and-information-about-mentoring http://teamupmemphis.org/index.php/site/serving-up-food-drinks-and-information-about-mentoring#When:15:59:38Z On Thursday, February 18th from 5:30-7:30pm the Grizzlies Foundation will host a Happy Hour gathering at Bosco’s Squared, 2120 Madison, in order to talk and answer questions about why and how people can inspire a young person as a mentor. This event is open to all adults interested in learning not only about what a mentor is but also about the positive influence a mentor can have by spending just a few hours a month with a young person. RSVPs are requested and can be sent with the subject “2/18 Happy Hour” to mentor@grizzlies.com or calling (901) 205-TEAM. In addition to serving up information, there will be food and soft drinks from Boscos available and if you are of age, remember that during the month of February a portion of the price of an “Academy Ale” or “Hoopin’ Hawaiian” pizza will go towards the scholarship fund of Grizzlies Academy. Also door prizes including Grizzlies game tickets and autographed memorabilia will be given away. To be a mentor, an adult need only care that a younger person has the skills and motivation to achieve their goals, be they short-term or longer term. Chances are, you have had a mentor at some point in your life. Was it a teacher who took an interest in making sure you could achieve? Was it an athletic coach who not only cared that you performed on the field or court but also off it? Or was it perhaps a neighbor, member of your faith community or an extended family member? Most of us cannot say we arrived at our current place in life without those wiser and more experienced than us who lent some advice or encouragement. The Grizzlies Foundation supports many organizations in Memphis who work with youth and each of these future citizens of Memphis could benefit from your time now. Programs exist for interested adults that can fit any schedule: during the work day, after school or on weekends. There is no commitment for attending this free Happy Hour but RSVPs are requested. Call (901) 205-TEAM (8326) or email mentor@grizzlies.com. | February 12, 2010 2010-03-11T15:59:38+00:00 http://teamupmemphis.org/index.php/site/guest-blogger-nancy-coffee http://teamupmemphis.org/index.php/site/guest-blogger-nancy-coffee#When:15:59:38Z Many of us have the great gift of being mentored throughout each day.  Spiritual mentorship, career mentorship, family-life mentorship-the opportunity to learn from someone more experienced than I-has made me who I am.  I am so grateful for all who guide me.  As much as we need the air we breathe, every human being needs an abundance of genuine caring (both output and input) in order to thrive.  We all grow under the appreciative light of those who support and encourage us. And we grow by supporting and encouraging others. Being a mentor at the Porter Boys and Girls club has been especially meaningful to me because I drive within 1 block of the club’s entrance 10 times each week on my way to and from work.  Porter kids are my neighbors.  I am grateful to the Grizzlies Foundation for giving The Leadership Academy, and our entire city, the challenge to carve out time to spend with our community’s children.  Since my mentoring experience with the Porter Boys and Girls Club, I have had a child of my own.  That is why I am especially excited about the “Team Parents” concept the Grizzlies are developing with Memphis Athletic Ministries. The chance to be in communion with our city’s kids, cheering for young basketball players alongside my husband and son, is fantastic!  Family time is so precious these days.  What a treasure to be able to share it courtside with members of the broader Memphis family. Nancy Coffee is President and CEO of The Leadership Academy. | February 12, 2010 Blog, 2010-03-11T15:59:38+00:00 http://teamupmemphis.org/index.php/site/memphis-grizzlies-fund-le-bonheur-relief-efforts-in-haiti http://teamupmemphis.org/index.php/site/memphis-grizzlies-fund-le-bonheur-relief-efforts-in-haiti#When:15:59:38Z Players, coaches and ownership contribute $50,000 to Le Bonheur medical staffs in Haiti The Memphis Grizzlies players, coaches and ownership announced on January 26 that they will be donating $50,000 to help fund Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center’s team of physicians and medical personnel who will be traveling to Haiti to address the immediate and critical care needs of Haitian children who have been affected by the earthquake and subsequent aftershocks that have hit the region.  Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center has assembled a team to send to the Haiti region that includes orthopedic and general surgeons, a critical care physician, an anesthesiologist, a registered nurse anesthetist, a general care nurse and several other select support personnel.  “Led by our head coach, Lionel Hollins, the Grizzlies wanted to collectively do our part to aid the relief efforts in Haiti,” said Grizzlies team captain Zach Randolph.  “We hope that this contribution to Le Bonheur helps the people who are suffering from this tragic event.” By partnering with Le Bonheur, the Grizzlies are bringing awareness to the crisis in Haiti to the city of Memphis and assisting a local partner that’s providing immediate relief.  Since the first devastating earthquake hit the region on Jan. 12, the Grizzlies have run in-game video features and live reads on television and radio broadcasts on FOX Sports Tennessee, SportSouth and WRBO 103.5 FM that encourage people to aid in the relief efforts.  Founded in 1952, Le Bonheur Children’s is a national leader in pediatric clinical care and research, and is the region’s premier teaching hospital for future pediatricians, pediatric surgical specialists and clinicians.  The Grizzlies have been partners with Le Bonheur since the team moved to Memphis. Fans can keep up with the Le Bonheur mission by visiting lebonheur.org/blogs/lebonheurresponds | February 5, 2010 2010-03-11T15:59:38+00:00 http://teamupmemphis.org/index.php/site/womens-foundation-legends-on-display-at-fedexforum-starting-january-25 http://teamupmemphis.org/index.php/site/womens-foundation-legends-on-display-at-fedexforum-starting-january-25#When:15:59:38Z On January 25, the Grizzlies take on Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic. But they’ll also be hosting some real legends of Memphis. Starting that Monday, the 2009 Women’s Foundation of Greater Memphis’ Legends Awards artwork will be on display on the Plaza Level of FedExForum.  In its first year, the Women’s Foundation honored Memphis women Minerva Johnican, Susan Sanford, Maxine A. Smith, Happy Jones and Jeanne Varnell and recently retired Grizzlies Academy principal, Dr. Jane Walters. Guests to FedExForum will see how the spirit and life’s work of each woman are captured in the artwork of accomplished local artists. Using various media, the art personifies their accomplishments in service, education, advocacy and civil rights. “These women are extraordinary, and they’ve been role models and mentors to countless women and men in Memphis.  We’re especially excited to showcase the tribute to Dr. Jane Walters, who was the principal of Grizzlies Academy for seven years and someone to whom we owe tremendous gratitude,” says Jenny Koltnow, Grizzlies Foundation Executive Director. The Women’s Foundation of Greater Memphis created the Legends Award in 2009 to pay tribute to women whose visionary and innovative work is paramount in their specialized areas of outreach.  For each woman honored, an original work of art is created to symbolize her success and leadership. The traveling exhibit has been recently displayed at First Tennessee’s Downtown Memphis headquarters and the National Civil Rights Museum. In March 2010, it will move to FedEx Headquarters. The deadline for 2010 Legends Award nominations is January, 29, 2010. Make your nominations today at www.wfgm.org. Each work of art will be unveiled at the Legends Award Reception on April, 20, 2010 and the Annual Tribute Luncheon on April 29, 2010. Since 1995 the Women’s Foundation has successfully awarded over $4.7 million to 296 programs in core grant-making, advocacy and research.  The Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis (WFGM) is a 501© (3) non-profit organization founded in 1995.  WFGM’s mission is to encourage philanthropy and foster leadership among women and support for programs that enable women and children reach their full potential. | January 25, 2010 2010-03-11T15:59:38+00:00 http://teamupmemphis.org/index.php/site/eat.-drink.-educate http://teamupmemphis.org/index.php/site/eat.-drink.-educate#When:15:59:38Z Join the Memphis Grizzlies in supporting the Grizzlies Academy Scholarship Fund throughout the month of February at Bosco’s Squared in Midtown Memphis! From February 1-28, Bosco’s will host a promotion giving patrons will offer many opportunities to make supporting Grizzlies Academy a piece of…pizza?! For every “Hoopin’ Hawaiian” sold throughout the month, $1 will be donated, and for every Academy Ale, a special beer brewed just for this promotion, $.25 donated. Guests may also donate as they check out, or they may purchase a special card which will display the donor’s name for $1. On Monday, February 22, the Grizzlies will host a special night at Bosco’s with all tips, silent auction proceeds and sales of specialty pizzas and Ale benefiting Grizzlies Academy.  The event will feature players, mascot, Grizz Girls and other members of the Grizzlies “family.” Grizzlies Academy students Joshua, Alexis and Chequita were selected among their peers to compete in a pizza-making contest on January 14. All three presented their pizzas to Grizzlies Hasheem Thabeet and DeMarre Carroll, who ultimately selected Alexis’ “Hoopin’ Hawaiian,” which consists of chicken, turkey bacon, pineapple and cheese, as the winner. Grizzlies Academy, which opened in 2003, is a “second-chance” high school for students two years behind in grade level, located in Downtown Memphis.  The Grizzlies Academy Scholarship Fund helps graduates of the Academy pursue higher education.    So make your plans now for lunches, dinners, brunch and ‘Happy Hour’ in February. Bosco’s is located at 2120 Madison Ave. in Memphis. | January 25, 2010 2010-03-11T15:59:38+00:00 http://teamupmemphis.org/index.php/site/showing-mentors-and-youth-some-love-before-valentines-day http://teamupmemphis.org/index.php/site/showing-mentors-and-youth-some-love-before-valentines-day#When:15:59:38Z After Christmas and Hanukkah, I can imagine how people might feel a little pinch when it comes to disposable income. By now, they’ve already scoured the couch cushions and the space in between the car seats for what might have accumulated there over the year. However, thanks to the generosity of the Grizzlies we were able to show a little love prior to Valentine’s Day to participants in mentoring programs who have “Teamed Up” with the Grizzlies Foundation. January is National Mentoring Month, as I mentioned in a previous blog at grizzlies.com. Since the Grizzlies Foundation is making its debut here at teamupmemphis.org, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank guests to “Mentoring Night” Game on Monday, January 25th. We were happy to welcome over 450 mentors and mentees from the Exchange Club, MCS CONNECT, Youth Villages, Grizzlies Academy, Project Aware Mentoring, Girls Inc., Urban Youth Initiative and STREETS Ministries. We aired our new PSAs and you will be able to watch them soon here on our new website. I’ll let you know when they are up. In addition, we hosted a MENTOR MONDAY, which happens each Monday game this season we where the Grizzlies highlight and individual or organization (name and picture on the scoreboard and everything!) that’s been an enthusiastic advocate for mentoring. Monday we were happy to host Shonta Hunt and her mentee Najwa. Shonta has mentored Najwa for nearly a year with the Project Aware Mentoring Program, which serves youth who have a family member incarcerated. In the meantime, we are proud of our new website. Continue to check www.grizzlies.com for news about the team.  If you want to show a little heart this year, contact us or fill out an interest form so that we can hook you up with a great mentoring opportunity. You may be a little short on change right now, but we are asking for your time. Youth in Memphis need the encouragement, perspective and thoughts of a caring mentor. Time to TEAM UP with the Grizzlies Foundation. | January 25, 2010 Blog, 2010-03-11T15:59:38+00:00