VOLUME 10 EDITION 1

JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2010

305-623-6497

FMCF@MARLINS.COM

WWW.CORNERSTONES4KIDS.COM

The Community Connection has transformed over the years. In fact, it was once called the “Fish Insider.” It was two pages printed in black and white and we made copies in house! We have come a long way thanks to technology, our Creative Services Department and our friends at Sharp Business Systems. As we enter a new decade and our 11th year as a Foundation, we have another new look. In addition, we have expanded our coverage and will produce six issues this year. If you are receiving a hard copy at home, consider changing to an emailed version. You will help us “Go Green” and save on postage. That means more money will be awarded to South Florida charities. Email us at fmcf@marlins.com to update your newsletter preference. Happy New Year,

Nancy J. Olson

UPCOMING EVENTS……………..1

GIVING BACK..………………..…2

RECENT EVENTS………..…………3

MARLINS IN THE COMMUNITY…4

CHARITY HIGHLIGHTS……...……5

DONOR NOTES………………...…6

CONTEST………………………..…7

MVP and Hall-of-Famer

In 1987, Andre Dawson hit .287 with 49 homers and 137 RBI earning him league MVP honors and making him the first player in MLB history to

win an MVP award while playing for a last-place team.

“It was well worth the wait. I can't really describe the elation when my family and I got the call…I sit here today, because a lot of things were instilled in me early on. To always give it your all, and not really beat yourself up with whatever the outcome was. That was really my main goal, to enjoy the game, to play the game as I did as a kid." -- Andre Dawson

Special Assistant to the President and 2010 Hall of Fame inductee describing the

emotion after being elected into the Hall-of-Fame

Miami-Dade County Mayor, Carlos Alvarez celebrated the holidays with the Mermaids and

Billy The Marlin on December 18, 2009, at the Stephen P. Clark Center in Downtown Miami.

Join Marlins Pitchers and Event Co-Chairs Ricky Nolasco and Josh Johnson for a day of golf with other Marlins players or off the course

for a fun-filled day of activities. For the eighth consecutive year, Marlins players along with front office executives and local sports personalities will tee it up in support of the less fortunate in South Florida. And if you’re not a golfer, don’t miss your chance to “Caddy a Celebrity” and ride around with your favorite Marlins players, coaches and other celebrities. All proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Marlins Community Foundation and Cornerstones for Kids. “This event will give participants the opportunity to join the Marlins in making a difference in the lives of children in need throughout our community” said Nancy Olson, Executive Director of the FMCF. Sponsors making this event possible include: Mercedes-Benz of Fort Lauderdale, Jiffy Lube, Sharp Business Systems, Fox Sports Florida, Specialty Automotive Treatments, Florida Marlins, L.P., Premier Beverage Company, Blooming Design & Events, Mercedes Electric Supply, Lifestyle Magazines, Bank of America, Mayors, Living Color, The Continental Group, Title Sports Drink, Al’s Florist & Gifts, Calder Race Course & Casino, Banana Boat, Purista, Sabor Havana Cigars and New Era. More information on the event is available at the team’s official website, www.marlins.com/GOLF or call the 305-623-6497or e-mail fmcf@marlins.com

DRIVERS WANTED ! Thursday, February 11

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MARLINS CELEBRITY GOLF

DRAFT PARTY – FEBRUARY 10

FOUNDATION HOSTS 6TH ANNUAL

MARLINS AWARDS DINNER AT THE

INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL Friday, February 12 Specialty Automotive Treatments will be hosting this

year’s Golf Draft Party for the Mercedes-Benz of Fort Lauderdale and Jiffy Lube Marlins Celebrity Golf Classic presented by Sharp Business Systems on Wednesday, February 10th at 6:30 pm. All golf participants are welcome to join Marlins players, golfers, and an elite group of community leaders for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and live entertainment to kick-off the festivities. You can still sign up for “Caddy a Celebrity” spots or for a “Non-Golfer” package to enjoy the days’ events. For more information on how to sign up, please visit www.marlins.com/GOLF or call 305-623-6497 or email fmcf@marlins.com. Come out and have some serious fun… get in on it!

SPECIALITY AUTOMOTIVE TREATMENT

TO HOST GOLF DRAFT PARTY Wednesday, February 10

This signature event will benefit the Marlins Community Foundation’s Cornerstones for Kids programs, building a brighter future through education, the arts and baseball. The evening will feature cocktails, silent auction, dinner, dancing and awards presentation recognizing the 2009 Season including Marlins players, the Heart of the Community, Volunteer of the Year and All Heart Awards. This year’s Heart of the Community Award will be presented to Junior Achievement of Greater Miami for their continuous commitment to the South Florida Community. Junior Achievement programs focus on dropout prevention, self-esteem and workforce readiness for the global marketplace of the 21st century. The Rose Hicks Volunteer of the Year Award will be presented to Steve Eckstein for his generous and constant dedication to the Florida Marlins Community Foundation throughout the past 10 years. And the All Heart Award will be presented to Marlins shortstop, Hanley Ramirez for his support and dedication to the South Florida community. The Marlins Community Foundation has partnered with the Historical Museum of Southern Florida in an effort to portray the beginnings of baseball in Miami, highlight important events throughout Marlins history such as opening day in 1993, World Series Championships in 1997 and 2003 and last but not least, a look into the new ballpark slated to open on Opening Day 2012.

For the Kid in all of us… Here are some opportunities for any size kid to get involved with the community while meeting your favorite fish Billy The Marlin.

FANFEST – FEBRUARY 13

Enjoy several family-friendly activities such as bounce houses and face painting while taking photos with Billy!

PARTY WITH THE FOUNDATION - MARCH 21

Experience a relaxing day at Roger Dean Stadium with fellow fans and of course Billy while enjoying an all-you-can-eat buffet.

BASEBOWL – MARCH 27 Meet your favorite Marlins players and Billy after the Marlins/Cardinals game at Jupiter Lanes (350 Maplewood Drive,

Jupiter, FL) to help support the Foundation. This family friendly event is great for any age fan and prizes will be awarded.

South Florida non-profits are invited to apply for a grant from the Florida Marlins Community Foundation. Our next deadline for submission is January 31, 2010. Grants are judged on how the proposal relates to one or more of our “cornerstones:” education, the arts and baseball or softball. In order to receive an application and instructions, email grants@marlins.com. Information about the grant program can be accessed online at www.marlins.com/grants. Find information on how to apply and view photographs of former recipients.

The Florida Marlins Community Foundation raises funds for Cornerstones for Kids…Building a Brighter Future through Education, the Arts and Baseball. Since its inception FMCF has given back over $6.5 million to the South Florida Community. The charitable purpose of the Florida Marlins Community Foundation, a public charity, is for educational, athletic, health, social and community service programs with a particular focus on South Florida’s youth.

I want to let you know that we received your generous grant of $1,000 today. Thank you so much for supporting our Playground Project again! Our children will benefit greatly from your donation! Attached is a picture of some Kindergarten students on the piece of equipment that has been purchased so far. The grant that you gave us last year helped us purchase this equipment. Thank you again for dedication to the students of Key Largo School!

--Pamela Korbecki, Teacher at Key Largo School

FROM THE COMMUNITY...

Thank you so much for the Foundation’s generous donation to sponsor field trips for our at-risk students from our Dade Partner schools! In December, we were able to take almost 100 students to see the wonderful New World School of the Arts dance performance …Our at-risk students were so impressed to see their peers dancing and singing so professionally. Not only do they learn about careers within each sector, but they learn that they have a great deal to be

thankful for…Our Student Connection program is thriving, thanks to the Florida Marlins Community Foundation!

--Elaine Adler, President Aventura Marketing Council

The FMCF donated Marlins

caps to Silver Bluff Elementary

School for a community

service project in order to enhance the holiday spirit

for children at the Ronald

McDonald House.

--Iliana Chavez, Silver Bluff Elementary School

305-623-6497

FMCF@MARLINS.COM

WWW.CORNERSTONES4KIDS.COM

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MARLINS “STEP UP TO THE PLATE” DURING THE HOLIDAYS

On December 17, Marlins players including Chris Volstad and Cameron Maybin, along with Special Assistants Jeff Conine and Jack McKeon, welcomed season ticket holders at Dave and Busters in Dolphin Mall. The FMCF joined together with Marlins Radio Broadcaster Glenn Geffner and the Mermaids to help raise funds through a raffle during the holiday party.

MARLINS PLAYERS AND SEASON

TICKET HOLDERS CELEBRATE TOGETHER FOR THE HOLIDAYS

The Florida Marlins and the Florida Marlins Community Foundation hosted toy and food distributions throughout the holidays in South Florida. The first stop was at Lenora B. Smith Elementary School December 15. Billy the Marlin and friends, including Marlins VP and General Manager Michael Hill gave the entire school the holiday party of a lifetime. The event was hosted on the sports field and included board games for each child, holiday refreshments, street team prizes and much more. Marlins Special Assistant and 2010 Hall of Fame Inductee, Andre Dawson, also distributed a variety of board games and food to students at Lenora B. Smith Elementary School

The Marlins joined the Latin American Chamber of Commerce (CAMACOL) on December 16 for their annual Holiday food bag distribution. This Little Havana community event benefited over 5,000 underprivileged families in the area. The families were given a bag with all the elements of a “Noche Buena Dinner” (pork, rice, beans, milk, bread, etc).

The Florida Marlins and the Florida Marlins Community Foundation, together with Hunt/Moss, A Joint Venture, donated 100 Christmas Trees to families in Little Havana on Friday, December 4. The families were chosen based on financial need by the Neighborhood Enhancement Team (NET) of Little Havana. Families had an opportunity to join Billy The Marlin in a day of fun, music, giveaways and much more. Christmas trees were provided by Winn-Dixie and the FMCF.

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The FMCF contributed to the 4th Annual Holiday Hope Drive to support The Family Care Program at Quantum House during WPBF-TV 25 news broadcast. “Thank you so much Nancy and all the FMCF for your kind donation to the Quantum House Holiday Hope Drive! What a blessing the funds are for our dear families!”

Gratefully, Judie Gibson FMCF Advisory Board Member and Marlins Fan!

HOLIDAYS AND HOPE

On Wednesday, January 20, the Marlins hosted Junior Achievement Day at Citrus Grove Elementary School. Marlins staff volunteered to teach the Junior Achievement curriculum at Citrus Grove Elementary. There were 20 classrooms receiving instruction thanks to a donation to Junior Achievement.

Junior Achievement will also be honored at the 6th Annual Marlins

Awards Dinner on February 12 as the Marlins 2009 Heart of the Community award winner.

From 2006-2009, the FMCF donated over $22,000 to Junior Achievement, the largest and fastest growing economic education non-for-profit organization in the world. JA programs focus on dropout prevention, self-esteem and workforce readiness for the global marketplace of the 21

st century. All programs involve

hands-on, activity-based lesson that correlate with Florida Department of Education public school curricula.

Marlins team President and Marlins Foundation President David Samson served as “Principal for a Day” for the Junior Achievement program.

MARLINS GO BACK TO SCHOOL IN MIAMI

MARLINS AND BSO

MAKE A GREAT TEAM The Marlins Foundation and other volunteers teamed up during the 17

th annual Toys for Tots

and Teens toy drive. Thousands of children received toys to help make this holiday one they will never forget. This was the 11th year in a row that the Foundation has partnered with the Broward Sheriff’s Office to benefit the citizen’s of Broward County.

305-623-6497

FMCF@MARLINS.COM

WWW.CORNERSTONES4KIDS.COM

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The FMCF has supported the Women of Tomorrow Mentor & Scholarship Program since 2001. The partnership began when the Marlins Señoritas and subsequently Ladies Nite, adopted Women of Tomorrow (WOT) as their official charity. A popular WOT field trip called “Meet the Women Behind the Dugout” started in 2002 with the help of Marlins employees. The program with the Marlins enables mentees to enjoy round table discussions with women who work in baseball. Some of the Marlins women also serve as mentors with visits to discuss professional issues outside of baseball. The FMCF annually supports WOT with a $5,000 scholarship, a sponsorship for the Broward Kick-Off, Annual Holiday Party and Young Women’s Leadership Conference. In addition, the Marlins recently donated a laptop computer for WOT.

SHOWING THE WOMEN OF TODAY

A SUCCESSFUL TOMORROW

Congratulations to Steve Eckstein, 2009 Rose Hicks Volunteer of the Year! Steve has volunteered for the Florida Marlins Community Foundation at various events since 1998, the same year he started bringing his son, Sam, to Marlins games. He and Sam enjoyed Family Sunday’s and were always present for Clubhouse Kids, a former trivia session for youngsters. Steve enjoyed the opportunity to bond with Sam through events likes Dinner on the Diamond and Play Catch with Dad. It was an easy transition for him to get involved with the Foundation.

“The FMCF has given me a chance to give back to the community, to build social and professional relationships and to become a better person,” said Eckstein. The FMCF staff affectionately calls Steve Grab Bag Man since he makes sure that the Foundation receives donations for all 400 grab bags at Friday Nights Are Fun. He makes the rounds with Renee Rozlog on Saturday night games checking on all seven Super Saturday Raffle stations. In addition, he has helped out at several golf tournaments.

Women of Tomorrow Founder & President Jennifer Valoppi and Mentor & FMCF Executive Director Nancy Olson at the Broward Kick-Off event at the Design Center of the Americas

Women of Tomorrow Mentees visit Landshark Stadium for a “Behind the Dugout” with the Florida Marlins Women” field trip

On behalf of the Marlins Foundation and the families we serve, we highlight Jiffy Lube as this edition’s Sponsor Spotlight. Jiffy Lube truly deserves this honor for its commitment to the Cornerstones For Kids program in 2009 and 2010. Last year, Jiffy Lube and its employees made a commitment to help sell $5 coupon books in its South Florida stores where all sales went directly to the Foundation. Because of their hard work and dedication, Jiffy Lube employees raised over $31,000 by selling more than 7,000 coupon books to in-store customers. Jiffy Lube has agreed to a three year commitment as the title sponsor of the Marlins Celebrity Classic. This year’s event will take place at Parkland Golf & Country Club on February 11. Thank you for all you do to help South Florida’s youth.

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Why we Donate to the

Marlins Community Foundation:

Baseball is our passion. Our money goes to projects such as enhancing youth baseball throughout South Florida so children can learn and play the game and also derive the benefits of being part of a team. The RBI program is one example of the Foundation’s youth baseball initiatives. Our money also goes to bringing children to the ballpark. Without the Foundation's help, these kids would never be able to attend a Major League Baseball game. The Marlins Community Foundation gives grants to over 200 local groups in the tri-county area making our community a better place to live. - Bruce and Sue Freedman Marlins Season Ticket Holders since 1993

FMCF Executive Director Nancy Olson, Advisory Board Member Judie Gibson, Bruce Freedman and Advisory Board Member Sue Freedman cheered for the Marlins at Wrigley Field in 2009 after winning a live auction experience during last year’s Marlins Awards Dinner.

Photographs courtesy of Bancroft Creative Group

JANUARY 31

FMCF 1st Quarter

Grant Deadline

Email Grants@marlins.com to

receive an application

FEBRUARY 10

Marlins Celebrity Golf

Draft Party

Participants will “draft” their celebrity to golf with at the Celebrity Classic

FEBRUARY 11

Jiffy Lube & Mercedes-Benz of Fort

Lauderdale Marlins Celebrity Golf Classic

presented by Sharp Business Systems

You can still sign up to Caddy a Celebrity or attend the post-tournament dinner

FEBRUARY 13

Jiffy Lube FanFest

Support the FMCF at the Garage Sale.

You can also bid on FanFest

experiences at marlins.com/auction

MARCH 3

Marlins Spring Training

Season begins

The FMCF offers raffles, auctions and

more inside the concourse

MARCH 14

Spring Training Youth

Baseball Clinic

Have your children learn from the

pros. For information visit

www.Cornerstones4kids.com

MARCH 21

Party With The Foundation

Roger Dean Stadium

Enjoy the game, all-you-can-eat

buffet and Marlins Q & A session

MARCH 27

Basebowl Tournament

Jupiter Lanes

Marlins players bowl for charity

after the Marlins game

FEBRUARY 12

6th Annual Marlins

Awards Dinner Reserve your table today by calling

305-623-6497 or

marlins.com/Awards

305-623-6497

FMCF@MARLINS.COM

WWW.CORNERSTONES4KIDS.COM

THE COMEBACK KIDS

The Marlins finished the 2009 season with __________ come-from-behind wins, tied for the

fourth-most in club history and

tied for fifth in the Majors.

In each edition of the Community Connection, we will feature a contest for Marlins fans and FMCF supporters. All submissions must be emailed to FMCF@marlins.com. Only one winner will be chosen per edition. All correct answers will be entered into a random drawing to determine the winner. This edition’s prize… Hanley Ramirez signed baseball

Log onto marlins.com/auction to bid on unique memorabilia including autographed items, game-used equipment and experiences from the two-time World Champions. The FMCF online auction is updated every two weeks. Place your bid today and support our "Cornerstones for Kids" programs.

Marlins Community Foundation 2267 Dan Marino Blvd.

Miami, FL 33056