The Timbers are earning plaudits for their work off the field as well.
by Matt Hoffman
ESPN announced today that the Portland Timbers are one of four finalists for the inaugural Sports Humanitarian of the Year Awards. The award will “Celebrate and honor athletes, teams, nonprofits and members of the sports industry for using sport to serve communities and making a positive impact on society.”
The nomination is the culmination of many of the Timbers outreach efforts. From the press release, the Timbers Stand Together week, “annually benefits more than 30 different nonprofits throughout the Greater Portland Metro area.”
Stand Together Week has generated over 7,000 volunteer hours by 2,000 volunteers on more than 100 projects since 2012.
From the press release: “Since the club’s inaugural MLS season in 2011, the Timbers have given more than $2.4 million in cash and in-kind donations, including their philanthropic work through the Portland Timbers Community Fund, the club’s field-grants program, and various experiential and charitable activities.”
In addition to hose mentioned in the announcement is the 107ist Organization, an offshoot or perhaps the ‘business wing’ of the Timbers Army. The 107ist has been very active in the community from tree plantings, to book drives, to building a children’s playground. You can read more about their efforts here.
The other finalists are the Chicago Bulls, the San Francisco 49ers, and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Community Relations.
The inaugural recipient will be named on July 14th. Highlights of the evening will be featured during a 30-minute special on ESPN to air July 23 at 5:30 p.m. PST.
