Andy Roddick Foundation

The Andy Roddick Foundation is a non-profit organization that aims to provide children in need with quality education and other necessary resources. It accomplishes these goals by donating to charities that focus on aiding abused children, children with childhood diseases, and keeping children in school.

Founded in 2001 by professional tennis player and former World no. 1 Andy Roddick, the foundation is directed by Roddick's mother Blanche and is based in Boca Raton, Florida. It is staffed exclusively by volunteers.

Fund-raising activities

The Andy Roddick Foundation raises funds by accepting donations, sponsorships, and endorsements. Andy Roddick's sponsorship agreement with Lexus includes opportunities for the carmaker to support the foundation. [http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/06-17-2005/0003880565&EDATE=] Vitalspring Technologies has also officially endorsed the foundation, giving its support in fund-raising activities and marketing initiatives throughout 2005. [http://www.vitalspring.com/pressreleases/andyriddick.htm]

The foundation also conducts an annual "Andy Roddick Charity Weekend" in Florida. A three-day event, it features celebrity performers, dinner and dancing, and a tennis exhibition. Past celebrity guests include Lionel Richie and Andre Agassi.

In 2004, Andy Roddick launched the "No Compromise" bracelets inspired by Lance Armstrong's "Live Strong" bracelets. In 2005 the foundation held its first "Champions for Charity" gala in Austin, Texas, which included appearances from Olympic gold medalist Sarah Hughes and a private performance by musician Elton John.

Proceeds from both events and from the sale of "No Compromise" bracelets go directly to the Andy Roddick Foundation's supported charities. To date, the Andy Roddick Foundation has raised $3.2 million.

Awards

During the 17th Annual National Philanthropy Day Celebration on November 16, 2005, the Andy Roddick Foundation was honored with the "Outstanding Foundation" award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Chapter. [http://www.atptennis.com/en/newsandscores/news/2005/Insider_1202.asp]

References

* [http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/06-17-2005/0003880565&EDATE= "Andy Roddick and Lexus Clinch Perfect Match With Multi-Year Partnership"] , "PRNewsWire", June 17, 2005. Retrieved December 12, 2005.
* [http://www.vitalspring.com/pressreleases/andyriddick.htm "Vitalspring Technologies announces official endorsement of Andy Roddick Foundation"] , February 7, 2005. Retrieved December 12, 2005.
* [http://www.atptennis.com/en/newsandscores/news/2005/Insider_1202.asp "Andy Roddick Foundation Honored"] , "ATP Insider", December 2, 2005. Retrieved December 12, 2005.

External links

* [http://www.arfoundation.org/ The Andy Roddick Foundation official website]
* [http://www.andyroddick.com/ The Official Website of Andy Roddick]
* [http://www.arfoundation.org/foundation/ "Foundation recipients"] , "Andy Roddick Foundation", 2005. Retrieved December 12, 2005.
* [http://emol.org/celebrities/roddick/ "Elton John to star at Andy Roddick Charity Benefit"] , "PRNewsWire", January 25, 2005. Retrieved December 12, 2005.
* [http://www.usatennisflorida.usta.com/news/fullstory.sps?iNewsid=135300&itype=1107 "USA Tennis Florida joins stars to celebrate Andy Roddick Charity Weekend"] , "USA Tennis Florida", December 20, 2004. Retrieved December 12, 2005.