NORTH ATTLEBORO, Mass - Ed Hurley, President of the Hockomock Area YMCA, today announced that former New England Patriots' Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Grogan will receive a special award for his achievements both on and off the field at the Hockomock Area YMCA's fourth annual Legends Ball. The gala event will be held on Tuesday evening November 17, 2009 at Christina's in Foxboro.
"Steve is one of the most beloved and respected Patriots players of all time," said Hurley. "Not only was he an exceptional leader on the field, but he has remained a stand out as a dedicated volunteer for several local children's organizations including the YMCA, the Wrentham State School and Easter Seals."
"Even before my kids were young, the YMCA has been an important part of my life," said Grogan. "I've played a lot of men's league basketball there over the years, enjoyed watching my children develop a love for sports and seen firsthand the impact the Y has on building confidence and character. I am honored and thrilled to be chosen for this award."
Event Chairman Pete Brock, a former New England Patriots center, also announced that FOX25 TV sports anchor and WEEI radio host Butch Stearns will return as event's emcee.
"We're thrilled to have Butch back again as emcee for our Legends Ball this year," said Brock, "and I know he is very excited to contribute his time and talent to benefit the kids and families served by our YMCA's Integration Initiative."
Through his experience at last year's event, Mr. Stearns was quick to sign on again for the 2009 Legends Ball. "It was amazing to have so many Boston sports icons come out to support this fantastic cause," noted Stearns, "but by far, the highlight of the evening for me was to watch the excitement of the children as they met and interacted with their heroes."
The proceeds from the Legends Ball benefit the Hockomock Area YMCAs Integration Initiative for families of children with special needs. Since 2004, the Integration Initiative has provided over 400 local families with opportunities for children with special needs to participate in YMCA programs along side their typically developing peers.
"Most importantly," according to Ed Hurley, "through the resources and support provided by the Legends Ball, our Integration Initiative has become an effective program that improves the growth and development of the children we serve. We've been able to positively impact children by improving their independence and socialization skills while increasing their physical activity and self-esteem."
A black tie affair that includes both a silent and live auction, the Legends Ball allows local sports fans to "dine with the Legends" as each table features exclusive seating with a Boston sports star. At last year's event, current Patriot's Matt Light, Russ Hochstein, Stephen Neal, Pierre Woods, and David Thomas, were joined by Pro Football Hall of Famer's Andre Tippet and John Hannah, as well as Patriot legend's Troy Brown, Steve Grogan, Brock, Tim Fox, Joe Andruzzi, former Red Sox catcher Rich Gedman, and many more sports heroes.
Sports fans and friends of the Hockomock Area YMCA may reserve a table of eight or purchase individual tickets by contacting the YMCA development office at 508-643-5225, or by visiting the YMCAs website at www.hockymca.org.
The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable community service organization with branch facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and the Mansfield Arts & Education Center, serving more than 32,000 members from 15 local communities.
