RYAN BRAUN DONATES NATIONAL LEAGUE "ROOKIE OF THE YEAR" BONUS TO HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

    /24-7PressRelease/ - LOS ANGELES, CA, February 14, 2008 - Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewer and 2007 National League Rookie of the Year, first volunteered with Habitat for Humanity last fall when he served as an Honorary House Leader during the 2007 Jimmy Carter Work Project in Los Angeles. Moved by his experience, Braun pledged his Rookie of the Year bonus money to Habitat for Humanity and, this week, Braun made good on his promise and delivered a check for $10,000 to the organization.

"Ryan rolled up his sleeves and made a huge impact as a volunteer at the Jimmy Carter Work Project, and we are thrilled that he was inspired to continue to support our work as a result." says Erin Rank, president/CEO Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles. "He saw firsthand the need for affordable housing and he can help us spread that message. We are thankful for his generous support."

The 2007 Jimmy Carter Work Project drew over 3000 volunteers from all over the world to build 100 homes in five days throughout Greater Los Angeles. Braun learned about the event through his agent at Creative Artists Agency, a longtime supporter of Habitat for Humanity, and quickly signed on as an Honorary House Leader. After spending one day building alongside thousands of volunteers and getting to know Habitat Partner Families, Braun decided to come back again (and again) throughout the work week. He also decided that there was much more he could do to help more families.

"I knew I was a part of something special at the Jimmy Carter Work Project, and as I came to know the partner families and meet the other volunteers, I couldn't help wanting to do more," said Braun. "I am fortunate to make a living doing what I love and if I can help Habitat build more homes and change more lives, that is a greater gift than any bonus I could receive."

The 2007 Jimmy Carter Work Project kicked off "Building A Greater Los Angeles," a three-year campaign to build and rehabilitate 250 homes throughout Greater Los Angeles. The campaign actively addresses the region's affordable-housing crisis by implementing multiple programs aimed at people from all walks of life to become proactive on this issue. Specifics of the campaign include the "A Brush with Kindness" program, which repairs homes for low-income families; "Nickels for Nails," which encourages Los Angeles-area school children to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity; and additional outreach, education, volunteer and fundraising initiatives.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF GREATER LOS ANGELES strives to eliminate poverty housing through advocacy, education and partnership with families in need to build simple, decent affordable housing. Since 1990, HFH GLA has built more than 230 homes, transforming the lives of hundreds of individuals. For more information, visit www.habitatla.org.

HOLLYWOOD FOR HABITAT FOR HUMANITY:
Launched in 2000 with a 20 house "blitz build," Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity was founded by Screenwriter/Director Randall Wallace (Braveheart, We Were Soldiers) to involve the entertainment industry in Habitat for Humanity's mission. Actors, screenwriters, and agents are among the thousands of volunteers who have helped to fund and build 150 homes for families in need around the world from Los Angeles to New York and Armenia to South Africa. www.hollywoodforhabitat.com


Contacts:
Jo-An Turman, Dir. Marketing & Communications
Habitat for Humanity GLA
T: 310-323-4663 x 121
[email protected]

Angela Moore
Starfish P.R.
T: 310-429-8868
[email protected]

About Starfish P.R.
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