Big Ten Network has announced that it will launch a major community service initiative ‘Give Big’ starting September 3. Big Ten Network will feature a top community-service effort of a Big Ten supporter during Big Ten Tailgate, which visits a different Big Ten campus each week during football season.
Some profiles will focus on the efforts of famous athletes such as Wisconsin’s Devin Harris and Minnesota’s Karl Mecklenburg, as well as remarkable projects undertaken by community leaders better known locally.
While Give Big salutes these charitable efforts on the air, it will also look to engage the Big Ten Network’s passionate and growing audience on a dedicated website (www.BTNGiveBig.com) and other social-media sites to funnel their enthusiasm and support toward these worthy causes.
Beyond sharing inspirational stories, Give Big will provide real tools and ideas to help others Give Big at www.BTNGiveBig.com. Through partnerships with organizations like Teach for America, Special Olympics, the REACH Foundation, Coaches vs. Cancer and others, the initiative will connect viewers, students and supporters with great organizations and outlets for service.
Mark Silverman, BigTen Network President said “Dedication, commitment and community are all important aspects of the Big Ten conference. Give Big recognizes that being a part of the Big Ten means giving back to the community in a big way.”
“We are really looking forward to sharing some of these remarkable stories with our viewers,” Silverman said. “We’re hopeful that the unmatched passion of Big Ten fans and the exposure for their programs will generate even more support for these great causes.”
The first Give Big profile airs Friday during Big Ten Tailgate, which originates from the University of Iowa and features John Heineman. Heineman is a 25-year-old University of Iowa graduate who began volunteering at the Iowa City Free Medical Clinic during his sophomore year. In addition to the countless hours he spent at the clinic, Heineman swam the English Channel to raise money for it, bringing in more than $19,000.
The first 12 honorees are:
| Big Ten Network’s Major Community Service Initiative | ||||||
| Broadcast Date | School | Honoree | Cause | |||
| Sept. 3 | Iowa | John Heineman, Iowa graduate and volunteer | Raised $19,000 for the Iowa City Free Medical Clinic by swimming the English Channel. | |||
| Sept. 10 | Wisconsin | Devin Harris, Badgers’ basketball standout | In 2007, founded 34 Ways to Assist, which focuses on the health and well-being of youth through basketball camps, clinics and education, as well as providing kids a safe place to play. | |||
| Sept. 17 | Illinois | CeCe Marizu, swimmer | Co-founded Students Leading Social Change, works with Hometown Heroes, in which Illini athletes work with local youth to spread anti-drug and gang messages. | |||
| Sept. 24 | Michigan | Charles Woodson, Brian Griese & Steve Hutchinson – UM players | The three coordinated efforts to raise funds for C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital @ University of Michigan. | |||
| Oct. 1 | Minnesota | Karl Mecklenburg, Minnesota and All-Pro NFL football player | Founded the REACH Foundation, which provides kids with educational and outdoor experiences intended to provide the opportunities and resources needed to succeed in school and in life. | |||
| Oct. 8 | Penn State | Sue Paterno, philanthropist and wife of Head Coach Joe Paterno | A philanthropist and community leader, supporter of Special Olympics of Pennsylvania for more than 30 years and a board member since 1991. | |||
| Oct. 15 | Michigan State | John Shinsky, football player and educator | Founded City of the Children, an orphanage that provides a safe and nurturing environment for abandoned and disadvantaged children. | |||
| Oct. 22 | Ohio State | Kurt Coleman, OSU and Philadelphia Eagles football player | Works with Uplifting Athletes, a national non-profit that raises the profile of rare diseases through outreach, research, education and advocacy. | |||
| Oct. 29 | Indiana | Meaza Yalew, IU graduate | Started Lady Lioness Cycling, comprised of African-American women, and now working with City Year. | |||
| Nov. 5 | Purdue | Kyle Adams, football player | Involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, which challenges athletes and coaches to make a positive impact in local communities by encouraging, equipping and empowering them to make a difference. | |||
| Nov. 12 | Northwestern | Elissa Clapp, tennis player | Recruits top college graduates for Teach for America as part of the movement to end educational inequity. | |||
| Nov. 19 | Big Ten Conference | Bruce Weber, Illinois Men’s Basketball Coach | Involved in Coaches vs. Cancer, a national collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. | |||
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