Seattle, WA- Seattle Seahawks running back Robert Turbin launched a new philanthropic initiative today, joining forces with Seattle Foundation to establish "Runnin4U Foundation" which will focus on support for individuals with multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy, announced Tony Mestres, Seattle Foundation president and CEO.
Turbin joins Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll and Seattle Sounders FC as local sports leaders partnering with Seattle Foundation to develop and direct their philanthropy. Turbin is the first Seahawk player to select Seattle Foundation to advance his charitable work.
"We've done our due diligence and believe this partnership will give us the level of support we need to make an impact in the lives of many people," said Turbin, who is in his fourth season with the team. "I'm equally as excited about partnering with Seattle Foundation in any way I can to support its role as the community leader for smart, effective philanthropy."
The Seattle Foundation will provide administrative and operational support for Runnin4U Foundation's activities and will advise Turbin on his grantmaking and community partnerships. Runnin4U's first event will be a charity bowling tournament at Lucky Strike in Bellevue in August of this year. Turbin plans a golf tournament in the Seattle area in Spring 2016. Turbin also organizes football camps for high school players, with proceeds to benefit his foundation.
"Robert's authentic interest in these causes is inspiring," said Mestres. "His family has been affected by both of these conditions and Seattle Foundation's community knowledge and philanthropic expertise can help ensure his dollars have a powerful impact."
Believing it is his responsibility to lead by example, Robert Turbin and Runnin4U Foundation will work with nonprofit organizations, corporations, schools and civic groups to bring public awareness to multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy in an effort to find a cure for these debilitating conditions.
The Pacific Northwest has one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis in the world with an estimated 12,000 cases in Washington State alone. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, typically progressive disease involving damage to the sheaths of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, resulting in numbness, impairment of speech and muscular coordination, blurred vision, and severe fatigue.
Cerebral palsy is a disorder that affects muscle tone, movement, and the ability to move in a coordinated and purposeful way, and is usually the result of a brain injury that occurs before or during childbirth. Cerebral palsy is the most common of all childhood disabilities, affecting two to three live births out of 1,000 in the U.S.
About Runnin4U Foundation
The Runnin4U Foundation was created by Robert Turbin's desire, commitment and dedication to bring about positive changes while helping enrich the lives of those afflicted by multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy. The incidence and prevalence of both cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis is rising worldwide, however there are new treatments in development and testing to improve function and decrease the disability caused by these chronic medical conditions. These include medications, regenerative techniques, physical and cognitive therapies, robotics, functional neuromuscular stimulation as well as bio feedback.
The Runnin4u Foundation believes people of all ages can be an integral part of the effort to enhance the lives of those who are challenged on a daily basis fighting these diseases. Whether it is a monetary donation, charitable drive, sponsorship, partnership or volunteer opportunity, information on how you can join Runnin4u Foundation's mission to enhance someone's life and to one day find a cure will be shared on rturbin.com.
About The Seattle Foundation
The Seattle Foundation's mission is to ignite powerful and rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all. With more than $850 million in assets, our goal as a community foundation is to simplify giving and strengthen the impact of philanthropy for the individuals, families and businesses we serve. In partnership with our donors, we distributed over $85 million in grants in 2014. Since 2011, Seattle Foundation has presented GiveBIG, an annual one-day online giving event that has collectively raised more than $56 million for nonprofit organizations. Visit www.seattlefoundation.org to learn more.
