A Message From Our CEO
Hello,
April was a powerful reminder of what can happen when community comes together around a shared purpose.
From an incredible PIFBS Phillies’ Fundraiser, to national recognition through the Halo Awards, to inspiring stories of young athletes finding confidence through sport, this month was filled with moments that reflect why our mission matters.
Because of you, more kids are getting the equipment they need to play. Because of you, programs continue growing stronger. And because of you, we are able to keep expanding access to baseball and softball for young athletes who need opportunity most.
One of my favorite moments this month was our Phillies’ Fundraiser. After taking last year off for our 20th Anniversary Gala, it was great to bring it back and connect nearly 500 members of the baseball/softball community around a shared passion and goal. One of our littlest supporters represented us well, tossing the first pitch out like a pro! And we got to show off our newest organizational video that showed off our recent Philly School Program event at Citizens Bank Park in February. It was a celebration not only of the game, but of what’s possible when people rally around kids.
I’m equally energized by the momentum we’re seeing through partnerships, volunteers, and supporters finding new ways to help kids play. We are always looking for volunteers for our Board of Directors, Advisory Council, and events and ways to engage with our community in a meaningful way. Please reach out if you have ideas!
As we wrap up spring and look towards summer, I’m grateful for all we’re building together and excited for what’s ahead.
Thank you for being part of this work.
With gratitude,
Meredith P. Kim
CEO, Pitch In For Baseball & Softball
P.S. Reach out to us for more information on how you can get involved or to share your ideas on spreading joy and unity through sports.
March Impact Snapshot
These are PIFBS impact numbers for March and they reflect the reach your support made possible last month.
- 50,000+ kids supported
- More than $850,000 in baseball and softball equipment donated
- 27 states reached
- 3 countries served
These numbers represent more than gear. They represent confidence, belonging, and new opportunities for young athletes to play and grow.
Monthly Highlights
Phillies Community Day Was a Big Win for Kids
Our return to Phillies Community Day was one of the biggest highlights of the month. Together, our incredible community helped raise more than $30,000, helping support 1,000+ kids with the equipment they need to play.
It was more than a night at the ballpark. It was a celebration of generosity, community, and shared impact. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make it such a meaningful success.
Honored with a Silver Halo Award
This month, PIFBS and Wilson Sporting Goods were honored with a Silver Halo Award for Get a Glove, Give a Glove.
In 2013, Wilson Sporting Goods launched Glove of the Month (GOTM), offering players exclusive, hard to get gloves that reflect a player’s style and personality.
What you may not know is that for each GOTM sold, Wilson donates gear to PIFBS so that all kids can access the game. Over the years, Get a Glove, Give a Glove has raised more than $400k to support grant requests from schools across the country and give all students the chance to grow from the game.
We know this game can change lives. Through this partnership, we have achieved the following:
- More than $400k raised, $2 million in equipment donated (75k+ pieces of equipment) to schools
- 2,000 teams equipped
- 40,000 student athletes supported
- 73% of students improved their grades while playing
- 71% of students came to school more often
But bigger than the numbers are the stories of the students who experienced personal growth on and off the field, how the donation made it possible for schools to offer the sport, and the power of the game as a motivator to stay in school.
A Glove, A Chance, A Path Forward
This month we shared Diobel’s story, a powerful reminder of how access to equipment can help unlock opportunity.
As a student-athlete at Frankford High School, Diobel had the drive to play but lacked the equipment he needed. Through PIFBS, he received a glove and the chance to fully participate in the game.
That opportunity helped fuel something bigger. Stronger attendance. Better grades. Graduation. And now, college ahead.
Sometimes impact starts with something simple.
Sometimes it starts with a glove.
And sometimes that glove helps change a future.
Put Extra Gear Back in Play This Spring
Spring is a great time to put unused gear back in play.
Our upcoming equipment drop-off is a simple but powerful way to help more kids get in the game. A glove sitting in a garage could become the reason a child gets to step onto the field for the very first time.
Donate your gear. Keep it in play. Help more kids play ball.
Funding Opportunity: Applications Open May 1 for the Teamwork Grant Program
PIFBS recognizes that there is a limit to what we can do, which is why we like to share opportunities when we find them. We’re excited to share an opportunity that may benefit many programs in our community.
Our partners at Champro are opening applications May 1 for the Teamwork Grant Program, which supports youth teams, leagues, and organizations that may need funding and resources to keep kids playing.
At PIFBS, we know barriers to play can extend beyond equipment. Registration fees, uniforms, and program costs can also stand in the way. Programs like this can help expand access and opportunity for youth athletes.
Why it matters:
- Supports youth teams and organizations in need
- Helps remove barriers to participation
- Strengthens access to the benefits of team sports
If your program or a community partner could benefit, we encourage you to learn more and apply. Applications open May 1.
Take Action
Help kids around the world play ball!
There are many ways to help kids get in the game. You can start a fundraiser, organize an equipment collection project, attend Phillies Community Day, or support PIFBS through one of our active campaigns. Every action helps create access, opportunity, and joy through sport.