New York Mets, Citi and Habitat-NYC Volunteers to Build Affordable Homes in Brooklyn and Queens

Here is a nice example of using a time of celebration, in this case, the 40th anniversary of the Mets’ amazing run to the World Series, to bring attention to the charitable works of the team and its partners. As a Mets fan, it has been a tough year for sure but this surely will bring a smile to any fan’s face.

The full release can be found at http://finance.yahoo.com/news/New-York-Mets-Citi-and-bw-3275940613.html?x=0&.v=1, with an excerpt provided below.

(Excerpt)

Seaver, Koosman and 1969 World Champion Mets Come Together for Thursday’s Brooklyn Build and Saturday’s ‘2009 Mets Miracle Build’ at Field

Two-Day Initiative Honors President Obama’s United We Serve Volunteer Program

  • Press Release
  • Source: Citi
  • On Thursday August 20, 2009, 5:01 am EDT

Mets ’69 legends Seaver, Koosman, first baseman Ed Kranepool and coach Joe Pignatano will help complete Habitat-NYC’s four-story affordable condominium complex on Eastern Parkway and Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn on Thursday, August 20.

The Atlantic Avenue homes are part of the largest multi-family Habitat for Humanity building ever constructed in the United States. Since 2007, more than 14,000 volunteers helped build this complex, which will provide 41 new homes to local low-income families. The complex meets LEED green building standards; by incorporating green materials and building techniques, Habitat-NYC will help protect the health—and pocketbooks—of its future inhabitants.

This Saturday, August 22, the entire 1969 Mets World Championship team will reunite for the “2009 Mets Miracle Build at Citi Field where they will work with Citi, Mets, and Habitat volunteers to build a home for a low-income family. The build is part of the Mets and Citi’s celebration of the 40th anniversary of the 1969 World Series championship. The “Miracle Mets” will later participate in a charity fundraiser to benefit the Mets Foundation and then be honored during a 6:45 p.m. pre-game ceremony before the Mets host the Philadelphia Phillies.

Citi is a long time supporter and partner of Habitat for Humanity. Since 2000, Citi and Habitat employees have built and helped create over 230 safe and affordable homes across the United States.

“As part of our continued commitment to New York City, Habitat for Humanity, United We Serve and the Mets, Citi is excited to take part in a wonderful opportunity to provide affordable housing to families in need,” said Eric Eve, Senior Vice President, Global Community Relations, Citi. “Today, Citi, Habitat and the Mets have hit a home run for underserved New Yorkers.”

“We are honored to have the opportunity to work with Citi and Habitat – NYC as part of our ongoing efforts to make a difference in the community,” said Dave Howard, Executive Vice President, Business Operations, New York Mets. “We are thrilled that our 1969 World Championship team has made this project an important part of their anniversary weekend in New York.”

“We are proud to partner with Citi and the ’69 Mets as we work together to bring hardworking, low-income New York City families home,” said Josh Lockwood, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity – New York City. “This is truly a ‘Miracle Build’ for the families who will finally achieve the American Dream.”

“We salute Citi, Habitat for Humanity and the ’69 Mets for answering President Obama’s call to service,” said Bob Grimm, Director of Research and Policy Development for the Corporation for National and Community Service, which is leading the President’s United We Serve initiative. “This effort demonstrates the power of volunteers to get things done to help in our nation’s recovery.”