Peter M. Putnam Foundation founded to assist children and communities by improving and providing access to youth sports programs in Washington
Founded in the spirit of Peter Putnam, who tragically died as a result of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, vCJD, in October 2003, The Peter M. Putnam Foundation (PMP) was created to carry on his passionate love of sports to those who may not be able to get involved due to the costs associated with youth sports programs today.
CJD is a fatal brain disease first classified in the 1920s. In 1996, doctors reported a variant of the disease, vCJD. Research since suggests that vCJD is the result of exposure to the agent that causes Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in cattle. In contrast to the traditional forms of CJD, vCJD has affected younger patients (average age 29 years, as opposed to 65 years), has a relatively longer duration of illness (median of 14 months as opposed to 4.5 months) and is strongly linked to exposure, probably through food, to a TSE of cattle called Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE).
PMP is a completely volunteer organization that runs on the talents and abilities of friends and family through out the United States. The Foundation runs on private and corporate donations as well as proceeds from regional events held throughout the year.
The Foundations aim is to assist children and communities by improving and providing access to youth sports programs in the Pacific Northwest. Many boys and girls find organized sports to be a safe and healthy alternative to risky behaviors during the after-school hours, the peak times for youth violence and victimization, when many children and youth are unsupervised.
Unfortunately, many communities and families lack the resources necessary to provide these opportunities. PMP works with these communities and other charities to increase opportunity, empower communities, and improve each child’s life.
“Pete’s passion was baseball and some of his favorite times were spent on the diamond. As he grew up his love transitioned from playing to watching the kids in his life participate in sporting events” said Chris Turnley, Peter’s brother and President of PMP. “He understood how participating in sports and pushing yourself to achieve helped make kids who they are. It is in this memory that my family and his friends created this foundation to carry on his legacy and give children across Washington the opportunities that he had.”
While its primary goal is to provide seed money to kids interested in sports so they can pay fees, purchase uniforms, shoes and other gear, PMP is also raising funds to support field renovation and coach and leadership development.
Glenn Bishop, Director of Boys & Girls Clubs of Spokane County knows the impact sports can have on your life. “Sports took me from a life of juvenile crime onto the positive road of success. Being on a team builds self-esteem, morale and instills the teamwork you need to be successful as an adult. After completing college, serving a career in the Air Force, I am now honored to have the opportunity to work in an environment that provides a positive place for kids. I look forward to the partnership with the Peter Putnam Foundation. Together, we will be able to serve more of our young people through sports.
Kickoff events were held Fall 2004 and the year will culminate with the 1st Annual Peter M. Putnam Foundation New Year’s Eve Celebration and Auction being held at the Alexis Hotel on Friday, December 31st @ 7:00 PM. Auction items include a catered sunset sailing cruise for 12, two Microsoft software package’s for work and play, Sonics Game tickets with a $100.00 Schwartz’s Brothers Gift Certificate, a 4 pack of Mariner Tickets above home plate, and a 2 for 1 fly-fishing adventure trip. Tickets are still available by calling Chris Turnley @ 206-790-1315
For more information on the foundation and CJD, visit the PMP website at www.putnamfoundation.org.
For more information, please contact:
Karen Carter, PMP Media Relations, karenecarter@yahoo.com, 206-409-4955