In just two weeks

May 19th, 2013 by

…you can join Ben, his family, and friends in support of The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation!

“It’s no secret how much the kids mean to me. When someone has a wish and they want to spend it with the Steelers that touches you and is special. For us to be able to do this and be able to have six kids’ wishes come true is awesome. Being there to meet them, shake their hand, sign an autograph means a lot to me.” – Ben, on his support for Make-A-Wish®.



Ben will be hosting his Second Annual Ben Roethlisberger Foundation Fundraiser on June 2nd, at Jergel’s Rhythm Grille in Warrendale, PA.

Event_1Proceeds from the event will benefit K-9 Police and Fire Units throughout the country, and Make-A-Wish®.

This fantastic evening will feature a strolling dinner, a live and silent auction, and the music of The American Flyers show band, which will have you dancing in no time!

“He brings a unique perspective because he grants wishes and he is good at that. He gets to make the wish happen. Now with the partnership with his foundation, he is taking it to the next level to allow other wishes to be granted. It’s an amazing thing.” – Leigh Ann Lubarsky, Manager of Program Services for Make-A-Wish, talking about Ben’s impact on the children.


A few of Ben’s teammates, including Brett Keisel, Heath Miller, James Harrison, and Charlie Batch stopped by to show their support last year, as did ESPN’s Merril Hoge. You never know who will show up this year!


Date: Sunday, June 2nd, 2013

Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Place: Jergel’s Rhythm Grille, 103 Slade Lane, Warrendale, PA

Ticket price: $200/per person

Attire: Casual and Comfortable

Please respond by Friday, May 31, 2013

*Must be 21 years of age or older to attend!


You won’t want to miss it so purchase your tickets now!


You can see more photos from last year’s event here.



How about a round of golf the following day?

You can join Ben once again, but this time on the golf course at the Sewickley Heights Golf Club for the Second Annual Ben Roethlisberger Foundation Invitational!

Tournament_1As with the event at Jergels on Sunday night, Monday’s tournament will benefit both Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation.

Since 2007, the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation has made 107 grants totaling more than $950,000 to 102 police and fire departments and five community youth organizations, including Ronald McDonald House Charities and the Make A Wish Foundation. These 102 canine grants have funded the purchase of 66 dogs, the training of 28 dogs and 50 handlers, safety equipment for more than 50 dogs, and training equipment for 31 dogs, as well as food, vet services and housing for countless more.

“The Montgomery County (MD) Sheriffs Office wanted to again thank Ben Roethlisberger and BigBen7.com for the support you have shown our office in the past. Last year we were able to purchase ballistic vests for all of our K9s because of your support.” – Deputy Sheriff James Johnson, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.


A total of 112 golfers participated in last year’s tournament with 27 companies and corporations sponsoring the event, including Apollo Jets, Patriot Homes Corporation, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PNC, #1 Cochran, and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The golfers (and Ben) had a great time with the pre-tournament competitions, which included the Chip Shot Challenge, a Super Bowl XLIII Challenge (throwing the football through the hands of a cardboard Santonio Holmes), Shuffleboard Golf, a “Big Shot” Challenge (driving your way through the AFC North), a $5,000 Putt Challenge, and a $1 million dollar Shootout (165 yard shot). During the tournament, golfers had the opportunity to try their hand at other competitions along the course, including Poker & Roulette Golf, a Men’s and Women’s Long Drive, the Straight Drive, a “Coffin Corner” on the 9th hole, and a TPC Sawgrass “Island Green” hole on the 17th.

Space is limited for the tournament, so make your golfing plans soon!


You can sign up for the tournament, or learn more about it here.

You can see an album full of photos from last year’s Invitational here.


If you unable to attend either event, but would like to make a donation, click here.

You can also purchase tickets for Ben’s “Ultimate Raffle” to benefit his Foundation! Get all the info you need right here.


*Thank you to Jessica Duffaut at the Giving Back Fund, Justin Aquilante at ProServ Events, Sheila Weiner, The Event Group, Dan Jergel, and Teresa Varley, Steelers.com!


Today is Armed Forces Day!

May 18th, 2013 by

But EVERY DAY should be Armed Forces Day!

Thank you to all the men and women who serve, and have served our great country!


JakeRobinson
And thank you to Jake Robinson (in the #7 jersey), who sent this photo of his Unit serving in Afghanistan.


Honor Our Military

Let’s honor our military,

The men and women who serve,

Whose dedication to our country

Does not falter, halt or swerve.

Let’s respect them for their courage;

They’re ready to do what’s right

To keep America safe,

So we can sleep better at night.

Let’s support and defend our soldiers,

Whose hardships are brutal and cruel,

Whose discipline we can’t imagine,

Who follow each order and rule.

Here’s to those who choose to be warriors

And their helpers good and true;

They’re fighting for American values;

They’re fighting for me and you.


*This beautiful poem was written by Joanna Fuchs.


Special offer: The Ben Roethlisberger Football Camp

May 16th, 2013 by

“We took our granddaughter, age 12, and our grandson, age 7, to Ben’s Youth Camp. What organized chaos! It was an awesome experience for both. Both caught Ben’s passes. They talked about the camp all the way back to Northern Ohio. They have already decided to come back next year, at our expense! We also really enjoyed the experience!” – Linda Hawk, Ohio



There’s still time to sign your child up to join Ben this summer for some football instruction and fun at his Annual Football Camp, sponsored by ProCamps Worldwide…and we’ve got a special offer for those who register this month!

Sign up with the code #SteelerNation and you will get $10 off the registration fee!

But here’s the exciting part:

All campers who register with that code will be entered to win this awesome Steelers football (below) signed by both Big Ben & Coach Tomlin!


footballFifth Third Bank and #1 Cochran present the 2013 Ben Roethlisberger Football Camp!

The Camp is open to boys and girls, ages 7-14.

Ben will be joined by a selection of the top prep and college coaches from the area.

Each day, the campers will experience various stations, specializing in fundamental skills of football. Individual groups will be small to assure that each camper gets maximum instruction.

Ben will give daily talks highlighting the finer points of the game of football and beyond. Parents and guests will be able to listen to camp guests in designated areas at each location.

And you never know which of Ben’s teammates will show up to help out #7! Kids that attend Ben’s Camp have had the opportunity to meet and get instruction from Brett Keisel, Charlie Batch, Willie Colon, and even Coach Tomlin!


Dates: June 17th and 18th, 2013

Times: 09:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Place: Seneca Valley High School, Harmony, PA

Cost: $199.*

*If you use the code SteelerNation when you register, you’ll receive a $10 discount off the registration fee, courtesy of ProCamps!

“My son Christian had the time of his life at your camp. You threw him a pass and I managed to get the shot on my camera. What a memory. Awesome two days. Thanks so much, Ben!!!” – Kris Bober



CoachTomlin Each camper will receive -

• Camp T-Shirt
• Autographed Camp team photo with Ben
• 7 Hours of expert instruction
• Opportunity to win contests and prizes

In the event of heavy rain or inclement weather, the camp will be moved to a nearby indoor facility. Camp instruction and other related activities will continue inside the facility.

Parents will be notified of the indoor location in the Camp Bulletin that they receive at check-in on the first day of camp.

Additional camp partners include Greater Pittsburgh Physical Therapy, Everlast, and McDonalds. Media partners include KDKA-Channel 2 and WDVE.


“Ben gave out a special award in honor of his college coach, Terry Hoeppner, to a little boy that was hit in the eye with one of Ben’s passes during their championship game yesterday – which ended in a black and blue eye. Ben told the crowd that the young man was hit with the ball, but kept right on playing…never even hesitated to keep pushing. I was watching the game and the boy did grab his eye, but went right back to the line for the next pass. Ben said he wasn’t sure who was going to get the award, but as soon as that happened he knew it was going to be that little boy. He said of all the awards handed out that award means the most to him. And when he gave the little boy the award, he also gave him a bag of ice for his eye, lol.” – Michele Rodi, Ohio



A fun and educational experience is guaranteed!

Spots are limited, so participants are encouraged to register early.


You can sign your youngster up for the camp here.

You can see more photos here.

You can watch videos from the camp here (mid-way down the page).

You can read more testimonials from parents and grandparents here.


Ultimate Big Ben Raffle

May 13th, 2013 by

To benefit The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation!


RaffleHere is your chance to attend a Steelers game with pre-game field passes and autographed Ben Roethlisberger memorabilia!

Tickets are just $2.00 each (minimum purchase of 5 tickets)

Entry deadline: 11:00 AM ET on Monday, June 10, 2013

Drawing date: Monday, June 10, 2013

Grand Prize:

– Winner will receive 2 game tickets to a mutually agreed upon Pittsburgh Steelers Game

– Winner will receive 2 Pre-Game Field passes to a mutually agreed upon Pittsburgh Steelers Game

– Winner will receive signed game-worn cleats from Ben

– Winner will receive a signed game football from Ben

– Winner will receive a signed jersey from Ben

– Winner will be awarded a cash prize in the amount of $598.50 to mitigate the Winner’s tax liability that results from winning the raffle. This prize is withheld and paid, on behalf of the Winner, directly to the IRS ($504.00) and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts ($94.50). The actual amount awarded may be adjusted proportionally based on the value of the actual prizes received.


This is a fun way to support The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation!

Get your tickets today and good luck!


Thank you to The Event Group and the wonderful folks at Celebrities for Charity!


A Mother’s Day message

May 12th, 2013 by

…from the littlest Roethlisberger!


MothersDay2013

From diapers to bottles, spit up to wipes, late nights to splashing in the tub. I just want to say I have the best mommy in the whole world! I know I cry at times and you don’t know why, but I want you to know you always make me feel safe and loved, and I thank you for that mom. I love you so much and hope you have a great first Mother’s Day!



MothersDay2013_1

P.S. A Happy Mother’s Day to all the mommies out there from all us kids! We love our moms and grandmas! Extra special love to Grandma R. and Nana H., XOXO – Benjamin “JR” (with help from my Dad).



The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation at work

May 8th, 2013 by

Two new police dogs on the job in South Euclid, Ohio. One of those dogs was purchased with a grant from the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation!

“On behalf of the South Euclid Police Department, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation for their generous donation to our K-9 program and their continued support of law enforcement.” – Chief Kevin Nietert, South Euclid Police Department.



From Jeff Piorkowski, Sun News (Northeast Ohio):

Kolbe_Foundationstory_May082013The South Euclid Police Department has added two new K-9 officers-in-training, Kolbe, left, and Oktane.

With the addition of the dogs, SEPD Chief Kevin Nietert’s wish to have a dog on all three shifts is being fulfilled. One of the new dogs replaces the recently retired Rex. Another dog, 6-year-old, Recon remains on the force.

Kolbe is 13 months old, while Oktane is still a puppy at 11 months.

Kolbe was obtained with grant money from Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, whose foundation purchases dogs for police departments in cities (and surrounding suburbs) which the Steelers visit during their season.

“This Thanksgiving, the men and women of the South Euclid Police Department have something very special to be thankful for. The grant from The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation will allow the K-9 unit to continue the important work we do.” – South Euclid Police K-9 Officer Michael Fink (posing with Kolbe at left) in November, 2012 when the grant was announced.


Nietert said both dogs — Kolbe is a Belgian Malinois, and Oktane, a German shepherd — were born in Czechoslovakia. “The dogs act as a force multiplier and are great for public relations,” Nietert said.


You can learn more about Ben’s foundation here.


Steeler Nation invades Philadelphia!

May 5th, 2013 by

According to the many fans that attended, Ben’s signing event at The Sports Vault in the King of Prussia Mall on Saturday afternoon was a huge success! Everyone had a great time, including the man they all came to see!

“My dad surprised me with a photo opportunity with Ben and I couldn’t have been happier! I’ve loved Ben since he was drafted, and it’s been my dream to meet him. Everything about Ben exceeded my expectations. He was so friendly and kind, and he thanked everyone and told them to have a great day after their photo was taken. I didn’t think I could like him more than I already did, but I do. I am so glad I got to be a part of his first signing in 7 years and I hope to see him again sometime soon!” – Kim Bevins



Ben signed his own game-used shoe:

BryceBishop_2
We just got to the car from Ben’s signing today. So I thought I’d send a couple of photos along with our appreciation for Ben’s time. Let’s be honest, he doesn’t NEED to do these type of events. We as fans are fortunate for the opportunities. We got to the event early as we knew it would be organized chaos. The photo op was first. We had heard they sold all 100 photo ops. WOW! I’ve never seen that many sold at any event….not in the 11 years I’ve been going anyway.

Bryce decided he wanted it taken with his game worn cleat that he won in the monthly birthday drawing contest from this site. Coincidentally from our very first game in Pittsburgh. When Bryce walked up to get his photo taken with Ben, Ben asked “did you steal my shoe”? He’s so great to these kids. He could just be there to sign our items, but he does a great job interacting with not just the kids, but adults too.

We got so much attention walking around with this cleat…..another piece of Ben giving back. How many players do you see do this on a monthly basis? I’m so jealous of Bryce, lol. This cleat is more amazing than any piece I have in my collection. As the evidence shows. It was a perfect day! Thanks Ben. – Steve Bishop, NY



He signed mini-helmets:

MichaelSmith_1
I was fortunate enough to be at Ben Roethlisberger’s signing today. It is an incredible moment when you get a chance to meet your hero, it was a dream come true! A day I will always remember. – Michael Smith



He even signed a Steelers bass guitar:

DennisHowser_2
Ben, thanks again for the autograph and picture! Go Steelers! – Dennis Hower



And he made some new friends, one of whom was surprised he wasn’t wearing his uniform:

Evan_1
This is my 5 year old son, Evan. We are from Harrisburg, PA. Evan was sooo excited, and had the biggest smile on his face. Just the thought that Evan told me he expected Ben would be wearing his black jersey was too cute and funny to me, as if that’s all he wears. – Barb Collins



A few more thoughts from those who attended:

“Meeting Ben today was just great…he signed a terrible towel for my patient as well (I am a physical therapist). I couldn’t help being shy and overwhelmed during my photo op, but I am glad now I have had the opportunity to see the QB I watch every weekend. He definitely represents the Midwest and talks just like any guy from Northern Ohio or Pittsburgh.” – Kathy Klein


“I have been looking forward to a chance to meet Ben for quite a while, so when I saw that he would be at the King of Prussia mall I arranged for the photo op. I must say that Ben was gracious and friendly, and truly seemed to enjoy meeting his fans. I am glad I had the opportunity! (Thanks Erin, Mollie and Tracy for your help on my adventure!” – Jan Banko, Nescopeck, PA


“Bucket List Check! After 9 years, I finally met Ben Roethlisberger.” – Carl Stresing


“I won the Sports Vaults VIP contest. I wanted to share my picture and to say that Ben is a pretty awesome guy. He is super nice and full of smiles. The whole event was fantastic and the people at Sports Vault were great. My son Seth turns two in two weeks. He loved Ben and Ben was so good with him. I can tell he’s a great dad. Seth now says that ‘Ben Raffaburger is my buddy’. It was an amazing day I will never forget!” – Michelle Rebar



“Hello Erin, Thank you so much for all the effort you have put into this website and directing us with all the information regarding the event! I had never done this and it was a total blast. I managed to make it all the way down from The Bronx New York and back in one piece. Go Steelers!” – Delia Hemmingway, NY


“Drove 10 hours from Ontario Canada to King Of Prussia to meet Ben. Great day. He is so nice.” – James Boutros, Canada


“Absolutely loved meeting Big Ben!! Best day of my life, so exciting!!” – Jill Brossman


“Hey Ben, thanks for taking the time to sign my sons football and taking a picture with us in the back room before you went out to do your signings, he was very excited. Hope you have a great year.” – David Taurino



“Well today my dream came true when I finally got to meet Ben! He was such a sweetheart! Always kept a smile on his face and was just awesome to everyone he met. I’ll never forget this day for the rest of my life!! I love you Ben and look forward to seeing you on the field!” – Kim Kraft



“Meeting Ben was an amazing experience. He was so nice and it was a dream come true for me.” – Nikki S.


“Hi! Was so cool to meet Ben today. I know he was rushed, but wished it could have been longer. I wished him well for the upcoming season and my kids, Troy and Cara, enjoyed meeting him too. Sports Vault had everything under control and ran the event smoothly. Thank you Ben and Sports Vault!!” – Jill Landis, Hatfield, PA


“I was there and enjoyed every moment! He is so good to his fans!” – Michelle Renee


“Ben was awesome. What a dream come true to shake his hand! Thank you Ben for the opportunity to meet you!” – The Himes Family


You can see more photos from the signing here!

The Sports Vault has a few photos here!

And the Himes Family videotaped Ben’s arrival! You can watch it here!


*Thank you to everyone who emailed, sent Facebook messages and tweets! Thank you once again to Pat and Anthony at The Sports Vault! It was a pleasure!


En honor de fin de semana del cinco de mayo

May 4th, 2013 by

Viva Ben, viva el #7

Los fans de los Steelers en México llevan la camisa de Ben con orgullo, dedicación y pasión.


















Roger Saucedo and members of his Steelers fan club, Regios de Acero from Monterrey, Mexico show their support for the man who wears #7!



Is it possible that we have a friendly rivalry brewing between fan clubs?



¿Es posible que tengamos un poco de la rivalidad amistosa entre los clubs de fans de los Steelers en Mexico?















Daniel Hernandez and members of the Steelers Mexico Fan Club show their support for Big Ben on the field of the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City!


Gracias a ambos caballeros por compartir sus fotos!



As always, you can send your photo submissions to us at BigBen7website@gmail.com!


Let’s Go Pens!!!

May 1st, 2013 by


NHL Playoffs are here!

LetsGoPens!

























Dad and I are in our Pens gear and getting ready to watch our favorite team!!




And speaking of my dad…

This big 6’5, 240lb video-camera monster comin’ at me looks a whole lot like him!! He thinks he’s scary, but I just think he’s funny!!






Okay…

so I’ve got this whole standing thing figured out already!


May12013_BabyBen_1
























Maybe if I could get my hands on dad’s football, I could try out my throwing arm too! Scrambling out of this baby bouncer might take a few more weeks to learn though (when my mom’s not looking, of course!)


This weekend

May 1st, 2013 by


…is Big Ben’s appearance at the King of Prussia Mall in Philadelphia!


1The public autograph signing will take place at the Sports Vault store, at their location in the Plaza of the King of Prussia Mall on May 4th, 2013, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM.

The Sports Vault is across from the Food Court in the Sears wing.

There are only seven Photo Op tickets left!

This is Ben’s first autograph signing in PA in over 7 years! Don’t miss out!


You can get more information on pricing and purchase your tickets in advance here.


You can get travel info to the King of Prussia Mall here.


FANS: If you are going to the event this weekend and would like to share your experience and any photos with us, please email us at BigBen7website@gmail.com! We’ll post them on the site!


*The photo above is from Ben’s last signing event, which took place in Virginia in April, 2012.


Thank you to both Pat and Anthony at the Sports Vault! It’s been great working with you guys!



Also on Saturday:

Set your DVR’s for noon (ET) when the NFL Network will re-air one of the “Classic Games” -

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New York Giants (12/18/04):

Ben Roethlisberger outduels Eli Manning throwing for 316 yards and engineering a fourth-quarter comeback in battle of highly-touted rookie quarterbacks.


From an article featured in USA Today, post-game:

ben_eliBen Roethlisberger was not about to be upstaged by Eli Manning.

In a surprise shootout between two rookie quarterbacks, Roethlisberger outdueled Manning as the Pittsburgh Steelers won their franchise-record 12th straight game, a wild 33-30 triumph over the New York Giants.

The last two teams to win 12 straight games in the same season won the Super Bowl. New England accomplished the feat last season and Denver did it in 1998.

“I don’t ever want to remember what it is like to lose,” said Roethlisberger, who has won his last 25 starts dating to his days at Miami of Ohio. “We didn’t play our best game of the season, but we found a way to win.”

While Manning gained all the attention when he was selected first overall in April’s draft, Roethlisberger slid all the way to the Steelers (13-1) at No. 11.

Roethlisberger already has marched into the NFL record book for consecutive wins by a rookie. He has enjoyed a storybook season, leading the Steelers to the AFC North Division title while improving to 12-0 since taking over for the injured Tommy Maddox.

“I know he’s been making some good decisions with the game on the line,” Steelers coach Bill Cowher said of his quarterback. “He’s the leader of our football team.”


You can read the rest of this 2004 article (scroll past the game stats) here.


*Note: NFL Network is notorious for pre-empting scheduled programming. This re-air of the 2004 game could change without notice.


RADIO/TELEVISION ALERT!

WHAT: Nothing at this time
WHEN:
WHERE:

MAGAZINE/BOOK ALERT!

WHAT: Nothing at this time
WHEN:
WHERE:

EVENTS/APPEARANCES!

WHAT: The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation Fundraiser
WHEN: Sunday, June 3, 2013
WHERE: Jergel’s Rhythm Grille, Warrendale, PA
TICKETS: Get them in advance here.

EVENTS/APPEARANCES!

WHAT: The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation Invitational
WHEN: Monday, June 4, 2013
WHERE: Sewickley Heights Golf Club, Sewickley, PA
TICKETS: Get them in advance to play in the tournament (foursomes only) here.

EVENTS/APPEARANCES!

WHAT: The ProCamps Ben Roethlisberger Football Camp
WHEN: June 17 & 18, 2013
WHERE: Seneca Valley High School, Harmony, PA
PRICE: $199. Must enter your child in advance here.

 


2013 STEELERS SCHEDULE

 

8/10 Pre-Season – NY Giants 7:30PM-KDKA
8/19 Pre-Season @ Washington 8:00PM-ESPN
8/24 Pre-Season – Kansas City 7:30PM-KDKA
8/29 Pre-Season @ Carolina 7:30PM-KDKA
9/8 Tennessee 1:00 PM-CBS
9/16 @ Cincinnati 8:40PM-ESPN
9/22 Chicago 8:30PM-NBC
9/29 London vs Min 1:00PM-CBS
10/6 BYE N-A
10/13 @ NY Jets 1:00PM-CBS
10/20 Baltimore 4:24PM-CBS
10/27 @ Oakland 4:05PM-CBS
11/3 @ New England 4:25PM-CBS
11/10 Buffalo 1:00PM-CBS
11/17 Detroit 1:00PM-FOX
11/24 @ Cleveland 1:00PM-CBS
11/28 @ Baltimore 8:30PM-NBC
12/8 Miami 1:00PM-CBS
12/15 Cincinnati 8:30PM-NBC
12/22 @ Green Bay 4:25PM-CBS
12/29 Cleveland 1:00PM-CBS