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Ben gains a new fan1222 views…and her name is Zena!
Zena is a 1-year old Rottweiler and is in training to be a search dog with Ohio Disaster Search Dogs & the Bellbrook Fire Department, which is just northeast of Cincinnati.
The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation distributed a grant to the Bellbrook Fire Department earlier this month that will not only help train four K-9 teams, but will assist with updating the aging Vectren Bellbrook Fire Department Search and Rescue Canine Agility Site, managed by the organization, Ohio Disaster Search Dogs. In the past 10 years, the site has hosted K-9 teams from across the nation to provide integral training and practice.
“Grant funding will ensure out agility training site continues to be available to enhance training programs of these local and national assets,†said Captain Athena Haus of the Bellbrook Fire Department.
Zena wanted to don her new #7 jersey to show Ben just how much she and the other K9 teams appreciated the grant, which will allow them to train to become the best at what they do!
*Thank you to Captain Haus and the Bellbrook Fire Department….and of course, Zena!
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July 24, 2020 - Big Ben meets police dog his foundation provided379 viewsFrom Debbie Wachter, New Castle News:
If it weren't for Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, the Shenango Township Police Department wouldn't have a police canine.
Roethlisberger had a chance to meet Kalo, a 5-year-old, all-black German shepherd, face to face Wednesday during a massive food distribution at the Shenango Elementary School parking lot. The star player was there with his wife, Ashley, a Laurel High School graduate, to assist with the Trucks of Hope/Convoy of Hope/NOW venture to give away boxes and bags of food and other supplies to more than 1,500 people in a drive-through distribution.
Kalo, whose handler is Shenango Township patrolman Dan Tressler, was on site to meet Roethlisberger while the distribution was under way.
The police department acquired Kalo from the Shallow Creek Kennels in South Pymatuning Township, Mercer County. He was paid for with funds from the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation, founded by Roethlisberger, which disperses grants to police and fire department canine units throughout the United States.
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From one foundation to another!1451 viewsThe 6th Annual Alby Oxenreiter Golf Classic for the Multiple Sclerosis Service Society division of UCP/CLASS was held on Monday, August 6, 2012 at the Chartiers Country Club.
Mr. Oxenreiter is the Sports Director for WPXI-TV, and the main sports anchor for Channel 11 News. He is the host for this annual day of golfing with proceeds raised helping local people living with Multiple Sclerosis and to provide them with services through the Multiple Sclerosis Service Society.
One of the sponsors of the event is The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation. Mr. Oxenreiter wanted to recognize Ben for his support:
“Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger and his foundation have never wavered in their support of what we do. Thanks Ben!â€
You can learn more about his annual tournament:
http://www.ucpclass.org/how-you-can-help/special-events/alby-oxenreiter-golf-classic-multiple-sclerosis
*Thank you to Mr. Oxenreiter for the photo!
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January 6, 2017 - Thank you Ben!1012 views"Our K9s had their first training in their new ballistic vests funded by a Ben Roethlisberger grant! Thank you for helping us keep our most loyal partners safe as we protect and serve Arlington VA!" -- Arlington County Police Department.
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August 18, 2012 - Make-A-Wish: Christopher Naegeli 1498 views13-year old Christopher Naegeli watched the Steelers morning practice at training camp, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger came behind him, then knelt down beside him and started talking football.
The teenager who a few minutes earlier was joking with his mom and sister, got quiet and shy, meeting his hero for the first time. But after a few minutes Naegeli, who has spina bifida and came to camp through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, warmed up not just to Roethlisberger but also to Coach Mike Tomlin, and the rest of the players who came over to meet him, sign his football and joke around.
“It means a lot,†said his mother, Barbara Naegeli. “This is something he normally wouldn’t ever get to do. He likes watching football, but because of his wheelchair he will never be able to play. It’s great for him to get up close with the players.â€
And it was easy to see the players, including Roethlisberger whose foundation helps the Make-A-Wish Foundation, loved it as well.
“I think it’s awesome the players like to do it and love spending time with the kids,†said Naegeli.
– From an article by Teresa Varley, Steelers.com
http://blog.steelers.com/2012/08/18/wishes-really-do-come-true/
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April 3, 2014: Remember Rocco, Welcome Beny!1155 viewsFrom Margaret Harding, at the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:
Beny_OfficerLerzaLife without Pittsburgh police K9 Rocco has been hard, his former handler said Tuesday.
“It’s been a long three months, but I’m better,†Officer Phil Lerza said. “I just want to thank everybody for the support.â€
Lerza said he has begun training with Beny, a 13-month-old mix between a German shepherd and Belgian Malinois that the Ben Roethlisberger Foundation bought for him.
“We just started, but it looks good so far,†Lerza said.
Lerza attended a check presentation ceremony Tuesday at the Greater Pittsburgh Police Federal Credit Union in Elliott. The Fraternal Order of Police Fort Pitt Lodge No. 1 and the credit union received more than $23,000 in donations that came in after Rocco, an 8-year-old German shepherd, died of injuries from a stabbing attack in January.
“It’s amazing, actually,†Lerza said of the donations.
The money will go into a Pittsburgh Foundation fund to benefit the city police K9 unit.
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A Make-A-Wish Day to remember1617 views Brandon’s Make-A-Wish was to meet Big Ben and the Steelers. That day was the best day since Brandon was diagnosed with cancer.†– Brett Brawdy, father of Brandon.
The Brawdy family reached out to us this week to share their son, Brandon’s experience in meeting Big Ben, Brett Keisel and all of their teammates in August of 2012.
“The smile and awe that was on my nephew’s face that day, captured in photos that we will forever cherishâ€, said his aunt, Janice Brawdy. “He lit up when he was around them. I love looking at all the photos! It was such an amazing, wonderful day for him. Thank you Big Ben and all the Steelers family for making Bran’s day one of the best days ever!â€
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A Make-A-Wish Day to remember1355 viewsMore from Brandon's father:
The story behind the picture I sent of Ben reaching out to shake my wife’s hand with the huge grin on Bran’s face is one I will always remember.
After Ben yelled out make ‘Make-A-Wish’, he ran towards Bran and about five feet before he got to him, he turned towards my wife and acted like the wish was for her. Everyone that was with us cracked up laughing – it immediately put everyone at ease!
Ben also knew that Brett Keisel was one of Bran’s favorite players, so Ben was introducing himself to our family as Brett!
We just couldn’t believe how much time Ben and the Steelers spent making sure Bran had a great time.
In recent weeks Brandon’s cancer has returned with a vengeance and there is no way of stopping it now.
Brandon has battled this like a warrior for a year and a half, and his battle is coming to its final stage.
Last night (April 10, 2013) we jumped up with over 600 likes on Brandon's Facebook page thanks to the work of Ben, Erin, and Steeler Nation! I asked for a little help, and they got me a huge response! This is why I have been a Steeler fan for over 40 years!
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A Make-A-Wish Day to remember1422 views“The day Brandon got to meet the Steelers, Ben yelled out ‘Make-A-Wish’ and was the first one to run right up to Brandon on the field as soon as the horn sounded that practice was overâ€, said Mr. Brawdy. “Then it was on…the whole team surrounded him like he was a rock star to sign his football! They stayed out there until he got to meet all of the players that were there.â€
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Boston Globe - October 19, 20082549 views"Grant gives K-9's ruff, tough exterior".
This was sent by a New England Patriots fan. Her husband is a Boston City Police Officer and a friend of Officer Calsey (from the article). Officer Calsey's K-9, Tacoma, was a recipient of a bullet-proof vest purchased from funds given to the department by Ben's Foundation.
CLICK ONCE on the scan to read the article!
*Thank you to Jessica Papsedero for sending me the newspaper clipping!
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A Make-A-Wish Day to remember1368 viewsOne of the best moments of the day for Brandon was meeting his favorite player, Brett Keisel. He also posed for photos with Ben, Brett, Antonio Brown, Coach Tomlin, and smiled in several group shots with the Steelers defense!
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Officer Chris Angus and his K9 partner, Jordy947 views“Whether we’re working during the week, or watching the Steelers on the weekend, we always bleed black and yellow!†– Chris Angus, Nebraska City Police Department.
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