Eluna Named 2017 Robert Wood Johnson Sports Award Winner

  • June 20, 2017
  • Source Eluna
  • Author Custom Resource by the Eluna Team
  • Type News

For Immediate Release

June 20, 2017

2017 RWJF Sports Award Winners Announced:  Giants Community Fund, Eluna, and PeacePlayers International

Princeton, N.J.— Eluna has been named a 2017 winner of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Sports Award. They will be honored at a September 13, 2017 ceremony at the RWJF headquarters in Princeton, N.J.

Approximately 1.5 million American children grieve the death of a close family member annually. Another 11% of American children are living with at least one parent who is addicted to alcohol or drugs. These children feel isolated. Without the necessary support, they are at risk for suffering from depression, substance abuse, and suicide.

Eluna provides comfort, hope and healing to children and families who are impacted by grief and addiction. Their free programs - Camp Erin and Camp Mariposa - combine traditional sports with educational and therapeutic elements.  The Foundation has served over 34,000 children since 2002 and supports thousands each year through their signature programs and an online resource center.

Eluna joins two other recipients this year, the San Francisco Giants Community Fund and PeacePlayers International, all of whom have been awarded this honor for their innovative and influential approaches to using sports to improve the Culture of Health in their communities.

Past winners of the RWJF Sports Award include the Chicago Fire Foundation, MLSE Foundation, Tony Hawk Foundation, Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, Doc Wayne, and InnerCity Weightlifting.

“Congratulations to these organizations and their creative approaches to building healthier communities," said Richard Besser, RWJF president and CEO. "This year’s winners inspire packed stadiums, provide comfort to grieving children and form international friendships. Each effort demonstrates the passion for community that will make our country stronger and can inspire all of us to do more for our neighbors.”

“It’s a great honor to receive this prestigious award from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Their dedication to ensuring that every child reaches their full potential and leads healthy, successful lives is inspiring, and we’re thrilled to be recognized as supporters of this incredible cause,” said Mary FitzGerald, CEO of Eluna.

Media Contact:   Elizabeth Fisler | 267.687.0334  |  elizabethfisler@moyerfoundation.org

Downloadable PDF