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The New York Yankees are proud to announce the return of HOPE Week (Helping Others Persevere & Excel) in 2013 for the fifth consecutive season. The initiative is a unique week-long community program that brings to light five remarkable stories intended to inspire individuals into action in their own communities. HOPE Week 2013 will take place in New York from Monday, July 8 through Friday, July 12.

Each day over the five-day stretch, the Yankees will reach out to an individual, family or organization worthy of recognition and support, surprising honorees with a day celebrating their accomplishments. Outreach will often take place away from Yankee Stadium, allowing the Yankees to personally connect with individuals in settings that highlight their greatest successes.

Last year’s event marked the beginning of a new tradition for the Yankees as all of the organization’s minor league clubs held their own HOPE Weeks, allowing the initiative to reach five new cities and touch more than two dozen additional individuals.

HOPE Week is rooted in the fundamental belief that acts of goodwill provide hope and encouragement to more than just the recipient of the gesture. Fans can learn more about the initiative and nominate inspirational individuals for HOPE Week recognition by visiting the official website at hopeweek.com.

MORE ABOUT HOPE WEEK
At its core, HOPE Week is about people helping people. The one thing everybody has – no matter their background or financial situation – is time. By involving every one of our players and coaches, Manager Joe Girardi, General Manager Brian Cashman and front office staff during the celebration of HOPE Week, the Yankees are sending the message that everyone can give of themselves to make their community a better place.

Equally significant during HOPE Week is garnering publicity for the highlighted causes and organizations. The greatest challenge facing many not-for-profits is generating interest, awareness and funding for their missions.

At the conclusion of the last three HOPE Weeks, the Yankees organization (2010), the Steinbrenner family (2011) and Yankees minor league affiliates (2012) have been honored with the President’s Volunteer Service Award, given “in recognition and appreciation of commitment to strengthening the nation and for making a difference through volunteer service.” The awards were bestowed by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation in conjunction with the Corporation for National and Community Service.

The Yankees have additionally been honored with the “Just Cause” Award at the PromaxBDA Sports Media Marketing Summit on November 15, 2011 and the “DMF Champion of HOPE” Award from Daniel’s Music Foundation on November 8, 2011. HOPE Week was also recognized by the National Sportsmanship Awards in 2010.