Press Releases

Grant from First Republic, All Stars Helping Kids, allows BAWSI to expand to Peninsula

SAN JOSE, Calif. (Oct. 26, 2006) - First Republic Bank and Ronnie Lott's All Stars Helping Kids program have awarded BAWSI a $30,000 grant to expand its successful South Bay exercise and fitness programs for girls and women to the Peninsula.

"We're grateful for this support and the vote of confidence in BAWSI that it represents," said Marlene Bjornsrud, CEO of BAWSI. "Thanks to First Republic and All Stars Helping Kids, hundreds of new participants in East Palo Alto, Atherton and Redwood City will benefit from programs such as BAWSI Girls."

"First Republic Bank is committed to improving the communities we serve, and we're proud to partner with All Stars and BAWSI in programs that will benefit young girls on the Peninsula," said Julie Faber, Director of Advertising and Corporate Giving for First Republic Bank. "Physical fitness and sports are an important part of a child's learning and social growth as well as a foundation for a healthy, productive life."

In the BAWSI Girls program, accomplished women athletes mentor and coach young girls in fitness programs that build self-esteem and combat youth obesity. Founded in April 2005 as a pilot program with 13 girls at one San Jose school, BAWSI Girls has expanded to nine low-income elementary schools in Santa Clara and San Jose involving more than 600 participants with athletes from Stanford, Santa Clara University, San Jose State, Evergreen Valley College and Notre Dame High School serving as mentors.

"All Stars is delighted to partner with First Republic Bank to support BAWSI's efforts to empower and uplift young women," Lott said. "We are honored to play a role in bringing BAWSI to the Peninsula."

BAWSI founder, soccer star Brandi Chastain, said "Ronnie Lott's dedication to sports and the Bay Area's young people were instrumental in making this happen. The partnership between First Republic and All Stars Helping Kids is a wonderful example of caring and teamwork, combining resources to maximize the impact on the community."

First Republic Bank
Since First Republic's founding, community involvement focusing on children and education has been a cornerstone of its mission. The Bank provides scholarships through the First Republic Scholars Program, helped establish The BASIC Fund, a highly successful scholarship fund for children of low-income families and it supports the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship to teach business skills to at-risk youth.

All Stars Helping Kids
All Stars Helping Kids was founded in 1989 by Ronnie Lott, based on his belief that all segments of the community have a role to play in helping disadvantaged children reach their long-term potential. With proceeds from special events as well as corporate, foundation and individual donations, All Stars supports non-profit organizations that help break the cycle of poverty through education, provide enriching opportunities for at-risk youth, strengthen low-income families, and make life brighter for children facing life-threatening illnesses.

BAWSI
BAWSI is a public benefit, nonprofit corporation that creates programs and partnerships through which women athletes bring health, hope and wholeness to our community. Founded in 2005 by Olympic and World Cup soccer stars Brandi Chastain and Julie Foudy and Marlene Bjornsrud, former general manager of the San Jose CyberRays women's professional soccer team, BAWSI provides a meaningful path for women athletes to become a more visible and valued part of the Bay Area sports culture. Visit our website at www.bawsi.org.

Jody Meacham BAY AREA WOMEN'S SPORTS INITIATIVE 408.267.3985

Marlon Evans All Stars Helping Kids 650.363.1395