The Chris
Mashburn Memorial Foundation (CMMF) is a non-profit
organization committed to enriching the quality of children's
lives through athletic endeavors. By providing hope, encouragement,
and the opportunity to develop inner strength, young athletes
will establish trust, faith, and confidence in themselves.
CMMF was
founded in 2004 in memory of Chris Mashburn who lost
his life in a tragic car accident in May 2002. A 25-year
resident of Concord, Chris was active with his churches,
Clayton Valley Church and First Family Church, and was of
member of USSSA softball where he served as manager, coach,
and player of several men's and co-ed teams. He was an exceptional
man who loved his family, friends, and sports.
Chris believed
that a child's involvement in sports gives him/her the ability
to develop self-confidence and self-esteem and teaches the
importance of teamwork and sportsmanship.
The purpose of
the Foundation is to provide financial grants to qualifying
501(c)(3) organizations that are dedicated to the enrichment
and development of children through positive sporting activities.
The Foundation is funded by an annual adult softball tournament
held at Willow Pass Park. The first tournament, held in
August 2003, was well received by both the community and
the participants.
The amount of
financial assistance provided by the Foundation each year
depends on the funds raised through team participation and
community support of the tournaments. Generous contributions
that help offset the overhead to run the tournaments allow
the Foundation to provide more financial assistance throughout
the community.
Goals of the
Foundation are to establish partnerships with several qualifying
youth organizations, to provide them with regular financial
assistance, and to develop a reputation of integrity and
dedication by supporting young athletes in the community.
The purpose of the partnership is to contribute money and
efforts in a way that will ultimately honor Chris' memory
and benefit the youth of our community.
Contributions
made by CMMF will be used for the sole purposes of
benefiting the children who participate in positive sporting
activities. CMMF has supported the Community Youth
Center in Concord with contributions to its Regional Golden
Gloves Championships and its Rhythmic Gymnastics Invitational
events. The Foundation also sponsored scholarships for children
registered to play spring baseball/softball with the Concord
Athletic League and with Pleasant Hill Baseball Association,
and for special needs children to play soccer with the AYSO
VIP program.
To learn more
about the Chris Mashburn Memorial Foundation and
how you can help, please call (925) 676-1669.
