The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
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UAB Athletics and Protective Life Corporation Announce MVPs for 2024 season
8/27/2024 2:41:00 PM | Football
BIRMINGHAM - The UAB Department of Athletics and Blazer Sports Properties/Learfield are excited to announce their continued partnership with Protective Life Corporation for the highly anticipated Most Valuable Protector (MVP) program. For the sixth year, this program honors exceptional community organizations during each of UAB's home football games this fall.
The weekly MVPs receive game tickets and hospitality passes, on-field recognition, an opportunity to deliver the game ball and a donation from the Protective Life Foundation.
Protective continues to acknowledge and celebrate local nonprofit organizations that demonstrate the quality of being "protectors." Protective has a strong passion for supporting the community and creating a positive difference by rewarding organizations that share this vision." David Loper, Executive Director of the Protective Life Foundation and Vice President of Community Engagement said, "The foundation of Protective's business is to serve and protect people, which is felt as much within our business as much as it is in our communities. Through the MVP program, Protective is proud to support organizations that have a shared commitment in creating meaningful change in the lives of others. We look forward to another great year of highlighting these organizations and the impact they are making."
The following outlines Protective MVPs for this year and the games where they will be honored:
Game 1: Neighborhood Housing Services
Football season kicks off on Aug. 29 with UAB against Alcorn State. Protective will recognize Neighborhood Housing Services as the first MVP of the season.
Neighborhood Housing Services helps strengthen urban neighborhoods in Birmingham by providing programs and services that empower people to better understand and manage their current and future financial difficulties.
Game 2 : Extra Yard for Teachers
When UAB takes on Navy on Sept. 28, Protective will honor the Extra Yard for Teachers initiative.
Extra Yard for Teachers elevates the teaching profession by supporting activities across four main areas: resources, recognition, recruitment and professional development.
Game 3: Heart Gallery Alabama
On Oct. 5, join the celebrations of Family Weekend as the Blazers face Tulane. On game day, Protective will recognize the work Heart Gallery Alabama (HGA) does to connect youth in foster care with adults who provide the stability and guidance they need to thrive.
HGA advocates for youth living in foster care by introducing them to adults they can rely on. Through their traveling photography exhibit and online gallery, communities across Alabama are introduced to the youth HGA serves, which can spark a life-changing connection.
Game 4: The Bell Center
On Nov. 2, during homecoming weekend, the Blazers will take on Tulsa. As part of the celebrations, Protective will recognize The Bell Center for their meaningful work in our community.
The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs provides quality early intervention services in Birmingham for children from birth to three years of age at risk for developmental delay. Through physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology, the Bell Center provides a transdisciplinary team to help each child work on specific individual developmental goals.
Game 5: Jimmie Hale Mission
Honoring Salute to Service day on Nov. 9, UAB will face the University of Connecticut with Protective honoring the Jimmie Hale Mission.
For 80 years, the Jimmie Hale Mission has served the Greater Birmingham area as a Christian-based organization that includes a homeless shelter for men, a shelter for
women and children, recovery programs and three learning centers to provide recovery from the root causes of homelessness.
Game 6: Common Thread
To celebrate Senior Day and Fan Appreciation, UAB will battle Rice during the last game of the season while Protective will honor Common Thread. Common Thread creates spaces where nonprofits and mission-driven entrepreneurs can grow while meeting the needs of residents in historically underserved neighborhoods. Their community hubs support small businesses, educational entities, workforce development programs, and wellness providers in unique venues that are convenient and accessible.
The weekly MVPs receive game tickets and hospitality passes, on-field recognition, an opportunity to deliver the game ball and a donation from the Protective Life Foundation.
Protective continues to acknowledge and celebrate local nonprofit organizations that demonstrate the quality of being "protectors." Protective has a strong passion for supporting the community and creating a positive difference by rewarding organizations that share this vision." David Loper, Executive Director of the Protective Life Foundation and Vice President of Community Engagement said, "The foundation of Protective's business is to serve and protect people, which is felt as much within our business as much as it is in our communities. Through the MVP program, Protective is proud to support organizations that have a shared commitment in creating meaningful change in the lives of others. We look forward to another great year of highlighting these organizations and the impact they are making."
The following outlines Protective MVPs for this year and the games where they will be honored:
Game 1: Neighborhood Housing Services
Football season kicks off on Aug. 29 with UAB against Alcorn State. Protective will recognize Neighborhood Housing Services as the first MVP of the season.
Neighborhood Housing Services helps strengthen urban neighborhoods in Birmingham by providing programs and services that empower people to better understand and manage their current and future financial difficulties.
Game 2 : Extra Yard for Teachers
When UAB takes on Navy on Sept. 28, Protective will honor the Extra Yard for Teachers initiative.
Extra Yard for Teachers elevates the teaching profession by supporting activities across four main areas: resources, recognition, recruitment and professional development.
Game 3: Heart Gallery Alabama
On Oct. 5, join the celebrations of Family Weekend as the Blazers face Tulane. On game day, Protective will recognize the work Heart Gallery Alabama (HGA) does to connect youth in foster care with adults who provide the stability and guidance they need to thrive.
HGA advocates for youth living in foster care by introducing them to adults they can rely on. Through their traveling photography exhibit and online gallery, communities across Alabama are introduced to the youth HGA serves, which can spark a life-changing connection.
Game 4: The Bell Center
On Nov. 2, during homecoming weekend, the Blazers will take on Tulsa. As part of the celebrations, Protective will recognize The Bell Center for their meaningful work in our community.
The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs provides quality early intervention services in Birmingham for children from birth to three years of age at risk for developmental delay. Through physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology, the Bell Center provides a transdisciplinary team to help each child work on specific individual developmental goals.
Game 5: Jimmie Hale Mission
Honoring Salute to Service day on Nov. 9, UAB will face the University of Connecticut with Protective honoring the Jimmie Hale Mission.
For 80 years, the Jimmie Hale Mission has served the Greater Birmingham area as a Christian-based organization that includes a homeless shelter for men, a shelter for
women and children, recovery programs and three learning centers to provide recovery from the root causes of homelessness.
Game 6: Common Thread
To celebrate Senior Day and Fan Appreciation, UAB will battle Rice during the last game of the season while Protective will honor Common Thread. Common Thread creates spaces where nonprofits and mission-driven entrepreneurs can grow while meeting the needs of residents in historically underserved neighborhoods. Their community hubs support small businesses, educational entities, workforce development programs, and wellness providers in unique venues that are convenient and accessible.
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