AWARD-WINNING COMMUNITY EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE THIS SEASON FROM JULY 3-7 IN NEW YORK

The New York Yankees are proud to announce the return of HOPE Week (Helping Others Persevere & Excel) in 2023 for the 14^th edition of the event. 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 2023 will take place in New York from Monday, July 3 through Friday, July 7.

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.

This year’s event will mark the 10th year that the organization’s minor league teams will hold their own HOPE Weeks, allowing the initiative to touch the communities of our affiliates in the United States and Dominican Republic.

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 www.hopeweek.com.

ABOUT THE CEREMONY AND HONOREE – COFFEE UNITING PEOPLE (CUP)

For the 10^th time since the initiative began, the Yankees will recognize an individual or organization from the Tampa area during spring training.

This year’s spring training honoree is Coffee Uniting People (CUP), a Tampa-based non-profit coffee shop that provides secure and successful jobs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in an inclusive workplace. CUP is about inclusion, acceptance and opportunity for people of all abilities.

CUP will be honored in a pregame ceremony on Saturday, March 11 at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa prior to the Yankees’ 1:05 p.m. game vs. the Philadelphia Phillies.

The organization was founded by Tampa attorney Greg Jones. Jones has spent over a decade coaching baseball for individuals with special needs. As he watched the children grow into young adults, Jones recognized the dire lack of employment opportunities available to them. As a result, he founded CUP as a nonprofit in 2021, opening a coffee shop at the Embarc Collective at 802 E. Whiting Street (open M-F from 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.) that employs people of all abilities. In May, CUP will open a flagship coffee shop at 3408 South Dale Mabry Highway. CUP’s goal is to open as many locations as possible in the area and beyond. CUP is much more than a great cup of coffee!  

To get involved with Coffee Uniting People (CUP) or for more information, please email [email protected]. You can also visit https://coffeeunitingpeople.org.

MORE ABOUT HOPE WEEK

(Please also visit www.hopeweek.com)

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 Aaron Boone, Senior Vice President and General Manager Brian Cashman and front office staff during the celebration of HOPE Week, the Yankees send 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 every HOPE Week since 2010, the Yankees organization has 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 are bestowed by AmeriCorps, which empowers Americans from all backgrounds to answer the President’s Call to Service.

The Yankees encourage all their fans to get involved … Give HOPE!