| 1991 |
Volunteers transform an abandoned, garbage-strewn
lot into two baseball diamonds for the youth of East Harlem.
Harlem RBI sponsors its first seven baseball teams serving boys ages 13 –
15. |
| 1992 |
The organization expands its services to respond
to the critical needs of at risk youth in East Harlem. New year-round programs
include mentoring, a youth newsletter and a summer
literacy program. |
| 1993 |
Harlem RBI introduces a girls’ Softball
Program and competes in the RBI World Series tournament sponsored by Major League
Baseball at Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals |
| 1994 |
In partnership with Teach for America, Harlem
RBI launches “Project Grand Slam,” a new summer program for youth, age
10 – 12, combining academics and baseball. |
| 1995 |
Harlem RBI learns that its Field of Dreams
ball field may be claimed by the City of New York for a new housing development. |
| 1996 |
Harlem RBI grows to serve 250 youth, age 10
- 18. |
| 1997 |
New leadership at Harlem RBI! Rich
Berlin joins as Executive Director and Bob McCord is named Chairman of the
Board. |
| 1998 |
More than 1,000 East Harlem youth over 6 years have played, learned and
grown as a result of Harlem RBI education and sports programs. |
| 1999 |
Harlem RBI launches the
REAL (Reading Enrichment Academy for Learning) Kids Summer Program. |
| 2001 |
The Board of Directors
and Staff imagine a bold future, developing the organization’s
first-ever strategic plan. The organization adopts a new vision, mission, and
set of values that defines an organizational culture of community, respect, and
high expectations. |
| 2002 |
Harlem RBI reaches an agreement with the City
of New York over the fate of its ball field, finally receiving a long-term license
to rebuild and maintain Harlem RBI’s Field of Dreams. |
| 2003 |
Harlem RBI’s Baseball & Softball
Director, Vince Coleman, receives the Partnership for After School Education’s
PASEsetter Award, recognizing the work of an after-school educator whose
commitment, energy, and creativity symbolize Harlem RBI’s spirit and impact
in the community. |
| 2004 |
C. Virginia Fields presents $350,000 toward
the completion of the Field of Dreams at the annual
Bids for Kids Benefit. |
| 2005 |
On April 16, Harlem RBI brought children, families,
politicians and supporters together to celebrate the re-opening of the Harlem
RBI Field of Dreams and the accompanying "Success
Gardens" where all Harlem RBI graduates will be commemorated.
At the annual Bids For Kids (DOC)
benefit, Harlem RBI celebrates 14 years of service to the children and families
of East Harlem and raises $1M. |
| 2006 |
In March of 2006, Harlem RBI’s REAL Kids Program
was named the winner of the Johns Hopkins University’s “Center for
Summer Learning Excellence Award” in a competition that is national in scope.
Also, in March of 2006, the Team Enrichment Program was named winner of the New
York Life Foundation’s Award Program, recognizing models that prepare young
people for higher education or the workplace and equip them to be responsible
citizens.
New York Mets star centerfielder, Carlos Beltran, was named “Honorary Commissioner”
of Harlem RBI and in return donates $500 per RBI he drove in during the 2006 Major
League Baseball season with proceeds going directly to Harlem RBI's REAL Kids
Program.
Harlem RBI celebrates 15 years of support for the youth of East Harlem. |
| 2007 |
Harlem RBI received Bank of America’s “Neighborhood Excellence Award” recognizing organizations making a difference in their community.
In March of 2007, Harlem RBI’s REAL Kids Program received the "James Patterson Pageturner Award" which honors organizations that go to extraordinary lengths to spread the joy of books and reading across the country.
New York Mets star centerfielder, Carlos Beltran, was once again named “Honorary Commissioner” of Harlem RBI and donated $500 per RBI he drove in during the 2007 Major League Baseball season (112 RBIs) . The New York Mets Foundation matched his donation totaling $112,000 for Harlem RBI. |
