January 22, 2007

EYP executive director Sarah Martinez-Helfman received the award from Larry Litwin, associate professor of communication at Rowan (N.J.) University

Sarah Martinez-Helfman, executive director of Eagles Youth Partnership, accepted the 2007 Humanitarian Award at the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association Awards Dinner on Jan. 22. The charitable wing of the Eagles was honored for its positive impact in the community.

"Being recognized by the media is a great honor and opportunity," Martinez-Helfman said. "It helps us to reach folks who have never considered that a $30 pair of eyeglasses can change a child's life or that there are children living in our neighborhoods that have no books of their own.

"Our hope is that coverage of our Eagles Eye Mobile and Eagles Book Mobile and other programs will help us to capture more hearts and ultimately reach even more children with our services."

Martinez-Helfman joined the Phillies' Ryan Howard, who accepted the award for Outstanding Athlete of the Year, and Rutgers football coach Greg Schiano, who was presented with the Association's Team of the Year award.

Eagles Youth Partnership was founded in 1995 as a 501(c)(3) public charity. EYP serves over 50,000 low income children in the Greater Philadelphia region every year with a focus on children's health and education, offering services directly to children at their schools and in their neighborhoods.

The organization is also known for its annual playground builds in which every player and coach in the Eagles organization participates.