Some Updates From Our Students

Lauren Tarr: "This year I'm entering my senior year at Northern Michigan University double majoring in Environmental Science and French. While studying at NMU I've been involved in many wonderful organizations ranging from groups that promote sustainable living to local Habitat for Humanity projects to clubs that just revel in the enjoyment of nature. My commitment to the sciences and interest in learning French both relate to my career goal of being involved in wildlife conservation in Africa. Thanks to all of the support I've received from the Battier Foundation over the last three years I was able to study abroad in Tanzania for five months my junior year. This extraordinary opportunity allowed me to take conservation courses alongside Tanzanian students and furthered my desire to work in Africa after I graduate. While abroad I was able to visit many of the gorgeous National Parks across Tanzania in my free time. This photograph of me was taken in Mang'ula Village outside of Udzungwa National Park, where I was showing some children how to use binoculars and identify the birds near their home. I look forward to starting my final year of college, and am immensely grateful for the help that the Battiers have provided me in fulfilling my college goals."

Malcolm Simpson: "Well, I've actually started my second year of study at Prairie View A&M University. I hope and pray that I won't find it hard settling in to my classes, professors and dorm life. Many of the students I met my first semester here are no longer attending either because of poor grades, poor decisions or no money to make it happen. I'm so fortunate because I have Shane & Heidi Battier supporting me through The Battier Take Charge Foundation. My involvement on campus so far is with The Students Serving Students Association (SSSA) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). As a member of SSSA, my focus is to make a difference in the community and on campus by helping people develop a better understanding of how free enterprise systems work and how to use this information to empower themselves and achieve new success. As a member of IEEE, a non profit professional association, I am dedicated to advancing technological innovation related to electricity. In addition to these campus organizations I am still involved with serving my community at home and here on campus as an AmeriCorps member. With AmeriCorps I help the elderly to paint, cut grass, build handicap ramps in addition to mentoring and tutoring youth from elementary to the high school level at local schools and The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston. Being a part of a college campus has allowed me an opportunity to grow and learn while helping others. This would not have been possible had it not been for the dedication of The Battier Take Charge Foundation supporting me throughout this highway of life that many can not afford to get on. This experience has given me hope in tomorrow and the ability to go forward today. As a recipient of this blessing, I can rest assured knowing that The Battier Take Charge Foundation is there when I need them the most, all I have to do is call."

Jackie Khong: "Growing up without an older brother or sister to have as a role-model or for guidance, I learned to be independent and search for what I want. With the help of KIPP and my family, during high school I was able to study abroad in China and England. That is when I discovered my love of traveling and experiencing new cultures that led to my major of International Studies of Commerce with a foreign language of Spanish at Texas A&M University. College students constantly have to worry about financial aid, but I am proud to say that it will not be an obstacle for me thanks to the Shane Battier Take Charge Foundation. I appreciate the opportunity I was given to meet Newell Fleming and Mr. and Mrs. Battier because they reminded me that when I am successful in the future, I still want to stay humble and give back to my community."

Brittnee Love: "My name is Brittnee Love; I am a junior in the undergraduate college at Emory University. I am a Religion and Sociology double major and I plan to go to into social work and counseling. I would like to serve in a rehabilitation center for troubled teens and assist with teens who have experienced sexual abuse. I spend most of my time in Residence Life as a resident advisor helping to manage the well-being of upperclassmen Emory students. As an RA, I am required to create nine programs for my students which will engage their minds, encourage their growth as responsible students, and facilitate an attitude of service. Although being an RA is a challenge, the crew team helps me to stay fit and stress free. Crew is similar to the RA position in that it is very time consuming however the challenge of crew is physical one. Crew is known to be the second fittest sport, next to cross-country, so it keeps me on my toes! In order to stay spiritually fit, I attend Grace Midtown Church and I am involved in an on-campus ministry called Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. My entire experience with Take Charge has been just that, an experience that has taught me that I can take charge of my future and take advantage of my opportunities. I am incredibly grateful to have Take Charge’s contributions to my enrichment here at Emory. Take Charge has also inspired me to continue to bless others whenever I am able, because Take Charge is truly a blessing for me."

Elvira Marquez: "I am Elvira Marquez and I am studying biochemistry at the University of Texas at Austin. Becoming a Longhorn had been a dream since I was in sixth grade and I plan on making the best out of my four years here, but I would not be here without the support of God and my family, and the generosity of the Battier Take Charge Foundation. As for the fall, I plan to first do well in my classes and get involved in research. Research is something I enjoy doing and have recently signed up as a research volunteer with a professor studying down syndrome. I have committed to ten hours a week and hope to be a beneficial part to the research team. Apart from school-related activities, joining a cooking club or enrolling in a piano course are things I hope to get involved in as well! This journey has just started and I love it! College will be tough but it is a journey I have set my mind to completing."

Thank You

Thanks so much for all the support last weekend in Tahoe. We raised over $35,000 for The Take Charge Foundation scholarship fund.

We appreciate everyone who supported me and the foundation.

-Shane

Take Charge, Save Par

Par Count:
Friday, July 15: 4 pars
Saturday, July 16: 1 par
Sunday, July 17: 2 pars, 1 birdie
= 8 total pars

At The Battier Take Charge Foundation, we like to celebrate the little victories in life. We love the motto “Work hard, play hard.” We also love golf. Combine all of these ideas, mix in a little luck and comedy and you have what we like to call:

TAKE CHARGE, SAVE PAR

For every par (or in the unlikely event of a birdie or (gasp!!!!) an eagle), that I make in Lake Tahoe at the American Century Championship July 15-17, I am donating $1,000 to the Battier Take Charge Foundation.

As a 20 handicap (but improving!) golfer, par is a satisfying achievement for this aspiring Rory McIlroy. Here is your chance to help some fantastic kids “Take Charge” of their lives through a college education, show support for your favorite hacker, and be a part of one of the best celebrity golf tournaments around.

I challenge you to join me in donating for every par I make during the 3-day tournament. All donations are welcome and will go directly to funding scholarships. No donation is too big or too small. If it jingles or if it crinkles we will take it!

Last year I finished 78th out of 83 competitors, although I take great pride in beating Charles Barkley. Should I even admit that? This year I hope to climb the leader board and am looking for a little added motivation. Raising money for The Battier Take Charge Foundation through TAKE CHARGE, SAVE PAR will be the inspiration I need.

You can read more about the American Century Championship at tahoecelebritygolf.com. You will be able to follow my rounds there, as well as watch the telecast on NBC. I will be offering hourly tweets to chart my progress.

Join me. I promise that we will have a few good laughs and help out some deserving and special kids.

Let’s get it on!

Shane

Bonobos Donates $2,000 To The Take Charge Foundation

Shane stopped by the Bonobos offices today where Adam Sidney, Senior Director of Marketing, presented him with a check for $2,000 to the Battier Take Charge Foundation. This donation came from Bonobos' most recent pledge to donate 20% of sales from their March Madness inspired Championship Chinos to the foundation. Bonobos is also sponsoring Shane at the American Century Championship in July. Be sure to head to bonobos.com to check them out!

Memphis Wine Tasting Benefit

Heidi and Shane Battier invite you to join them for a wine tasting benefitting The Battier Take Charge Foundation.

Wednesday, April 6th
7:00 - 9:30 pm
The Brodnax Room at Flight
$250 per ticket / $500 per couple

To purchase tickets, please click here:

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