Andy Roddick Foundation Pledges $1 Million To Fight Child Abuse

WILTON MANORS, Fla. (April 18, 2005) – Exhibiting the same intensity as its namesake shows on the tennis court, the Andy Roddick Foundation committed itself to the fight against child abuse by pledging to donate $1 million to Kids In Distress, a community-supported agency dedicated to the care and treatment of abused and neglected children, the prevention of child abuse, and the preservation of the family.

“Giving back to the community is critical and South Florida has always welcomed Andy and the Andy Roddick Foundation with open arms,” said Blanche Roddick, chairwoman of the Andy Roddick Foundation. “The generosity of our donors demonstrates the Foundation’s commitment to helping children today for tomorrow.”

The Andy Roddick Foundation was founded in 2001 by Andy Roddick and his family. Through contributions from sponsors, the Foundation donates resources and funds to various organizations that aid in the development of at-risk children and families, including those that have been abused, abandoned and neglected.

“It is the goal of the Andy Roddick Foundation to improve the quality of life and enhance educational and economic opportunities for all children based on the principles of respect for family, education and morality,” said Roddick.

The $1 million donation will be used to secure the future of Kids In Distress’ residential program, which includes shelters and group homes that serve children birth to 12 years old. At any given time, there are 64 children residing at one of the Kids In Distress residential facilities.

“While we strive for the preservation of the family, there are times unfortunately when removal of a child from his or her home and family is necessary, either temporarily or permanently,” said Thomas Tomczyk, president & CEO of Kids In Distress. “Through the generous pledge by the Andy Roddick Foundation, many generations of children will have a place to receive the treatment they need.”

Instrumental to the Kids In Distress pledge were Andy Roddick Foundation committee members Joyce Bloshinsky, Jeanne Brander, Dale Gilbert, Doris & Ron Porter, Joanne Scheller, Donna Siegel, Harriett Sol and Rina Stuart.

About Kids In Distress
For more than 25 years, Kids In Distress has had a demonstrated record of restoring abused and neglected children back to health through a full continuum of care that includes therapeutic, shelter and group home care, as well as prevention, foster and adoption services. Last year alone, Kids In Distress provided assistance to nearly 5,000 children and their families. For more information on Kids In Distress or to make a donation, please call (954) 390-7620 or visit www.kidsindistress.org.