Rebuilding the Spirit and Character of our
Nation
“Individually we are quite ineffective.
Together we can do far more than we ever thought possible.”
OUR MISSION
As a 501c(3) organization, it is The Bottom of the
Ninth Foundation’s mission to equip, support and provide resources to
uniquely qualified role models who are committed to boldly rebuilding the
spirit and character of our nation through personal testimony, mentoring,
motivational presentation, and inspirational products.
THE
GAME PLAN
The Bottom of the Ninth Foundation embraces a bold vision to be a
growing, dynamic organization that supplements the efforts of such groups as
(but not limited to) local schools, youth programs, churches and other
nonprofit community service organizations that are focused on the continual
edification, inspiration and redevelopment of higher moral character standards
in our society.
It springs from the heart of its founder, Ed Hearn, whose
unique life circumstances and dynamic communication skills have, over the past
five years, enabled him to positively impact countless lives as he has shared
his powerful message at hundreds of business meetings, conventions, public
school assemblies, and nonprofit events around the country. He combines his experiences as a World
Series champion and survivor of a career-ending injury and debilitating chronic
illness to reach deep into the heart of human experience to help others find
hope, purpose and the character in the midst of life's triumphs and tragedies.
The Bottom of the
Ninth Foundation has
purposed to expand and support the unique, testimonial platform of Ed Hearn and
others like him who have been endowed by God with special stories, abilities or
talents, yet would otherwise not have the means to devote themselves to
nonprofit groups, churches, and community organizations. We desire to reach out to those who might
otherwise not have the opportunity see, hear and learn from such an inordinate
level of character role models.
Initially, all projects will consist of an
extension and expansion of the work Ed Hearn currently does through his
speaking and writing. Even though Ed
feels that in the past five years he has been able to impact many lives through
his corporate speaking, the development of this foundation is an effort to
maximize his platform in areas that he and others could not provide without the
time and support of others. Such
efforts can only be accomplished, with the financial support of corporate
America, public and private foundations, and individuals that desire to see
character development taught and modeled to all whom we can afford to
influence.
In
addition to Ed Hearn, eventually, other role models will be identified to
further multiply the influence. In doing so, the long term goal of The Bottom of the Ninth will be an
effort to stimulate and support other talented, exemplary local role models
who, by being available to lead by word and example, can have a very positive
impact on the character development of our local communities. (i.e., Dick Hathaway – “Natural” Mr.
Universe Bodybuilding Champion who became afflicted with Leukemia; he had a bone
marrow transplant; lost all his hair, fingernails, & fifty pounds of muscle
mass while defeating this deadly condition, yet two short years latter, he had
come back to again, regain his title.)
Our goal is to support and strongly encourage these
kind of role models to maximize their influence and talents to as many venues
as possible without relying solely on the resources of organizations that have
their own pressing financial needs.
In order to maintain the purity of the Foundation’s ultimate
purpose of boldly rebuilding the spirit and character of this nation, each
future role model/presenter will be thoroughly screened and must maintain
certain the following criteria:
· Live a lifestyle worthy of
imitation;
· Possess a special talent or gift that
would be captivating and attractive for all whom we are working to influence;
· Have a strong desire to rebuild the
character of our community; and
· A willingness to be compensated at a
small fraction of their fair market value.
It will also be a goal of this Foundation to augment and
assist in the development of each future role model's/presenter's ability to
clearly communicate their message. Using his experience and expertise as a
professional speaker, Ed Hearn, will be available to provide any assistance
necessary for each presenter to develop their presentation skills so that they
may further maximize the impact of their message. If possible, we will also utilize the expertise and training
opportunities presented by the National Speakers Association.
Furthermore, we hope to enhance our efforts through the
development and production of other mass media vehicles such as audiocassettes,
videotapes, additional books on similar subject material, and possibly the
Internet. It will be the mission of the
foundation to provide these resources to those who otherwise might not have the
opportunity to be exposed to and influenced by such instruments.
PROJECT AREAS
The Bottom of the
Ninth Foundation
has identified four project areas in the Kansas City region that provide
immediate opportunities to positively impact the lives of our fellow man. Hence, the four project areas and their
distinctive targeted groups are as followed:
Youth With Character (1st base on graphic)
We may face no bigger challenge today than that of steering
our children through a maze of modern day temptations. As parents, it can be frustrating how often
our children ignore our guidance yet seem to be so easily influenced by today's
"role models" -- the athletes, musicians, and entertainers. It is the
purpose of this focus area to capitalize on the platform Ed Hearn has been
given as a professional athlete and develop programs that enhance and further
reach out to our young people through schools and nonprofit youth development
or youth service organizations.
Character to Conquer (2nd base on graphic)
As an outreach to chronically ill patients and their
families through hospitals, support groups, and nonprofit health services
organizations, the Character to Conquer has
very obvious ministry possibilities. As
painful as it may seem at the time, many health challenges can be catalysts for
unveiling a deeper, more meaningful purpose in one's life. It is the intent of this focus area to
utilize the vast experience of Ed Hearn in this very special arena. There may be no greater opportunity to
impact lives as when individuals and families are facing these trying
times. They are frequently reaching out
to grasp for hope and understanding.
Furthermore, typically these individuals are most receptive to
someone they feel has "walked in their shoes."
Character of Faith (3rd base on graphic)
We believe this country was founded
on the basis of a true Christian heritage.
It is the purpose of the Character of Faith focus area to provide special outreach and discipleship
opportunities through evangelistic events sponsored by churches, youth groups,
nonprofit Christian-affiliated groups and associations. The dynamic testimony that God has
constructed in the life of Ed Hearn will be the initial focal point. It closely resembles the words penned by the
Apostle Paul. "...so I was given a
thorn in the flesh and three times I begged God to make me well again. Each time He said, `No, but I am with you;
that is all you need. My strength shows
up best in weak people.' Now I am glad
to boast about how weak I am. I am glad to be a living demonstration of
Christ's power, instead of showing off my own abilities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. The less I have, the more I depend on
Him."
T.E.A.M. Character
(Home Plate on graphic)
It has become very evident that with all the
challenges we face in our society today, people are searching for answers and
need to hear words of encouragement and inspiration. Since our nation seems to
hold professional athletes in such high esteem, often, adult service clubs and
community awareness organizations request them to speak at their group
functions to inspire and encourage their continued efforts with their chosen
charities.
Ø Unless otherwise specified,
all financial support of The Bottom of the Ninth will go to a “General
Fund” that will be utilized at the discretion of the Executive Director and
Board of Directors. Donors may
specify a particular “Project Area” in which to direct their gift(s). These funds would then be utilized exclusively
for needs within the parameters of the specified “Project Area(s).”
THE
PLAYERS
In order to enhance the
opportunity for gaining access to public funding and public organizations who
otherwise might not be attracted to supporting some of the above mentioned
project areas, we have identified and will use the following nine character
traits as a blueprint to make obvious the tremendous value these role models
can bring to, not only their community, but ultimately to their own businesses
and organizational development:
“The Character
Starting Lineup”
(The Home Team… the good guys with the white
hats!)
(Pitcher) INITIATIVE - Motivation, Drive,
Follow-Through, Assertiveness, Enthusiasm, Purpose
(Catcher) PERSEVERANCE - Endurance, Diligence,
Determination, Courage, Boldness, Sacrifice
(1st Baseman) INTEGRITY-
Truth, Honesty, Discernment, Trustworthiness, Genuineness, Wisdom
(2nd Baseman) COMPASSION - Love, Caring, Generosity,
Forgiveness, Patience, Empathy, Mercy
(Shortstop) RESPECT - Self-Esteem, Tolerance, Courtesy, Honor, Piety, Purity, Courtesy
(3rd Baseman) GRATITUDE - Humility, Thankfulness, Joy,
Peace, Modesty, Grace
(Left Fielder) COOPERATION - Kindness, Teamwork, Loyalty,
Dependability, Fairness, Goodness
(Center Fielder) POSITIVE ATTITUDE - Enthusiasm, Energy, Confidence,
Faith, Happiness
(Right Fielder) RESPONSIBILITY - Discipline, Self-control,
Obedience, Dependability, Conscience
Why Ed Hearn to start such a project?
In the first 43 years of Ed Hearn’s life, he has lived that
which must individuals never get to experience in an entire lifetime. When he speaks about becoming "a
champion of life" and overcoming tremendous challenges, he speaks from
experience.
In 1986, he fulfilled his childhood dream as a member of the
World Champion New York Mets. The following year as a Kansas City Royal, he was
set to make the "million dollar bank deposits" today's professional
athletes are accustomed to. But suddenly, a serious shoulder injury brought a
premature end to what had promised to be a brilliant career. Determined to
overcome this untimely setback, he made a successful transition into the
"real world." But ten months after his baseball career had ended, he
was diagnosed with three very serious and potentially life threatening health
conditions. In one short year, he had gone from being a big, strong, highly
conditioned athlete to a man who was too weak to get out of bed without
assistance.
Today, after 3 kidney transplant, the aid of a breathing
machine each night, an IV treatment once a month, and thousands of dollars
worth of medication per year, Ed has come back to live a very full and
inspiring life. His faith, coverage and motivation speak volumes to us as we
face life's challenges.
But what really makes him so uniquely special is his genuine
desire to empower and uplift those around him.
In today’s society, it is rare to find individuals who have achieved
heights of success, yet also been blessed to experience life-changing
challenges that have forced them to grow as individuals in the understanding
that there is a far greater purpose in life.
The past ten years, Ed has dedicated his life to the new
purpose of making a difference in this world as an author and professional
speaker. He has studied and honed the
skills of communicating the wonderful lessons life has taught him through
unique experiences with “the thrills of victory and the agony of defeat.”
Consequently, he has become the first and only professional athlete from our
country’s major league sports to be awarded the prestigious Certified Speaking
Profession (CSP) designation from the National Speakers Association.
Additionally, of the 5,000 plus speakers of the International Speakers
Association, only 7% have been honored as CSP’s.
When you combine all of Ed’s story and attributes, it
certainly presents a very powerful and marketable platform from which very few
can offer their insights, wisdom and encouragement. He has quickly become one
of the up and coming stars of the professional speaking industry. Ed Hearn is truly, a man who can, and does
make a significant impact on the lives of those of whom he comes in contact.
Yes, it has been impressive to watch this man, who seemingly
lost so much, battle back to turn such challenges into such a positive and
inspiring situation. But it has been
said, “what lies behind and what lies before you pales in significance when
compared with what lies within you.”
Hence, befitting the characteristics of any true successful
individual to always strive toward making the most significant contribution
possible, Ed Hearn is now turning his passion for speaking and writing efforts
to fulfill what he now refers to as “His calling.” The Bottom of the Ninth
Foundation is a step toward this “Higher Calling.”