By Kate Atwood

June means it’s time for a few of my favorite things: summertime, family time and baseball!  You can imagine my excitement when I found a way to include giving back into all of these elements.

When I heard what Atlanta Braves’ pitcher Tim Hudson and his wife Kim were doing this summer to help the community of Atlanta, I wanted to share it with all of you. Let’s put it this way, in my world, it’s a homerun.

One year ago, Tim and Kim launched the Hudson Family Foundation. Their mission is to provide assistance to children with physical, financial or emotional needs in Georgia and Alabama. In its first year, the foundation has raised more than $150,000 for children and families in need.

It’s been a fantastic start for the Hudson Family, culminating with Tim himself being honored by the Atlanta Sports Council as Atlanta’s Sports Person of the Year.  However, more than the awards and accolades, one thing remains most important to the Hudson Family: their own success is best rewarded by giving back to help others in need.

That’s why the Hudson Family Foundation is launching a unique opportunity for you to join them in their giving this month. To celebrate its first anniversary, the foundation is launching a fundraising initiative called Club One Five presented by STATS Atlanta.

Individuals and families are encouraged to join by pledging to contribute a specific amount of money for every win Tim records, every batter he strikes out, every start he makes, and the number of innings he pitches during the regular season.

Kim said moms can use the fundraiser as an opportunity to engage children in the importance of philanthropy and helping others.

“Club One Five is a fun way to follow Tim and his success, while raising funds for the foundation,” Kim said.  “We would love to get more people signed up and be able to celebrate as a community at the end of the season.”

That’s right, those club members who hold up their pledge until the end of the season, get to celebrate with Tim and Kim at an exclusive party to be held in late October at STATS in downtown Atlanta.

The next time you head out to the ballpark or tune in to a game on television, remember you have an opportunity to help the community at the same time.  For more information, visit www.hudsonfamilyfoundation.com and download the Clue One Five pledge form.

For more about Kate Atwood and her nonprofit, Kate’s Club, visit www.katesclub.org.