Rawlings® has proudly awarded the Heart of Gold Award™ to Mattingly Charities for its unwavering dedication to helping underserved youth. This recognition highlights the influential work of Don and Lori Mattingly in fostering educational and athletic opportunities within the Evansville community.
Celebrating Mattingly Charities’ Impact
The annual presentation took place on October 28, 2025, in St. Louis. Rawlings, known for being the official sporting equipment supplier for Major League Baseball®, emphasized that their commitment extends beyond the baseball field.
Mike Thompson, Rawlings’ Chief Marketing Officer, remarked, “At Rawlings, we believe that baseball’s greatest impact happens off the field.” He emphasized the organization’s pride in honoring Mattingly Charities, which has provided over one million dollars in grants to various organizations focused on youth education and social development.
A Mission Rooted in Giving
- Founded: 2007 by Don Mattingly
- Headquarters: Moved to Evansville, IN in 2015
- Financial Support: Grants ranging from $1,000 to $40,000
- Focus Areas: Youth education, social development, and athletics
- Organizations Supported: More than 25 through various initiatives
Each year, Mattingly Charities hosts fundraisers and forms partnerships, maximizing their ability to assist young individuals in pursuing success.
Don Mattingly, the founder, stated, “Receiving the Heart of Gold Award signifies the heart of why I started Mattingly Charities.” He reflects on his own journey and the opportunities he wishes to extend to youth in his hometown and beyond.
Previous Award Recipients
The Heart of Gold Award has recognized numerous prominent figures in sports, illustrating a shared commitment to philanthropy:
| Year | Recipient | Associated Charity |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Tommy Lasorda | Prostate Cancer Foundation |
| 2012 | Cal Ripken Jr. | Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation |
| 2014 | Albert Pujols | Pujols Family Foundation |
| 2015 | Joe Torre | Safe at Home Foundation |
| 2016 | Ray Mirra | Children’s Cancer & Blood Foundation |
| 2017 | Derek Jeter | Turn 2 Foundation |
| 2019 | Curtis Granderson | Curtis Granderson Foundation |
| 2023 | Liam Hendriks | Hendriks Heroes, Lymphoma Research Foundation |
| 2024 | Aaron Judge | All Rise Foundation |
About Rawlings
Established in 1887, Rawlings is a leading manufacturer of premium baseball and softball equipment, recognized for its innovative design and quality. The company remains dedicated to supporting youth initiatives through partnerships like that with Mattingly Charities.
About Mattingly Charities
Mattingly Charities has made significant strides in improving the lives of underserved youth since its inception. By focusing on education, social development, and athletics, the organization continues to be a beacon of hope for young people striving for a better future.
