Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund Kicks Off 2009 Season

    NORTHBROOK, IL, September 18, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- As millions of football fans get ready this week for the start of the 2009 NFL football season, the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund (GGAF), a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization led by football legend and Hall of Fame coach Mike Ditka, enters another NFL season with a new and improved website, www.gridirongreats.org. The GGAF has provided over $1.5M in financial grants and 'pro bono' medical services to retired pro football players in dire need of medical and financial assistance.

The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund teamed up with the award-winning technology and internet company G3 Systems Inc. to assist in their efforts to develop a more user-friendly website that will accommodate the increased traffic the GGAF receives during football season. The updated website features a new logo, video updates, information, news and event, and easier navigation throughout the site. The GGAF has also introduced a new fundraising effort, a text-based "mobile giving program."

"We are very pleased with our new and improved website and how we are able to connect with football fans going forward," said Ken Valdiserri, President of the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund. "Gordon Miller and his G3 Systems Inc. team have "All-Pro" credentials in the technology world, and really came through big-time for the GGAF team. Mike Ditka is a guy with high expectations and he is very impressed with the finished product that Gordon and his team put together."

As a not-for-profit organization, GGAF relies on donations from the private and public sector. With the improved GGAF website, people can donate to the GGAF not only via mail or on-line credit card payments, but also through "texting" and "mobile giving." With the new "MGive" program, fans can donate $5 by texting "GG" to "90999" (standard messaging rates apply).

"Since the NFL is on the minds of fans 24/7, we wanted to give fans a convenient and easy method to contribute and support the GGAF's efforts," Valdiserri described. "The donations collected through this effort will go directly to those players who have applied and qualify for grants."

The website also features a newly constructed 'web-store' which allows fans to purchase special autographed memorabilia, as well as GGAF branded merchandise. In addition, the site lists upcoming GGAF events, including fundraising dinners and special events in Detroit on October 10 and Milwaukee on November 11. Furthermore the site will list details regarding the annual GGAF Super Bowl events held the week prior to Super Bowl in Miami, 2010.

"Our technology team at G3 Systems was very enthusiastic about this project and partnership with the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund," said Gordon Miller, President & CEO of G3 Systems. "This is a special partnership and a 'great cause'. Most people don't fully appreciate the depth of despair some NFL players experience after retirement. Our experience and expertise allowed us to develop a solid "game plan" that provides supporters of the GGAF with some of the compelling stories and information regarding how the GGAF team has helped retired players in dire need. We worked closely with the GGAF team and together we executed the game plan to perfection."

The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund has also teamed up with Beyond Sports Network who will be providing the hosting for the website and assisting the GGAF extend its reach within the sports demographic. BSN will promote GGAF members, stories, releases and videos through the network to drive more attention back to the medical needs of the former Gridiron Greats.

"As a former player implementing the company vision and unique network, we are enthusiastic to provide a platform to aid the cause of the GGAF, and reach out to those who may not fully understand what these former players accomplished and the medical assistance they urgently need now," said Jimmy Kibble, President & CEO of Beyond Sports, LLC.

Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund
Ken Valdiserri
President
707 Skokie Blvd, Suite 600
Northbrook, IL 60062
Office: (847)509-3086
Fax: (847)509-3125
www.gridirongreats.org

G3 Systems, Inc.
Gordon Miller, III
President & CEO
1715 Pratt Drive, Suite 3000
Blacksburg, VA 24060
Office: (804) 852-8999
Fax: (703) 880-7980
www.g3.com

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