By Jessica Atkinson, Coordinator, Marketing and Community Relations, Office of Institutional Advancement

In over 80 seasons, the Monday Morning Quarterback Club of Birmingham, Alabama, has never lost a game. What began as a club for the expressed purpose of fellowship among football lovers quickly grew to look beyond football. They looked to fundraise to address the humanitarian needs of their community which led to the development of the Quarterbacking Children’s Health Foundation.

"We at the Quarterbacking Children's Health Foundation see the wonderful things happening through the work at the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind,” said Marc Bryant Tyson, President, Quarterbacking Children’s Health Foundation. “It is our pleasure to be able to give to an entity empowering children and adults who are Deaf, Blind, or DeafBlind on their campus in Talladega, as well as those being helped through the regional centers throughout our state. We hope this donation helps in the impactful mission they have set out to do.”

The Marianna Greene Henry Special Equestrian Program (MGH) at the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) has seen a similar transformation and growth. What began as a pilot program serving eight students from the Helen Keller School of Alabama has grown to serve over 330 students who are Deaf, Blind, DeafBlind or multidisabled.

With a shared growth and humanitarian spirit, the two organizations banded together for a common good; to provide various equine therapy programs to AIDB’s students.

“The Quarterbacking Children's Health Foundation has been a long-time supporter of the Marianna Greene Henry Special Equestrian Program,” said Tim Greene, Arena Coordinator, MGH. “They have contributed to making our program successful as we have been fortunate enough to purchase equipment and update our facilities.”

As equipment and facilities have been updated, the longevity of the program has also increased. This, in turn, allows MGH to continue providing equine therapy, sport, and recreation that enhance physical and mental skills, aid in mobilization and promote socialization and communication for AIDB’s students.

“We are extremely thankful for the support of the Quarterbacking Children’s Health Foundation,” said Becky Watson, Executive Director of AIDB’s Office of Institutional Advancement and the AIDB Foundation. “Their continuous support is invaluable in ensuring our students are prepared to reach their limitless potential.”