Jim “The Rookie” Morris and Michael McDowell Come Together to Benefit O.D. Wyatt High School

Thrivent Financial is excited to bring two of its members – NASCAR driver Michael McDowell and Jim “The Rookie” Morris – together at Meet Me on the Mound©, a special event to benefit O.D. Wyatt High School in Fort Worth, Texas.

Improvements to the school’s baseball field, new uniforms, a new batting cage and more will be unveiled by donors James Avery Artisan Jewelry and Jim “The Rookie” Morris Foundation, before the two athletes participate in an exhibition softball game sponsored by Thrivent Financial. Volunteers and alumni from O.D. Wyatt are expected to play in the game, along with student athletes and teachers from the high school.

Meet Me on the Mound will be held from 3:30 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5, at O.D. Wyatt High School. In addition to the unveiling and softball game, there will be an opportunity for a Q&A with McDowell and Morris, and a hot dog cart serving ballpark snacks. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring donations in the form of sporting equipment.

“It’s a dream to join Michael and Jim for this really cool community event. Thrivent is known for bringing our members together in ways that help them live generously, and this is another example of doing just that with two of our most well-known members. It will really make a difference for the student athletes at O.D. Wyatt,” said Kristen Cantu, Thrivent Community Engagement Leader. “Not only will they get a sneak peek at the improvements happening to their facilities, but they also get the exciting opportunity to play in a softball scrimmage with these two professional athletes as their coaches. Both Michael and Jim are pretty competitive, to put it lightly, so I think it’s going to be a blast to watch!”

The Jim “The Rookie” Morris Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization focused on giving back to underprivileged communities across the country through efforts that include providing mini-sports camps for at-risk youth and supplying sporting goods equipment. Morris’ story of chasing his dreams and becoming a major league baseball player 11 years after he retired from minor league baseball is known across the country, most often as the true inspiration of Disney’s film “The Rookie.” Fans can follow Morris and his foundation on FacebookTwitter and Instagram.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to partner with Michael McDowell and Thrivent Financial in giving back to O.D. Wyatt High School,” said Jim Morris. “Being a member of Thrivent has afforded my wife and I a greater impact on communities our foundation has targeted. The use of our Action Teams has leveraged the effect we have, we are forever grateful to be members.”

After Saturday’s softball game, O.D. Wyatt High School baseball and softball team players will attend the AAA Texas 500 at Texas Motor Speedway Sunday with tickets provided by Circle Sport-Leavine Family Racing.  They will cheer on Michael McDowell in the No. 95 Thrivent Financial Chevrolet, which will also carry the Jim “The Rookie” Morris Foundation logo during the race.

“I’m really looking forward to partnering with fellow Thrivent Financial member Jim Morris to benefit O.D. Wyatt High School,” said Michael McDowell. “It always feels good to be able to give back to the community, and this is another way that Thrivent Financial is able to help its members ‘Live Generously.’”

Those interested in attending can register at https://meetmeonthemound.eventbrite.com/.

Thrivent Racing represents the partnership of not-for-profit financial services organization Thrivent Financial, Circle Sport-Leavine Family Racing and driver Michael McDowell. Thrivent is a primary sponsor of the No. 95 Chevrolet for the 2016 season. Thrivent helps Christians be wise with their money while also living generously.

CSLFR PR