SARAH FRYAR, Post Staff Writer
Posted: Sunday, July 11, 2010 5:10 am

Bonnie Price (center) makes a donation to the Nathan Stephens Endowment Scholarship Fund, which benefits Blackman High School students. Price is accompanied by BHS Principal Gail Vick and Deeann Stephens. TMP file photo.

On the morning of Sunday, July 4, Tampa Bay Rays pitcher David Price learned he had been selected to the 2010 American League All-Star roster via player ballot and humbly accepted the news.

“I just said, ‘Thank you,’” said David in a Rays’ press release last week. “Obviously, it was a good thing to hear – started my day off right. I was very grateful. It’s not just me. I’m representing the Rays. I couldn’t have done it without these guys.”

And as the 24-year-old, left-hander who reached the 10-win mark quicker than any other pitcher in Rays history, keeps gaining momentum, so does his charity back here at home.

Project14, a David Price Foundation, “is a charitable foundation, (which) supports programs and organizations that provide opportunities for youth to learn life skills in a safe and supportive environment … and strives to make a difference in the lives of youth and their families,” said the foundation’s official website.

The organization was founded by David and his family and is operated by his father, Bonnie Price.

“My responsibility is to look for organizations our foundation can support. The Lord has blessed our family … and it seems like the community is beginning to look at Project14 and hopefully want to help,” Bonnie said.

Chuy’s Mexican Restaurant and Toot’s Restaurant strongly support the nonprofit and are its official sponsors.

To date, the nonprofit has donated clothing to Hobgood Elementary, Barfield Elementary and Greenhouse Ministries. The foundation also gave new computers to Eagleville School, a mobile computer lab to Holloway High and backpacks to the Salvation Army. David has worked with YMCAs and Boys and Girls Clubs in the Tampa area as well as the local affiliates.

“The Boys & Girls Clubs of Rutherford County is proud of its service to youth who need us most … Nearly one-third of all public high school students fail to graduate high school with their class … and low-income children, on average, tend to do worse academically than their more privileged contemporaries,” said Michelle Pauley, BGCRC director of marketing and special events.

“Mr. Price’s kind donation through his foundation, Project14 funded a Voyager Reading System for our Boys & Girls Clubs. Its purpose is to serve 60 at-risk and academically challenged youth. This generous donation allows our children opportunity to learn and be successful,” she added.

In addition, David set up the Nathan Stephens Endowment Scholarship Fund, in honor of his close friend and former Blackman teammate, who passed away in August 2007 after suffering a seizure during a basketball game. The scholarship directly benefits Blackman High School students. Project14 has since donated $32,000 to the fund.

The Prices emphasize on schools and youth because they feel the best way to give back to the community is through education. Teaching and learning is the only way to improve, Bonnie said.

“Kids in schools are the ones who need the motivation and to know that someone really cares for them. That’s where his heart is and that’s where our heart is, to help the less fortunate kids … and to eventually meet the needs of the entire community,” Bonnie added.

As for baseball, David keeps increasing his chances for the starting position at the MLB All-Star game with every passing day.

“It would be awesome,” said David. “Only two people get to start this game each year, so that would be a great honor.”

Even with David’s young age, great success and growing celebrity, the Prices don’t seem worried a bit.

“We just want him to stay humble and just give back to the community,” Bonnie added. “Right now, he has more money than he could ever spend, unless he gets stupid.”

And anyone, who knows anything about David Price, knows that won’t happen.

For more information about Project14, visit project14.org.

Don’t forget to watch David Price and the American League take on the National League at the 81st Major League Baseball All-Star Game, Tuesday, July 13 at 7 p.m. Central on FOX.

Sarah Fryar can be reached at sfryar@murfreesboropost.com.