Philanthropy
Humanitarian Efforts
In addition to his prominence in the collectibles field, Steve Myland’s philanthropic endeavors have a rich history, stretching back to his early involvement with organizations such as Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America and Church on the Street. More recently, he has extended his support to institutions like The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
In 2006, Myland made a significant contribution by donating proceeds from a Sotheby’s auction featuring a 1954 autographed jersey of baseball legend Henry “Hank” Aaron to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
In 2014, Myland furthered his philanthropic efforts by collaborating with The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Together, they showcased Jackie Robinson’s 1947 National League Championship Ring, commemorating his historic role in breaking the color barrier in modern Major League Baseball.
What follows are excerpts of articles about the Myland Collection. Over the years, Steve Myland has been featured in numerous articles covering his attention to detail regarding how well cared for his collection was.
Big Brothers
When Steve Myland was a senior in college at the University of Southern California, he became active in Big Brothers of Greater Los Angeles.
While Steve was writing music for the movie Malibu High, he was matched up with a young boy named Jonathan. At a young age, Johnathan showed great promise with piano. His interests meshed wonderfully with Steve's long history with music and production.
Contributions to Big Brother (1977 - 1982)
Steve was a Big Brother from 1977 to 1982 in Los Angeles. When Steve Myland sold the first Hank Aaron jersey, Steve donated part of the money he received to Big Brothers.
Church on the Street (80's & 90's)
In the 80's, Steve started "Church on the Streets". On Fridays, in downtown Phoenix, they had church services in the county jails. In 1986, they gained cororation status as a nonprofit organization. They delivered food, clothing and furniture to over 400 homeless weekly with no overhead of a facility.
In the 90's, they acquired and donated properties, homes, food, clothing, holiday care packages for prisoners and the homeless, along with moving into "the big red church" on the corner of 9th Street and McKinley. Official ribbon cutting ceremony included pastor Richard Hudalla and baseball legends Joe Jackson and Joe Garagiola, Sr.
Church on the Street (2000's)
In the 2000's, Church on the Streets begain foreign missions, adding an orphanage in India and a "Church on the River" in Guatemala. In September 2007, with the sale of our inner-city church, services were moved to our chapel in the Dream Center. Our Spanish Church on the Street ministry expands to major outreaches in Sonora, Mexico.
The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
In 2014, a key piece from Myland's collection was generously gifted to The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. The historic contribution centered on Jackie Robinson's 1947 National League Championship Ring, commemorating his pivotal role in breaking the color barrier in modern Major League Baseball.
This ring bears the inscription of Jackie Robinson's name.
Steve Myland speaks on Robinson ring
Steve talking about the ring and why he donated it to The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. August 8th, 2013