NFL CHARITIES - 2006/2007 ANNUAL REPORT

N F L C H A R I T I E S - 2 0 0 6 / 2 0 07 A N N UA L R E P O R T
MESSAGE from the COMMISSIONER
For the National Football League, the game of football is about more than making plays on the field. It is about making them off
the field as well. Our commitment to fans and the communities that support us does not end when the final seconds tick off the
game clock. The NFL’s commitment to public service is strong and has grown over the decades. It is reflected in many ways.
It is NFL teams and players reaching out through NFL Charities, the nonprofit foundation that grants $10 million each year
to organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the American Heart Association. It is the $150 million NFL
Youth Football Fund, a partnership with the NFL Players Association that invests in the future of the game. It is NFL Youth
Education Towns, a permanent legacy of every Super Bowl, where young people at risk can learn and grow. It is the public
service television campaign with the United Way promoting volunteerism, now in its 34th year.
During the season, many players spend their day off working in communities, a tradition known as “NFL Tuesdays.” Players
volunteer each week at local schools, shelters, and hospitals, helping out in ways large and small. The NFL also responds to
emergencies. Formed with the NFL Players Association after 9/11, the NFL/NFLPA Disaster Relief Fund allocated $10 million
to promote healing and rebuilding following the terror attacks. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the NFL organized
an unprecedented telethon to raise money for the Gulf Coast. More than $23 million was donated by the NFL, its
teams, players, and fans.
The NFL has always been about football and community. We hope that you will join the NFL, our teams, and players in
reaching out and strengthening communities across the country. We appreciate your support.
Roger Goodell
NFL Commissioner
President, NFL Charities
NFL CHARITIES MISSION
NFL Charities, founded in 1973, is a non-profit organization created by the
member clubs of the National Football League to enable the teams
to collectively make grants to charitable and worthwhile causes on
the national level. Since its inception, NFL Charities has granted more
than $100 million to over 300 different organizations.
NFL Charities’ primary funding categories include:
• Sports-related medical research grants
• Player foundation grants in support of current and former NFL players’
philanthropic work
• Youth health and education grants
• Supplementing the philanthropic work of our 32 member clubs
• Financial assistance to former NFL players who are in need
Pictured: San Diego Chargers – TE Antonio Gates
CONTENTS
Medical Research Grants ................................................................... 01
Player Foundation Grants ................................................................ 02
2006 Player Impact Awards
Youth Health and Fitness.............................................................03-04
NFL Play 60
What Moves U
Youth Education Towns ...............................................................05-06
Highlights in 2006 and 2007
Across America Series
Volunteer Programs ................................................................... 07-08
NFL Tuesdays
Hometown Huddle
Community Quarterback
Junior Community Quarterback
Student All Star
Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year ...................................................09
NFL Teacher of the Year .................................................................... 10
Retired Players Assistance ............................................................... 11
NFL Disaster Relief Fund ...................................................................12
Pro Bowl Grants...............................................................................13
NFL Charities Funding ......................................................................14
United Way ..................................................................................... 15
Military Support/USO ...................................................................... 16
NFL Team Programs ....................................................................17-28
Board of Directors....................................................................... 29-30
Financials .................................................................................. 31-32
MEDICAL RESEARCH GRANTS
NFL Charities is committed to
supporting scientific research
that benefits everyone involved
in the game of football,
competitive sports, and
recreational athletics.
NFL Charities allocates $1.5 million annually in grants
for medical research in areas including sports injury
prevention, injury treatment, and other related issues
that affect the health and performance of athletes.
In 2006, NFL Charities funded sixteen medical research
studies. Due to the high-quality of knee-related applications,
the NFL Charities board of directors awarded six grants
for studies on knee ligaments or knee cartilage. One such
grant was a $125,000 award to UCLA to study the efficacy
of two different techniques to reconstruct torn anterior
cruciate ligaments (ACLs).
Another important medical research proposal funded by
NFL Charities in 2006 was a grant to the University of Utah
to develop a new technique to detect the presence of
performance-enhancing drugs. NFL Charities also continued
its work, begun in 1994, in the area of Mild Traumatic Brain
Injury (MTBI), funding more than $300,000 in medical
research to prevent and improve the treatment of concussions.
01
PLAYER FOUNDATION GRANTS
NFL Charities supports current
and former NFL players
working to give back to
their communities.
NFL Charities awards $1 million in grants each year to further the
charitable efforts of current and former NFL players who have
established their own foundations. In 2006, NFL Charities funded
66 player foundations. Four foundations performing extraordinary
charitable services were recognized with Player Impact Grant Awards
and received maximum funding.
2006 Player Impact Awards
Judi’s House, the non-profit organization founded by Brian Griese in
honor of his mother who died when he was 12 years old, helps
children and families grieving the death of a loved one find hope
and healing. More than 1,700 children and their adult caregivers
have benefited from the organization’s services since 2002.
The Wunsch Family Foundation takes pediatric cancer patients and
blood disorder patients on fully funded camping and fishing trips with
NFL players.
The Roman Oben Foundation has funded and overseen numerous community
outreach projects, including building an orphanage for handicapped
children in Roman’s native country of Cameroon, West Africa.
The Page Education Foundation provides young people of color financial
assistance for college in exchange for volunteer service. Since its inception
in 1988, the foundation has awarded scholarship grants to 2,667 students.
Pictured: Miami Dolphins – DE Jason Taylor
02
YOUTH HEALTH and FITNESS
NFL Charities promotes the
physical health and well-being
of our most valuable
asset – America’s youth.
A rise in obesity rates among today’s youth as well as the decline of physical education
programs in schools across the country prompted the NFL to take a leadership role in the
movement to get youngsters physically fit.
The NFL is dedicated to helping young people get active and stay healthy and has formed
partnerships with leading experts in the health field to offer unique and innovative programs
for kids of all ages. The NFL’s health and fitness programs are designed to motivate kids to get 60
minutes of physical activity every day - that is the goal of the new “NFL Play 60” campaign.
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What Moves U is one of the primary programs within the league’s youth health and
fitness initiative. Developed in 2006 by NFL Charities and the American Heart Association,
What Moves U is a school-based program and awareness campaign designed to promote
physical fitness and healthy living.
What Moves U incorporates several key elements: an in-school activity kit created for
teachers, by teachers; program-specific learning materials and school promotional
materials; and an interactive fitness-focused website for children. Also part of the
initiative is a national public awareness campaign that includes television, radio and
print PSAs, as well as community outreach events coordinated by NFL teams and American
Heart Association affiliates.
Unique to physical fitness programs for students, the What Moves U in-school activation kit
helps teachers of various academic disciplines find ways to integrate physical activity into
existing academic lesson plans. More than 25,000 middle schools nationwide received the
activation kits in 2006. A subsequent set of supportive materials, including team-based
fitness posters and fitness equipment, was delivered to schools at the beginning of the
2007-2008 academic year.
04
YOUTH EDUCATION TOWNS
By providing educational
enrichment and leadership
training we can strengthen
our future.
NFL Youth Education Towns (YETs) are educational and recreation centers constructed in Super
Bowl host cities as lasting legacies of the games. In order to positively impact the lives of young
people living in challenging neighborhoods in Super Bowl Cities, the NFL donates $1 million toward
each YET project. Other funding comes from local public and private support so that all YETs remain
viable in their communities long after a Super Bowl has been played. To this end, the NFL requires
each host city to establish a 10-year operating plan, which includes a funding commitment for
ongoing operational, management and program expenses.
Presently, there are 13 YETs in 10 cities - Los Angeles, San Diego (2), Phoenix, New Orleans, Miami,
Fort Lauderdale, Detroit, Atlanta, Tampa (2) and Houston (2). Plans are underway for new YETs in
Jacksonville, Florida and Honolulu, Hawaii, home of the Pro Bowl.
The NFL works hand-in-hand on the YET initiative with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to
ensure that all YETs offer programs and services that effectively meet the needs of YET youth in the
areas of education, technical training, life-skills development, and recreation. YET facilities vary,
but many include libraries, classrooms, technology labs, physical fitness centers, recreation fields and
other resources. In many locations, YETs offer full-day school programs, as well as after-school services.
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Highlights in 2006 and 2007
Super Bowl XXXVII in Houston led to the establishment of two YET Centers. In the summer of 2007,
both centers opened their doors and began serving children. In the spring of 2007, the NFL opened a
Youth Education Town in Detroit, MI. This $6 million facility was made possible by unprecedented
collaboration between the NFL, Detroit Super Bowl XL Host Committee, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern
Michigan and other community leaders. The facility serves more than 2,500 school-age children and
has played a major role in the redevelopment of Detroit in the Gardenview Estates community.
As part of the NFL’s Super Bowl XLI Community Impact platform, the NFL reinvested in its two YETs in
South Florida by making financial contributions to the Miami and Ft. Lauderdale YETs. This provided
funding for new multi-media centers, gymnasiums and football fields at these sites.
Across America Series
“NFL-YET Across America” launched in 2005. The initiative has three components: Learn Across
America, Volunteer Across America, and Lead Across America.
Learn Across America is an academic program in which students throughout the YET network
study a particular subject matter over the course of a semester. In the fall of 2005, this curriculum
focused on the United States government. The program culminated with a trip to Washington, D.C.,
which brought the two highest achieving students from each YET center to our nation’s capital.
Volunteer Across America nurtures a spirit of civic engagement and a commitment to volunteerism
among YET Center teens. The curriculum concludes with a service project. In the summer of 2006,
two teens from each YET Center traveled to San Diego, California, to build a house with Habitat
for Humanity.
Lead Across America inspires a new generation of leaders among YET Center youth. Two youth
leaders from each YET Center were selected to attend a national youth leadership conference in
the spring of 2007. The inaugural Lead Across America trip brought youth leaders to Albuquerque,
New Mexico where they assisted in the building of a Pueblo.
06
VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS
Players and fans committed to
their local communities help
build a promising tomorrow.
The NFL Tuesdays program raises awareness of the charitable activities of NFL players who
place great importance on giving back to the community during their time away from
the playing field. Tuesday is the traditional day off for the NFL players during the season.
On any given Tuesday during the season, NFL players can be found working in soup kitchens,
reading with elementary school children, coaching at middle and high school football
clinics, or listening to a child with a question or a problem.
The NFL/United Way Hometown Huddle is an NFL-wide day of service, held one Tuesday
in October each year. This program highlights the way NFL players, coaches, staff, and wives
participate in a variety of community service activities.
Hometown Huddle activities in recent years have included building homes for low-income
families, working with the elderly, constructing playgrounds, serving food to the homeless
and visiting local military bases. In 2006, a total of 226 players participated in the Hometown
Huddle events.
07
The NFL Community Quarterback award honors community volunteers who demonstrate
exceptional dedication to their communities. Throughout the season, NFL teams
administer local Community Quarterback Award competitions in which winners receive
monetary donations in their name to the nonprofit organizations with which they serve.
The NFL Junior Community Quarterback program honors high school and college students
who exemplify leadership, dedication, creativity and a commitment to improving their
communities. Winners are chosen by a panel of team representatives, local media and
community leaders in each market. Winners receive grants from their local team for their
volunteer projects.
The Student All Star program is an initiative that gives the NFL clubs the opportunity
to award grants to help young people finance community improvement and volunteer
projects. NFL Charities awards NFL teams funding to support these grassroots projects
initiated by local young residents.
08
Pictured: San Francisco 49ers - WR Arnaz Battle (front), LB Parys Haralson (right), LB Manny Lawson (far right), DL Melvin Oliver (background)
WALTER PAYTON NFL MAN of the YEAR
Recognizing excellence on and
off the field, there is no greater
distinction that an NFL player
can achieve.
The prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award is
unique among NFL honors. It is the only award that recognizes
a player for outstanding community service activities as well as
for excellence on the field. Renamed in 1999 after legendary
running back Walter Payton, the award has been given annually
since 1970. Recent winners include Peyton Manning, Will Shields,
and Derrick Brooks. Past winners include many of the league’s
greatest players, 13 of whom are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees (pictured far right) and
San Diego running back LaDainian Tomlinson (pictured right)
were named co-winners of the Walter Payton Award in 2006.
Drew Brees’ efforts to help in the Gulf Coast’s rebuilding after
Hurricane Katrina were widespread. Within days of his arrival in
New Orleans, he partnered on a fundraiser to help rebuild the
NFL Youth Education Town, its playground, and the Pan American
Football Field. Brees has also focused on helping youth and high
school football programs in the New Orleans area get back
on their feet.
09
LaDainian Tomlinson has focused his outreach work on helping
children in San Diego and his hometown of Waco, Texas. L.T.’s 21
Club provides Chargers game tickets to local children and supplies
them with goodie bags filled with school supplies, books and
games. Each year, L.T.’s School is Cool Scholarship Fund helps 25
students attend college.
NFL TEACHER of the YEAR
Honoring educators who have
greatly impacted the educational
and personal development of
NFL players.
In 1990, the NFL created the NFL Teacher of the Year
award to honor teachers who inspired the educational and
life skills development of NFL players.
The Teacher of the Year award recipient receives a $2,500
prize, as well as a $5,000 grant for his or her school. The
winning teacher also travels to the AFC-NFC Pro Bowl in
Honolulu, Hawaii, where the nominating player officially
presents the winning teacher with the Teacher of the Year
Award during a pre-game ceremony.
Charlotte Gagliardi (pictured right), a recently retired choir
and music instructor at Lawton High School in Oklahoma,
was named the 2006 NFL Teacher of the Year.
Mrs. Gagliardi was nominated by Will Shields of the Kansas
City Chiefs (pictured far right). Gagliardi mentored Shields
and served as his choir teacher at Lawton High School. To
this day, the two maintain a close friendship.
10
RETIRED PLAYERS ASSISTANCE
Caring for those who helped build
the game and lay the foundation
for success and glory.
NFL Charities supports the NFL Players Association’s
Player Assistance Trust (PAT) with an annual grant of
$1.25 million. In addition, one-quarter of the fine money
collected each year from NFL players is donated to the PAT.
In 2006, nearly $2 million was donated from NFL Charities
to the PAT, which supports retired players who have fallen
on hard times and seek assistance. NFL Charities also
donated $100,000 to the NFL Alumni Dire Need Charitable
Trust in 2006.
In May 2007, the NFL, NFL Charities, NFL Players Association,
NFL Retired Players Association and the Pro Football Hall of
Fame formed the NFL Alliance Fund For Retired Players. This
new partnership will coordinate medical support services
for former players in need.
The alliance is funding a range of programs to address medical
issues facing former players, primarily focusing on providing
access to high-quality health care at reasonable costs.
11
Pictured: Pro Football Hall of Famer Willie Lanier, who is working to help former players with medical needs.
NFL DISASTER RELIEF FUND
NFL Charities is ready to respond
when the challenge is greatest.
The NFL Disaster Relief Fund was established immediately
following September 11, 2001, with a joint donation of
$10 million by the National Football League (NFL) and the
National Football League Players Association (NFLPA).
This initial post-9/11 contribution was used to assist those
who lost loved ones in the attacks; help rebuild schools,
social service organizations, and businesses in lower
Manhattan; and create a cultural tolerance and diversity
education curriculum geared towards America’s youth.
The NFL/NFLPA and the Disaster Relief Fund again
responded when Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in
2005. The National Football League designated week
two of the 2005 season as “Hurricane Relief Weekend” to
raise funds and bring attention to the massive needs of
the Gulf Coast region. The weekend concluded with an
unprecedented fund-raising telethon which helped the
NFL, teams, players, and fans raise more than $23 million
to aid in the recovery.
12
PRO BOWL GRANTS
Supporting our all-star
hosts in Hawaii.
The NFL’s all-star game has been played in Honolulu since 1980.
With each visit to Hawaii for the Pro Bowl, the NFL looks to
strengthen its commitment to the people of Hawaii.
During Pro Bowl week, the NFL conducts a series of community
outreach programs, including daily football clinics on Oahu and
other islands, player hospital and military visits, and a football
skills competition for local Special Olympics athletes. The NFL
also awards the Pro Bowl High School Coach of the Year to a
Hawaiian high school football coach.
NFL Charities Board of Directors allocates $100,000 in
grants each year to Hawaiian non-profit organizations.
The recipient organizations must be focused on youth
health or education programs.
In addition, the NFL has dedicated a Youth Education Town
in Hawaii to serve the children of Oahu. This after-school
facility is being designed as the first LEED (Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design) certified “green building”
in Hawaii. With 50 percent of the preliminary design
complete and a multi-media center in the works, the Hawaii
YET is on target to open in June 2009.
13
Pictured: Tennessee Titans – QB Vince Young (right), New Orleans Saints – DE Will Smith
NFL CHARITIES FUNDING
Generating resources to
accomplish more.
The NFL’s member clubs and its players serve as the primary funding
source for NFL Charities. Each season, $8 million of the league’s national
television revenue is directed to NFL Charities to fund philanthropic
projects on a national level. Other funding sources for NFL Charities
include NFL Auction, player fine money, and fundraising events.
NFL Auction is a league website that allows fans to bid on autographed
NFL memorabilia, with all proceeds being donated to charity. In 2006,
NFL Auction generated more than $1.4 million for charitable initiatives
such as the NFL Youth Education Towns. In 2007, NFL Auction is projected
to raise upwards of $2 million in charitable funds.
All of the money generated from disciplinary fines of players has
traditionally been donated to charitable causes through NFL Charities.
On-field player fine money has netted over $2 million per year for charity
in each of the past three years. One-quarter of this annual fine money is
used to support former players in need through the NFL Player Association’s
Players Assistance Trust (PAT). Other organizations that receive annual
funds from the player fine pool include the Brian Piccolo Memorial Fund
and the Lombardi Cancer Care Center.
Celebrity golf and bowling tournaments are hosted each year
in conjunction with the Super Bowl and Pro Bowl, with all proceeds
going to NFL Charities. In 2006, these events netted more than $200,000.
Pictured: Seattle Seahawks – RB Shaun Alexander
14
UNITED WAY
The most visible and longest-running
public service partnership of its kind.
The 2007 - 2008 NFL season marks the 34th year of collaboration
between the National Football League and the United Way.
Together, the NFL and the United Way have changed the
landscape of corporate/non-profit community partnerships.
During its long partnership, more than 1,000 NFL-United
Way television messages have aired during NFL games,
making it the longest-running public service ad campaign
in television history. The spots reach more than 120 million
viewers per week via airtime furnished by the NFL at no cost
to the United Way.
With help from the NFL, United Way fundraising has soared
from $800 million to more than $4 billion.
“In three decades of working with the United Way,” said
Commissioner Roger Goodell, “we have shown how NFL players,
coaches and owners serve their communities in order to
inspire others to join in volunteering to make a difference.”
15
Pictured: New Orleans Saints – RB Deuce McAllister
MILITARY SUPPORT/USO
In 1965, NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle, seeking ways to
The NFL’s proud partnership with the
demonstrate the league’s support for America’s fighting forces,
conceived of the idea of sending NFL players to Vietnam on
USO is in its fifth decade. Both
”goodwill tours.” The following year, the NFL teamed with the
USO and became the first sports organization to send a group
organizations support our
of players to Vietnam and other parts of Asia.
nation’s troops, who sacrifice
Over the past four decades, NFL stars like Terry Bradshaw,
Dick Butkus, Larry Csonka, Don Meredith, Mike Singletary
for our freedom.
and Gene Upshaw have visited troops on NFL-USO tours in
Afghanistan, Bosnia, Iraq, Japan, Korea, Kuwait and Somalia.
In early 2007, tight ends Alge Crumpler (pictured far right)
and Benjamin Watson, guard Will Shields (pictured right)
and linebacker Shelton Quarles teamed up to meet and
greet the troops at U.S. military bases in Iraq and Kuwait
during a 12-day goodwill tour.
Reflecting on his time visiting the troops, Shelton Quarles
said, “I realize there are only two words that accurately
describe our time overseas: life changing. My life will be
forever changed because of the things we witnessed. The
troops’ dedication is unparalleled. They make sacrifices
every day to keep us free and provide freedom for others.”
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NFL TEAM PROGRAMS
Every NFL team is dedicated to
its community and helping
those in need.
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ARIZONA CARDINALS
ATLANTA FALCONS
The Cardinals’ PLAY WITH THE PROS program is designed to
uplift and motivate youth using today’s newest video games. This
incentive-based program gives teachers a tool to help motivate
their students because it rewards children with a chance to compete
against a Cardinals player in a multitude of video games, as other
children cheer them on. The program will also be implemented in
hospitals for children in need of encouragement.
The Atlanta Falcons’ BALL BOY MENTORING PROGRAM gives
young men from the Boys & Girls Club of Hall County an opportunity
to assist the Falcons’ equipment staff with all of the duties associated
with practices and games, and allows them to interact with players
during the season.
Founded in 1990, CARDINALS CHARITIES supports programs
designed to improve the quality of life and enhance opportunities
for children, women, and minorities in the state of Arizona. Since its
inception, Cardinals Charities has distributed more than 3.5 million
dollars to over 250 worthy Arizona charitable organizations on
behalf of the Arizona Cardinals and the National Football League.
The Cardinals have teamed up with their local American Heart
Association chapter to promote healthy lifestyles among Arizona
youth through the WHAT MOVES U program. In order to fight
against childhood obesity in youths aged 9-13, every middle
school in the state of Arizona received an Activation Kit that
included a curriculum infusing physical activity into daily lesson plans.
FALCONS FOOTBALL ACADEMY is an interactive football experience
geared towards women that teaches participants hands-on football
skills and expands their knowledge of the game. In 2006, this event
generated $25,000 to benefit the Doris Shaheen Breast Health
Center at Piedmont Hospital and the Young Survival Coalition for breast
cancer awareness and research initiatives.
In 2006, more than 5,000 students from elementary and middle schools
and youth organizations throughout Georgia participated in the
FALCONS FITNESS CHALLENGE. Presented by Piedmont Hospital
and in conjunction with the NFL’s What Moves U fitness program,
the Falcons Fitness Challenge encourages students to participate in
physical activities for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week for three weeks.
BALTIMORE RAVENS
BUFFALO BILLS
CAROLINA PANTHERS
The RAVENS HONOR ROWS PROGRAM, presented by M&T Bank
and in its 7th year, salutes youth groups or organizations that provide
outstanding volunteer service to communities. During each Ravens
home game throughout the 2006 regular season, the winning groups
received up to 100 tickets to a game, Honor Rows t-shirts for all
participants, official in-game recognition on the SMARTVISION
screens, and were featured in local public service announcements.
Honorees were selected by a panel of youth judges from the Maryland
Youth Action Corps with the assistance of the Governor’s Office on
Service and Volunteerism, as well as Ravens and M&T Bank staff.
The Buffalo Bills Time Warner Cable STUDENT LEADER PROGRAM
is designed to provide high school students with unique experiences
that will help develop leadership skills. The students selected to
participate in this year-long program work with the Bills as well
as other business and community leaders. Student Leaders are
encouraged to share what they’ve learned with their schools
and communities.
The PANTHERS FIT SQUAD youth fitness initiative is dedicated to
health, fitness and fun for elementary school-aged children around the
Carolinas. Thousands of classrooms in North and South Carolina
participate in the program, which is designed to get children excited
about fitness and exercise through fun and creative activities.
The Baltimore Ravens promote academic, athletic, and community
excellence through the RAVENS CHAMPIONS ATHLETE OF THE
WEEK, a program that recognizes the athletic achievements of
Baltimore area youth. Eight times during the NFL regular season
(corresponding with Ravens home games), a male and a female
student athlete are awarded the honor of Ravens Champions
Athlete of the Week, presented by TOYOTA.
The mission of the RAVENS ALL COMMUNITY TEAM (ACT) is to
increase corporate and community awareness of the Ravens’ All
Community Team Foundation, player and coach foundations, and the
associated local charitable organizations through a season-long NFL
football competition between area and regional Baltimore-based
business leaders and companies. The ACT works to improve local
communities with the generous support of Ravens players and the
philanthropy of its members to build both financial and public
support for a multitude of youth-based local and regional charities.
Responding to the continuing decline of physical education
programs in many of America’s schools and the lack of physical activity
for today’s youth, the Bills teamed up with BlueCross BlueShield of
Western New York and the American Heart Association to offer the
WHAT MOVES U program to youngsters. The program encourages
physical activity by promoting physical fitness and healthy living
through in-school programs and a public awareness campaign.
The Bills, the Susan G. Komen Foundation WNY Affiliate, Kaleida
Health and Zeta Tau Alpha joined forces to introduce the BILLIEVE
breast cancer awareness program. The two-part program includes a
merchandise campaign where a percentage of profits from Billieve
pink ribbon logo items are donated to the Komen Foundation. The
second part of the program focuses on breast cancer awareness.
BUFFALO BILLS FAN FOOD DRIVE: At the 2007 home opener,
the Bills hosted the Annual Fan Food Drive to benefit the Food
Bank of WNY. Fans brought nonperishable food items and made
monetary donations to the game. The Ralph C. Wilson Foundation
matched all monetary collections from fans at the gates.
YOUTH FOOTBALL is a cornerstone of the Panthers’ outreach
programming. The team is committed to building the sport of youth
football at the grassroots level through a wide variety of team and
NFL-based initiatives that serve communities throughout the Carolinas.
The Panthers helped launch CLASSROOM CENTRAL in 2002, a
non-profit retail store that allows teachers in the Charlotte metro
area to shop for school supplies for their classrooms free of charge.
The store serves over 6,000 teachers in Charlotte and surrounding
school districts and has donated over $6 million in school supplies to
teachers at high-need schools.
In an effort to honor the significant contributions that North and
South Carolina-based armed service personnel make to our country,
the team launched OPERATION WELCOME HOME. The program
salutes service men and women from every military branch who
have returned from tours of duty. Operation Welcome Home
engages the service personnel, their families and Panthers players
in a special program that culminates with the thrilling experience
of leading the Panthers onto the field at select home games.
CHICAGO BEARS
CINCINNATI BENGALS
CLEVELAND BROWNS
The Chicago Bears consistently support the Chicagoland community through
programs and events at schools, hospitals, health organizations, youth agencies,
and numerous community organizations. Community highlights have included
Bears players visiting 21 different Chicago Public Schools and speaking to over
7,000 students as part of the Bears School Outreach Program.
As part of the 2006 HOMETOWN HUDDLE, the Bengals and the
Marvin Lewis Community Fund worked in collaboration with the
United Way and more than 30 other companies to build the only
universally accessible tree house in the Tri-State area. “Everyone’s Tree
house” in Cincinnati’s Mt. Airy Forest allows special needs children
and adults to have no barriers as they view the forest from an elevated
berth. More than 30 Bengals players and their wives rolled up their
sleeves to help dig, hammer and shovel.
The Browns engage the community through the Cleveland Browns
Foundation and programming focused on children through the
areas of Education, Health & Wellness, Neighborhood Enhancement &
Youth Football. These focus areas represent our team’s commitment to the
community, and the Browns strive to strengthen the mind, body and heart of
Greater Cleveland’s children, families and neighbors through team spirit and
tradition. The team’s players, coaches, executives and staff members donate
a significant amount of time and funding to support charities, charitable
causes, non-profit organizations, schools, hospitals and civic groups.
Through our HELLO TO OUR HEROES program, Bears players helped
hundreds of middle school students write and send letters to men and
women of the military who are currently serving our country overseas.
The TALES TO TACKLE reading incentive program reached over 8,600
students in Chicagoland schools during the 2006-2007 school year and
hundreds of children in Chicago area hospitals received a visit and a
teddy bear from Bears mascot Staley through the BEAR HUGS program.
Over 17,500 winter coats were collected as part of the 18th Annual Chicago
Bears COAT DRIVE. The team then donated them to deserving children
and families through the Salvation Army and public schools in the Chicagoland
area. More than 860 people joined Chicago Bears players and staff for the
twelfth annual Bears Care Gala, which raised over $650,000 to support
breast and ovarian cancer research and treatment programs. Players and
coaches also purchased nearly 2,000 tickets and donated them to 14
different Chicagoland charities so children served through those organizations
could attend a Bears game during the season.
The team also helped over 1,600 children sharpen their football skills by
participating in the Chicago Bears Youth Football Camps; and WHAT
MOVES U fitness program, which was brought into Chicagoland middle
schools to help promote physical fitness and healthy living to an increasingly
inactive generation of kids.
BENGALS TASTE OF THE NFL has been held each year since 2003
and brings together players, coaches and alumni with benefactors
of the FreeStore/FoodBank of Cincinnati to dine on samples from
Cincinnati’s finest restaurants. The event has raised, on average,
more than $60,000 per year, enabling the FreeStore/FoodBank
to provide more than 300,000 meals annually for hungry people.
In 2007, Cincinnati Bengals Taste of the NFL reached an all time high
raising more the $140,000 at the event.
Bengals players, alumni, cheerleaders and staff help the HOXWORTH
BLOOD CENTER collect donations at Paul Brown Stadium before the
busy holiday season of each year. In 2005, the drive collected 401
pints of blood and earned the Bengals a Special Recognition Award
from America’s Blood Centers. These drives have been the largest of
their kind in the history of the Hoxworth Blood Center and in 2006
helped collect 483 pints of blood.
The Browns embrace fans through several signature community programs,
which are outlined below:
VISION FIRST, a partnership between the Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye
Institute, the Cleveland Browns and the Cleveland Metropolitan School
District, to provide free eye exams and glasses to those who need them
- in one year 80 schools were visited.
In partnership with the Cuyahoga County Public Library and 3-A-Day of
Dairy, the READ WITH THE BROWNS program encourages children
and families to read along with team players at www.clevelandbrowns.
com/community or through team events at their local library.
Each home game, kids with disabilities and health issues receive VIP
treatment with exclusive invites from the Browns to attend pregame from
the sidelines, before heading to a customized suite to watch the game.
In addition, the team encourages healthy activity among today’s youth
through the WHAT MOVES U program and recently completed a FITNESS
ZONE at a local United Way agency.
DALLAS COWBOYS
DENVER BRONCOS
DETROIT LIONS
In what has become an American holiday tradition over the past 10
years, the Gene and Jerry Jones Family has dedicated the Dallas
Cowboys Thanksgiving Day game halftime show to officially launch
THE SALVATION ARMY RED KETTLE CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN
during a live nationally televised broadcast. Last year, the Red Kettle
campaign raised a record $117 million, crossing the $1 billion mark of funds
raised since the halftime show partnership began with the Cowboys.
Previous halftime performers include Carrie Underwood, Sheryl Crow, Destiny’s
Child, Toby Keith, LeAnn Rimes, Creed, Jessica Simpson, Billy Gillman, Clint
Black, Randy Travis and Reba McEntire.
The Denver Broncos have made a multi-year commitment to collaborate
with the DENVER RESCUE MISSION CROSSING FACILITY for
homeless families in transition. The partnership entails the dedication
of a Broncos Youth Center, complete with a Broncos Reading Corner,
literacy programming, computers and recreational equipment as well
as support for housing.
The Detroit Lions recognize the responsibility to put a good product on
the field each Sunday as well as its duty to serve others off the field and
the need to give back.
In 2007, Gene and Jerry Jones were Honorary Chairs and their daughter,
Charlotte Anderson – Cowboys Executive Vice President, chaired
THE SALVATION ARMY’S NATIONAL ADVISORY ORGANIZATIONS
CONFERENCE. The international conference hosted in Dallas provided
2,314 delegates with tools and ideas to implement in their hometowns
as they heard from a host of remarkable speakers including Jim Collins – author
of “Good to Great, Jerry Jones” and were honored with a special appearance
by the First Lady, Laura Bush. Conference participants were also treated to a
celebration at Texas Stadium with Cowboys players Tony Romo, Roy Williams,
Terence Newman and DeMarcus Ware as well as Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
The Cowboys are very active in raising a large portion of the annual funds
for the HAPPY HILL FARM ACADEMY AND HOME – a working farm
and residential school that serves as a safe haven to abused and neglected
children. The Cowboys Family Cookbook and the team’s Kickoff Luncheon
- which raises over $200,000 annually - serve as major revenue producers for
the academy which is home to the Dallas Cowboys Ed Block Courage House.
The Denver Broncos have joined forces with their local American
Heart Association to support the NFL’s youth fitness program WHAT
MOVES U. Through this partnership, the Broncos recruited nearly 200
schools to participate by logging their miles. Logged ‘miles for Miles’
are any physical activity incorporated into the normal school day or at
home. At the conclusion of the logging period, top schools received a
visit from Champ Bailey and Miles the mascot. In addition, several top
students attended a Broncos home game as a reward for outstanding
participation in the program.
Since 2003, the Denver Broncos have funded the operating budget of
the DENVER BRONCOS BOYS & GIRLS CLUB in Montbello, Colorado.
The Broncos have committed to integrating community programs and
player visits into the Club’s operations, truly building upon a legacy
of investment that transcends a mere monetary contribution. In the
Club’s inaugural year, its membership swelled to capacity with over
1,400 members and an average nightly attendance of over 200 kids.
DETROIT LIONS CHARITIES (DLC) was established in 1990 to assist all
age groups in a diverse range of needs and programs in Michigan, with
a particular emphasis placed on programs that benefit the children and
youth of Detroit. During the 2006-2007 season, DLC awarded 108 grants
totaling $500,663.70 to non-profit agencies, raising the total amount
contributed to $4.3 million over the course of its 17 year history.
The DETROIT LIONS COURAGE HOUSE benefits HAVEN, Oakland
County’s (Michigan) premier center for the prevention and treatment
of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse. Proceeds from
an annual banquet hosted by the Lions target the center’s child abuse
prevention and treatment programs. Previous banquets have raised
approximately $1.3 million for HAVEN.
The DETROIT LIONS ACADEMY, an alternative middle school for
sixth, seventh and eighth graders serves 130 students who have had
difficulty succeeding in traditional school settings. The Academy, a
Detroit public school, is supported by an annual financial contribution
from the Detroit Lions, Costco and Ford Motor Company, among
others. The Academy also receives visits from Lions players and
support from the team in various ways.
GREEN BAY PACKERS
HOUSTON TEXANS
INDIANPOLIS COLTS
The PACKERS WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION (PWA) members, comprised
of the wives/girlfriends of Packers players, coaches, and staff, as well
as full-time female Packers employees, team up with the community
by sharing their time, talents, and resources. PWA, which is an arm
of the Green Bay Packers organization, is a non-profit organization
whose main focus is to support the community through various
outreach programs, such as food drives, breast cancer fundraisers,
and mentoring programs.
Local college students attend the Texans’ annual JOIN THE TEAM
INTEGRATING BUSINESS AND SPORTS CAREER SEMINAR which is
held at Reliant Stadium. The free seminar addresses business careers in
sports. The workshops feature Texans executives and corporate sponsors.
Each year, the Green Bay Packers recognize outstanding volunteers
within the state of Wisconsin through the Green Bay Packers’
COMMUNITY QUARTERBACK AWARD. Non-profit organizations
are invited to nominate outstanding volunteers who demonstrate
leadership, dedication, and a commitment to bettering their
communities through volunteerism.
GIRLS GET IN THE GAME! is a one day sports camp for middle school-age
girls. The program focuses on health and fitness. Activities include youth
football drills and a cheerleading clinic, all facilitated by the Lady Texans
cheerleading squad.
Established in 1994 by world-renowned pediatric neurosurgeon
Dr. Ben Carson and his wife, Candy, the CARSON SCHOLARS FUND
was created to recognize and reward students in grades 4-11
who strive for academic excellence and demonstrate a strong
commitment to their community. The Indianapolis Colts and Head
Coach Tony Dungy are committed to supporting education through
this fund. The Indianapolis Chapter, initiated in 2005, was able to
endow two Indiana schools in its first year, and is now responsible for
funding 21 scholarships and 5 endowments in the Indianapolis area.
The Packers created the GREEN BAY PACKERS FOUNDATION
in 1986 to give back to the community through a wide variety of
activities and programs that benefit education, civic affairs, health
services, human services and youth-related programs. This past year,
in its annual distribution of funds, the Foundation awarded $144,250
to 61 civic and charitable groups throughout Wisconsin.
The Green Bay Packers’ community involvement takes many forms.
The team sponsors special fundraising events, makes donations of
cash and memorabilia to many charitable organizations in the region
and team members make personal appearances and serve on various
community boards and commissions.
Last year over 2,000 donors “gave the gift of life” during the Texans’ annual
BLOOD DRIVE at Reliant Stadium and other locations. Methodist Hospital
and Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center sponsor the event.
Houston Texans Rookies hosts an annual SHOP WITH THE TEXANS event
to assist children from local charitable organizations as they purchase
holiday gifts. Academy Sports and Outdoors supplies each child with a $100
gift card.
The Houston Texans announced a new home game recycling initiative at
Reliant Stadium at Kickoff on September 9, 2007. The I CARE campaign
encourages Texan fans, team players, and employees to develop consistent
recycling habits by throwing their recyclables into bins that are set up
throughout the stadium. The team is looking to become a leader in a
city-wide effort to recycle. Believing that they can help fans understand
the role that each of us plays in the stewardship of our environment, the
Texans’ management announced the best way to lead is by example to fans
and to the community at large.
To further promote volunteerism and community service among
Indiana students, the Indianapolis Colts have joined with American
Family Insurance and the Indiana Department of Education for the
YOUNG PLAYMAKERS CHALLENGE. Through this program, Indiana
middle school students are asked to track their volunteer hours for
a pre-determined timeframe. The middle school classroom with the
highest average number of volunteer hours per student receives
special rewards from the Colts organization.
The Indianapolis Colts and the Indiana Department of Child Services
(DCS) initiated the BOOKS FOR YOUTH program. Through this
program, the Colts and the DCS provide every youth in foster care
throughout Central Indiana with their own library of 25 books. More
than 11,000 books have been donated to the program by Colts fans,
helping to make a smart handoff to Indiana’s youth.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
MIAMI DOLPHINS
The Jaguars’ annual HABIJAX homebuilding blitz kicks off each spring
to offer a hand to those less fortunate. Led by team owners Wayne and
Delores Weaver, Jaguars staff, players and cheerleaders invest sweat
equity and labor into making the dream of a future homeowner a
reality. HabiJax is the largest affiliate homebuilder within the Habitat
for Humanity organization. It continues to make progress through the
tireless efforts of countless volunteers and the Delores Barr Weaver
Golf Tournament, which has sponsored 65 houses representing a cash
contribution in excess of $2.2 million since its inception in 1996.
Under the direction of the Hunt Family, President Carl Peterson, and
head coach Herm Edwards, the Kansas City Chiefs strive to meet the
needs of the community by proactively bringing together resources
that will benefit the lives of those in need. More than 60 players have
established foundations or charitable programs since Derrick Thomas
established the Third and Long Foundation in 1990. The Chiefs’ players
and front office staff have raised over $18 million through charitable
efforts since 1998 benefiting areas such as disadvantaged youth and
families, education, health, and athletics.
The Miami Dolphins Foundation formed a year-round partnership
with the Broward County and Miami-Dade County Public Library
Systems called the MOST VALUABLE READERS program. The
partnership includes initiatives such as the Summer Reading
Program, the presenting sponsorship of Teen Read Week, Children’s
Book Week and the presenting sponsorship of the Books and Bears
program. Kids who participate in the program have the opportunity
to win prizes such as bookmarks, posters featuring Dolphins
players, game tickets, and the chance to attend a training camp
practice as a VIP.
Jacksonville is one of several NFL teams who have launched a local
TASTE OF THE NFL dinner, an extension of the national event held
every year at Super Bowl, to help raise awareness in the fight against
hunger. Since its inception in 2003, over $365,000 has been raised for
LSS Second Harvest Food Bank.
The Chiefs support health and wellness initiatives through awareness
programs, donations and advocacy. Some signature programs include
the CHIEFS BLOOD DRIVE, CHIEFS NIGHT benefiting the Arthritis
Foundation, FIRST DOWNS FOR DOWN SYNDROME, DEFENSE IS
FOR KIDS, TACKLE DIABETES WITH JDRF, WHAT MOVES U, and
the Chiefs Breast Cancer “THINK PINK” Campaign.
Each November, strong safety Donovin Darius, other Jaguars players
and hundreds of corporate volunteers unload truckloads of groceries
and distribute non-perishable food items donated by growers, food
processors and manufacturers that support OPERATION BLESSING
INTERNATIONAL. Since the partnership began in 1999, over 21,000
families have been served.
The Chiefs have an active role in supporting Youth Football
opportunities throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area. New this
year, Coach Herm Edwards hosted his free youth football camp in Kansas
City, inviting 1,000 children and 200 coaches to participate. More
than 40 Chiefs players assisted in the 2-day camp. The Chiefs have
also installed a synthetic field turf at Derrick Thomas Academy and
refurbished the football field at Central High School.
In conjunction with Dolphin Stadium, the Miami Dolphins honor
select students from 20 partner schools at all regular season home
games as part of the STUDENT OF THE WEEK program. The
students are chosen for their citizenship and classroom achievements.
They are presented with a plaque by Marti Huizenga, wife of Dolphins
owner Wayne Huizenga, during an on-field presentation.
The Empty Bowls program to benefit the SOUPER BOWL OF CARING
unites the Dolphins and the Broward County Public School System
to help fight hunger. Students make bowls to help raise money for
homeless shelters and food banks.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
The mission of the VIKING CHILDREN’S FUND is to combine the
time and resources of Vikings players, coaches, staff, and families,
with that of the corporate community and fans, in an effort to support
the many needs of children in the Upper Midwest. The Viking
Children’s Fund grant history now totals over $7.65 million.
THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION was
established by the Kraft family to support charitable and philanthropic
agencies throughout New England, including the Boys & Girls Clubs
of Greater Boston, the Greater Boston Food Bank and a host of other
New England charities. The Foundation, in partnership with Morgan
Memorial Goodwill Industries and the Salvation Army, annually provides
food baskets and toys to hundreds of families during the holiday
season. In 2005, the Foundation launched the “Write On” scholarship
program, which has awarded nearly $200,000 in college scholarships
to over 80 local students.
Owner Tom Benson, Owner/Executive Vice President Rita Benson
LeBlanc and their family initiated the NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
HURRICANE KATRINA RELIEF FUND in the wake of the storm
to provide aid to the thousands who lost loved ones, homes and
personal items in the devastation. To date, the fund has raised nearly
one million dollars from both corporate and personal donations from
around the United States. The following agencies and programs have
received funds from the New Orleans Saints Hurricane Katrina Relief
Fund: The United Way of Greater New Orleans, The Acorn Institute,
Rebuilding Together, Catholic Charities, Dryades YMCA, Family
Service, Hispanic Apostolate, Jewish Community Center, Kingsley House,
Second Harvest Food Bank and The Council on Alcohol & Drug Abuse.
The Minnesota Vikings, in partnership with Greater Twin Cities United
Way, conduct three volunteer recognition awards programs. The
VIKINGS COMMUNITY ALL-STARS AWARDS, NFL COMMUNITY
QUARTERBACK AWARD and NFL JR. COMMUNITY QUARTERBACK
AWARD honor individuals who have displayed a supreme commitment
to volunteerism and improving their communities.
The cornerstone of the Vikings’ volunteer efforts is the COMMUNITY
TUESDAY program - as Tuesday is the traditional day off for all NFL
players during the season. For Vikings players, Tuesday is the day for
them to volunteer through numerous events to make a difference in
the lives of others.
The Vikings and the Wilf family have established an annual playground
build to improve area schools that need outdoor spaces for kids to
play and be active. In 2006, the entire Vikings organization, including
coaches, players and front office staff took part in the day-long event
that was held at the Wenonah Community School in Minneapolis. In
2007, the Vikings partnered with KaBOOM! and generous community
partner, Toro, to build a playground at the American Indian/ World
Cultures Magnet school in St. Paul.
The NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS COMMUNITY MVP Award honors
individuals who exemplify a commitment to improving their communities
through volunteerism. Every year, New England residents who provide
volunteer services for non-profit organizations are eligible for grants of up
to $10,000, which are awarded to the non-profit organizations for which
the finalists volunteer.
This year, the New England Patriots and the Kraft family have partnered
with Shaw’s Supermarkets, the Greater Boston Food Bank, and Boys
and Girls Clubs of Boston to expand the KIDS CAFÉ program in
area clubs. The purpose of the Kids Café is to provide hot meals for
underprivileged children who may not receive one at home. Kids Cafés
currently provide children with 160,000 meals per year at five different
locations. The Patriots hope to increase these numbers to 250,000
meals per year at nine different locations by 2009.
The Saints organization understands that children represent the
community’s hope for the future. Thus, the Saints have targeted
youth programs and education as primary impact areas in giving
back to New Orleans and the Gulf South region. As part of the club’s
DOMINO’S PIZZA LITERACY PROGRAM, Saints players visit New
Orleans area schools each week during the regular season to stress
the importance of education to students.
The annual COMMUNITY QUARTERBACK award is given by the Saints
to individuals exhibiting leadership, dedication and commitment
to improving their community. These qualified candidates win a
monetary prize, which is awarded to the agency the recipient represents.
NEW YORK GIANTS
NEW YORK JETS
OAKLAND RAIDERS
The New York Giants have implemented the NFL and American Heart
Association’s WHAT MOVES U program in New Jersey, New York and
Connecticut middle schools in order to improve childhood physical
fitness in their community. The Giants’ What Moves U spokesman,
quarterback Eli Manning, as well as other Giants players, help to
bring a fun and creative message of physical fitness to our schools
and make regular visits to local schools that are utilizing the What
Moves U curriculum.
The EAT RIGHT, MOVE MORE campaign encourages students to
eat the nutritious foods offered in New Jersey schools. The campaign,
launched by the Jets and the state of New Jersey, features posters of
Jets offensive tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson telling students to “Eat
Right and Move More.” Jets players also make five school visits each
year to schools with the most advanced nutrition policies.
The Raiders’ TICKETS FOR KIDS Program allows a company or
individual to be a hero to children who really need one. The
Raiders team up with local area non-profit organizations to enable
disadvantaged and “at risk” youth to attend a Raiders game live.
By participating in the program, individual and corporate sponsors
exemplify the true heart and spirit of the Raider Nation.
The ALLIANCE FOR LUPUS RESEARCH (ALR) is a national voluntary
health organization chaired by Jets Owner Robert Wood Johnson IV.
Since its inception in 1999, the ALR has committed more than $35
million to Lupus research. The Jets host several annual walk-a-thons,
an annual Lupus Awareness Day and other activities to raise money
for this important cause.
FRIENDS OF FAITH was founded in 1997 by Faith Fancher after the
popular Oakland TV personality was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Though she passed away in 2003, her legacy lives on through an
emergency fund created with the Women’s Cancer Resource Center.
The program offers financial assistance to low-income Oakland-area
women who are living with breast cancer. For several years, the
Oakland Raiders have produced and sold pink hats bearing the
Raider logo, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the FRIENDS
OF FAITH’S EMERGENCY FUND.
GIANTS ACADEMY, the Giants’ charter academic program located in
Louise A. Spencer School in Newark, NJ, was opened in September
of 1994. The program is a cooperative effort between the New York
Giants and Communities in Schools to create a heightened learning
environment for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders who are designated as “at
risk” students. The program consists of approximately 50 students
and focuses on improving math, reading, leadership skills, as well as
social skills. Seventh graders participate in a mandatory drug
education program, focusing on the prevention of drug, tobacco and
alcohol abuse.
The GIANTS JINGLE JAM is held each season. The Giants host
approximately 750 local foster children and their guardians in the
team’s practice bubble for a holiday funfest complete with music,
food, interactive football games, magicians, face painters, clowns,
Geoffrey the Toys R’US Giraffe and numerous members of the team
dressed up as Santa. The Giants Jingle Jam party is the result of a
collaborative effort of the Giants organization, players and the Heart
Gallery of New Jersey, Inc.
The HEADS UP! program is a community partnership with the Public
Schools Athletic League (PSAL) to provide support to New York City
football teams. The Jets donate $100,000 each year (matched by the
NFL’s Youth Football Fund) which is used to recondition every helmet
in the PSAL as well as support new football teams in high schools
throughout New York City. Jets defensive end Shaun Ellis is the
program’s spokesperson.
The New York City Department of Education’s SchoolFood FEED
YOUR MIND campaign is aimed at encouraging parents to apply
for free or reduced-price meals for their children. New York Jets
Safety Erik Coleman is featured on posters encouraging students
to eat healthy foods, stay fit and apply to win a Jets-sponsored
sweepstakes for a trip to the Pro Bowl in Hawaii.
The Oakland Raiders’ longstanding charity golf tournament has been
raising money for local non-profits for over 20 years. The event raised
more than $175,000 in 2006 and proceeds from the latest event
will help support the Special Olympics Northern California Summer
Games for more than 1,000 athletes at UC Berkeley. With more than
70 Raiders players, alumni, cheerleaders, and coaches participating
in the event, the tournament is a clear demonstration of the Raiders’
team-wide commitment to celebrating local Special Olympics athletes.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
ST. LOUIS RAMS
The Eagles launched GO GREEN in 2003 to introduce green
principles, sustainable practices and programs throughout the
Eagles organization. Go Green is more than just an awareness
campaign. The Eagles purchase almost 30% of their total energy
from green power and recently announced that they will reimburse
their employees for purchasing wind energy at home.
The ART ROONEY SR. SCHOLARSHIP FUND awards annual
scholarships to a senior at three local high schools in honor of Art
Rooney Sr. The Scholarship is funded primarily by the annual Gatorade/
Steelers 5K Race and proceeds from the silent auction at the annual
kickoff luncheon.
The Rams helped establish the HEALTHY YOUTH PARTNERSHIP
to address the critical issue of childhood obesity in the greater
St. Louis community. The effort consists of more than 75 youth
development, health, nutrition and fitness organizations and
leaders who are working together to address the issue through
a combined approach.
Designed to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer care and
research, the EAGLES TACKLING BREAST CANCER campaign has
raised more than $750,000 in just three years. In 2005, the program
developed a new partnership with Thomas Jefferson Hospital and
subsequently rolled out a new pink-ribbon t-shirt for fundraising efforts.
For the 10th straight season, Eagles Youth Partnership sponsored its
annual PLAYGROUND BUILD, an annual day of service when the
entire Eagles organization -- from players and coaches to staff -- revitalize
a blighted Philadelphia elementary school and bring hope, joy and a
safe space to play to hundreds of children.
The Philadelphia Eagles take pride in their ongoing commitment to
community and focus on rewarding both students and educators
for outstanding work and dedication throughout the year in the
form of numerous educational initiatives such as the Eagles Youth
Partnership Book Mobile, a 24-foot long Eagles-decorated vehicle that
travels to hundreds of schools, shelters, libraries, recreation centers
and summer camps throughout the Greater Philadelphia region each
year. At each stop, books are read aloud to children and each child in
attendance selects a free, new book to keep and take home. For many
of these children, this may be the first book they own.
The Steelers annually hold two fundraisers to benefit the University
of Pittsburgh Medical Center Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation
Institute and the Cancer Caring Center. The ANNUAL STEELERS
STYLE FASHION SHOW features current players and their families
and is chaired by Greta & Art Rooney along with Kiya & Mike Tomlin.
In 2007 the Steelers are holding a 75th Season Celebration Gala where
the All-Time team will be introduced.
Steelers players and their families annually take disadvantaged
children shopping for winter outerwear as part of the SALVATION
ARMY’S PROJECT BUNDLE-UP program. Patricia Rooney, wife of
Steelers chairman Dan Rooney, and Joe DiNardo, a local retired
weatherman, founded the program.
The Pittsburgh Steelers were a founding partner of the CARING
PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN, which provides health care for children
who do not have health insurance and also funds the Caring Place,
a center for grieving children.
The Steelers partnered with American Eagle Outfitters for the Steelers’
Shop for a Cause program. Underprivileged children from the United Way
of Allegheny County agencies receive gift cards and have the chance to
shop with the players for holiday gifts for themselves and their families.
The Rams and St. Louis Public Schools have collaborated to create
the RAMS FITNESS TEAM, a program being implemented in the
St. Louis City schools that includes a flag football curriculum, training
sessions with Rams personnel and a component on nutrition and
lifetime fitness. The Rams Fitness Team also recognizes the importance
of physical education teachers in today’s schools, through the Physical
Education Teacher of the Year program.
After helping launch the DIVERSITY AWARENESS PARTNERSHIP
in 2000, the Rams have continued to unite more than 100 organizations
in an effort to reduce bias and discrimination, and promote the value
of difference among the people of St. Louis. The team’s commitment
to diversity and inclusion dates back to the Rams being the first
sports team in the modern era to sign an African-American player.
The Rams and CHARACTERplus have joined together to help
educators integrate character building into a classroom curricula
called HUDDLE UP. This program includes a web site that provides
resources for classroom teachers including lesson plans. Teachers also
have an opportunity to be recognized for outstanding lesson plans
that integrate character into core academics.
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
The CHARGERS CHAMPIONS program, a program of the Chargers
Community Foundation, is now in its 8th year, providing $7,000
scholarships and laptop computers to 16 High School Juniors.
Chargers Champions makes a strong commitment to youth fitness
and nutrition by providing up to $300,000 in annual grants to
schools for programs and facilities throughout San Diego County.
To date, the program has provided approximately $3 million in
scholarships and grants.
The STARS & STRIKES bowling tournament is one of the largest
community events of its kind in Silicon Valley. The annual fundraising
effort between the 49ers Foundation and Cadence Design Systems,
Inc. has raised more than $8.5 million since its inception in 1990 to
support charitable causes in the Bay Area community. The 49ers lend
their star power by involving current and former players.
The Seahawks and Qwest offer the QWEST LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE
to high school football and women’s soccer athletes in order to
promote involvement in community service. In 2006, 116 students
volunteered over 4,600 hours of service. Qwest donated $500
to each student’s community project. The program also distributed
$20,000 in college scholarships to four students.
For the third year, Wells Fargo has sponsored the RED AND GOLD
COMMUNITY PROGRAM. Non-profit organizations that provide
positive alternatives for “at risk” youth in the San Francisco Bay area can
apply to receive up to 40 free tickets for their organization to attend
a 49ers preseason or regular season home game. In 2006, over 3,000
people representing 48 organizations attended 49ers home games
through the Wells Fargo Red and Gold Community Program.
Founded in 2004, The SPIRIT OF 12 PARTNERSHIP exemplifies
the Seahawks’ commitment to the Pacific Northwest community.
At every home game, youth service organizations partner with the
Paul G. Allen Family Foundation and Seahawks fans to raise funds.
These organizations distribute the Seahawks Gameday Magazine,
keeping 100 percent of the proceeds which are then matched by the
Paul G. Allen Family Foundation. In 2006, over $260,000 was raised
with more than $750,000 in total funds since 2004.
Each year through the COMMUNITY CORNER program, players and
the team provide tickets to children’s organizations for field level seats
on the home side. Along with the tickets, each participating child
receives a free “Chargers in the Community” t-shirt and a coupon
good for a drink and hot dog in the stadium. Last year, approximately
1,600 children participated in the program.
The Chargers host the ANNUAL MILITARY APPRECIATION game
and this year, the team will once again hold a regular mandatory
practice on the field at Camp Pendleton. Last year the team also
held a Friday walk-thru on the deck of the USS Reagan. Additionally,
the Chargers have implemented a new season ticket holder “unused
ticket turn-in” program benefiting the Armed Services YMCA and will
host countless numbers of recovering soldiers at training camp, games,
and special events. The Chargers also work with Lincoln Military
Housing to provide numerous Jr. Chargers Camps for military children.
The SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS FOUNDATION is the non-profit
community fund of the San Francisco 49ers. Now in its 15th year, the
49ers Foundation supports development programs for underserved
youth that keep them safe, on track and in school. A significant
portion of its funding goes toward family violence prevention
programs and activities that teach youth leadership and respect.
Through the leadership of 49ers team owners Denise and John York,
the 49ers Foundation has donated more than $4 million over the last
four years to non-profits throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
READY, SET, GOALS, sponsored by Wells Fargo, is the Seahawks’
literacy program for third through sixth grade students. More than
300 classrooms throughout the state of Washington participate in
the program, which brings Seahawks players directly into participating
classrooms. Each month during the school year, a player writes a
story based around a goal he had set and achieved. The students
then write stories about their own personal goals.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
TENNESSEE TITANS
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
The GLAZER FAMILY FOUNDATION is dedicated to assisting
charitable and educational causes in the West Central Florida region.
The Foundation works with established not-for-profit organizations
focusing on youth and families to help identify and create programs
that support positive social and economic development within the
Tampa Bay community. The Foundation has contributed approximately
$3 million in programs, grants, tickets and merchandise.
The Titans were recognized as 2007 co-winners of the “Outstanding
System-Wide Partnership Award” by the PENCIL Foundation in recognition
of community-school partnerships and volunteerism at Metro Nashville
Public Schools. The PENCIL Foundation (Public Education Needs Corporate
Involvement and Leadership) has been linking community resources with
Nashville public schools for 25 years. Titans owner K.S. “Bud” Adams, Jr.,
along with his fellow owners and NFL players, contributed $315,000 in
LISC grants to improve football fields at five Metro Nashville Schools. Each
Tuesday during the fall, the Titans visit Metro Nashville middle schools and
players discuss the importance of making good choices, listening to parents
and teachers, and staying in school. The program also includes information
on the WHAT MOVES U campaign, a national program with the American
Heart Association to promote physical fitness to today’s youth.
Encouraging and promoting literacy among youth is the mission
of the REDSKINS READ literacy program. Verizon, the Redskins
Read sponsor, and the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation
produce and distribute 150,000 Redskins Read activity books to local
branch libraries, after-school programs, area elementary schools, and
literacy centers. Libraries also receive grants to enhance their reading
programs. In addition, Redskins players read to children at area
locations throughout the year.
During the 1999 off-season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Community
Relations Department formed the inaugural STUDENT ADVISORY
BOARD (SAB). While this team of about 40 motivated high school
students may not appear on the team roster, the SAB is an integral
part of the Buccaneers’ community outreach efforts. The Buccaneers
created this council in an effort to bring together intelligent,
energetic and motivated students to perform community service
projects, create Buccaneers spirit in their schools and develop
leadership skills in preparation for continuing education.
The TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS WOMEN’S ORGANIZATION
consists of wives, fiancées and girlfriends of Buccaneers players,
coaches and front-office staff members. Throughout the year, the
Women’s Organization participates in charitable functions in the
Bay area. Each year, the Women’s Organization holds a Fall Festival
at Raymond James Stadium for children of local non-profit agencies.
Members also sort food at Metropolitan Ministries during the
Thanksgiving season, stuff stockings for children in need, read to
elementary-aged children and model in a fashion show to raise
money for a local hospital.
The Titans instituted the COMMUNITY QUARTERBACK Award, a program
that donates money to organizations served by outstanding volunteers
in NFL cities. Funded by The Tennessee Titans Foundation, the team has
distributed more than $140,000 in grants to local winners of this award
since 2000.
The Tennessee Titans host an annual charity golf tournament during the
off-season that benefits the TITANS FOUNDATION, which supports
charitable efforts throughout Tennessee. The inaugural event was held in
1999 and to date has raised more than $1.1 million for charity. Equally
successful in raising funds for the Titans Foundation is the state-issued
automotive license plate program, which allows fans to purchase Titans
plates for their personal vehicles throughout Tennessee. More than $1.24
million has been raised for 10 statewide charities from these specialty
plate sales since the program began in 2004.
In partnership with the Freddie Mac Foundation, the REDSKINS
ALL STARS program encourages and promotes community service
and volunteerism among youth. Youth and community-based
nonprofits in the Washington, DC metropolitan area plan and implement
a unique and creative community service project to participate in
the program. In 2006, Deloitte partnered with Washington Redskins
Charitable Foundation to offer Community Coaching to the top
nonprofit grant recipients. Deloitte’s Community Coaches help the
nonprofits develop a financial game plan to help maximize the
impact the grant has in the community. Since 2002, more than
120,000 area youth have participated in the program. To date, the
Foundation has reinvested over $750,000 into youth organizations.
The FIELDS FOR TOMORROW program renovates, upgrades,
and maintains football fields at high schools in need throughout
Washington, D.C. and Prince George’s County, Maryland. To date, 10
fields have been completely refurbished and renovated and are part
of a Redskins field maintenance program.
BOARD of DIRECTORS
Charlotte Anderson:
Executive Vice President/ Vice President of Brand Management for the Dallas Cowboys...President
of the Gene and Jerry Jones Family Charities...President of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders...
Member of the National Advisory Board for The Salvation Army and NCAA Leadership Advisory
Board, Regional Trustee for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America...Active in leadership roles with
numerous other local community organizations.
Michael Bidwill:
President, Arizona Cardinals...Former federal prosecutor...Serves on league’s Business
Ventures Committee and NFL Security Advisory Group...Active on several charitable boards
and philanthropic activities.
Roger Goodell:
Commissioner of the National Football League...Started as an intern in the NFL office in
1982 and held positions as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer before
being elected Commissioner in 2006...Member of the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters
of America, Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City, and Action for Healthy Kids.
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Jack Kemp:
1996 Republican Vice Presidential candidate...Co-founder of Empower America...Former
quarterback for the Buffalo Bills and San Diego Chargers...Nine-term congressman from
Buffalo...Also served as Secretary of Housing & Urban Development.
Justice Alan Page:
Minnesota’s first African-American Supreme Court Justice...Nine-time Pro Bowl selection who
played primarily for the Minnesota Vikings as a defensive lineman...Member of the 1988 Pro
Football Hall of Fame...Founder of the Page Education Foundation, which encourages 12,000
K-8th grade children annually and has provided college financial assistance to over 3,200 students.
Paul Tagliabue:
Former Commissioner of the National Football League...Former Partner at Covington &
Burling...Member of the Board of Trustees of Georgetown University...Chairman of the Board of
Directors of SUNY Graduate Institute of International Relations and Commerce in Manhattan.
Delores Barr Weaver:
Co-Owner Jacksonville Jaguars, Chair and CEO, Jaguars Foundation...Trustee Dana Farber
Cancer Institute of Boston, USO/Jacksonville, Trustee Emeritus United Way of Northeast
Florida and WJCT Public Broadcasting...Advisory Board of Ronald McDonald House and The
Bridge of Northeast Florida.
Ralph Wilson:
Owner of the Buffalo Bills...Chairman of Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Enterprises, a management
and investment firm with interests in heavy civil construction and contracting, real
estate development and venture capital...Created the Ralph Wilson Medical Research
Foundation, the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation, the Buffalo Bills Youth Foundation and has
established numerous college scholarships.
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280 Park Avenue • New York, NY 10017 • 212.450.2000