Often you hear someone say, ‘boy with all the money he has, why isn’t he doing something good with it?’ I’ve even been guilty of that a few times in my life. In the world of professional sports, where athletes can make millions and millions of dollars, there are some who actually are ‘doing something good’ with their money, their time and their name. They understand the importance of giving back and have done so since they became that household name. If you’re looking for something to do with your spare time, here are a few athlete charities that might benefit from your time:
Tiger Woods: Love him or hate him on the golf course or off, the man has done some good things for students who might not have chances otherwise. The Tiger Woods Foundation provides leadership and guidance to students, provides mentors and special labs that help them to learn and provides scholarships. Events raise money for the organization and The Tiger Woods Foundation hosts three PGA TOUR events. They can’t do it without the dedication of thousands of volunteers and they are often seeking volunteers for various events, such as the Genesis Open and the Quicken Loans National. Check out their volunteer registration page on the website.
Derek Jeter: This former New York Yankee superstar founded the Turn 2 Foundation. According to the mission on the website, the Turn 2 Foundation is: to create and support signature programs and activities that motivate young people to turn away from drugs and alcohol and “TURN 2” healthy lifestyles. Through these ventures, the Foundation strives to create outlets that promote and reward academic excellence, leadership development and positive behavior. Turn 2’s goal is to see the children of these programs grow safely and successfully into adulthood and become the leaders of tomorrow.
The organization provides grants and hosts leadership conferences. Jeter is definitely the ultimate leader and role model for these kids. He established this foundation as soon as he became a rookie. You can donate to the cause on the website.
Eli Manning: This past February, Manning, a two-time Super Bowl champion and MVP with the New York Giants, was named a co-winner of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year at the Sixth Annual NFL Honors awards show. Manning is the first Giants player to receive the award in its 47-year history. The award, presented by Nationwide, recognizes NFL players for excellence on and off the field. It was established in 1970, and renamed in 1999 after the late Hall of Fame Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton.
He was quoted as saying, “This is very special,” Manning said. “To be mentioned in the same sentence with Walter Payton and to see the amount of people that we’ve helped with the great work we’ve done over the years with my family, and for that to have grown as much as it has and be recognized for this award, is special.”
Because Manning was selected as the Walter Payton Man of the Year, a total of $1 million was donated to worthy causes in his name, including $500,000 to a charity of his choice and $500,000 supporting the expansion of Character Playbook across all NFL markets. Donations are courtesy of the NFL Foundation, Nationwide and United Way Worldwide.
Just one of reasons that Manning was nominated was because of his commitment to helping children through causes like Tackle Kids Cancer at Hackensack University Medical Center and donations and fundraising for the lone pediatric hospital in the state of Mississippi. This article in The Daily News is a great one about Manning and the impact he has had.
Donald Driver: Gotta throw a nod out to one of my ‘boyz’ from the Green Bay Packers, Donald Driver. First of all, his book, Driven: From Homeless to Hero, My Journeys On and Off Lambeau Field, was fantastic. He went through a lot to get where he got to, but he was a superstar who made some amazing changes in his own life to better it. Now he makes sure he uses his name and his energy to help make some amazing changes in others’ lives as well. His organization raises money and funds scholarships for recipients for children who don’t have opportunities to get an advanced start on their education. In addition to the scholarships, the foundation has opened two computer labs in inner-city youth centers that help children with their homework. For more information, visit: http://www.donalddriverfoundation.com/
There are so many athletes who have started their own charities. I plan on spotlighting many throughout the year. Keep it up and hopefully others will follow.
