This note was originally shared in the December edition of AFH’s Pass the Passion newsletter. Not subscribed? Sign up here.
One Word to Describe 2022: Gratitude
It is hard to believe that 2022 is coming to a close and the 16th year of Athletes for Hope is now behind us. As I reflect on these milestones, I keep coming back to one word: gratitude.
Our athletes are the heartbeat of Athletes for Hope, and we are a stronger organization today than ever before because of them. A vision that once began with 12 Founding Athletes has now grown to a network of thousands of professional, Olympic, Paralympic and collegiate athletes across nearly every sport who dedicate themselves each day to help those in need around the world. It is their selflessness and willingness to give back that makes what we do possible.
We also wouldn’t be where we are without our best-in-class partners such as Deloitte, Clorox, ESPN, Under Armour, WETA, Arizona Community Foundation, the Gordon and Llura Gund 1993 Foundation, the Pennington Family Foundation and countless others. Their support, along with the many community leaders and nonprofit organizations who have joined forces with us, allows us to educate, connect and empower athletes to make a difference in their communities.
I am also incredibly grateful for our staff, Board of Directors and Advisory Board whose commitment to Athletes for Hope has afforded us the opportunity to make a global impact and helps us in our continued growth. To be able to bookend the year with the promotion of two long-time staff members to C-suite positions, Chris Wyttenbach in January 2022 and Suzanne Potts just a few weeks ago, is something that we celebrate and reinforces our organization’s growth mindset.
Lastly, those who have supported me during my first year as CEO have my endless gratitude. To my family, friends and mentors, I appreciate the support, guidance and belief in the future of this organization more than you know.
On behalf of all of us at Athletes for Hope, we offer our gratitude, best wishes and happiness to you and your families. Be on the lookout for our 2022 Annual Report coming in January for a full picture of what we accomplished this past year. Together, we have achieved so much, but our work is far from done.
Here’s to 2023 and beyond!
Jason Belinke
Athletes for Hope CEO