To Our Incredible AFH Community:
As we bid farewell to 2023, I am proud to reflect on the remarkable journey we have undertaken together over the past year. Athletes for Hope has not only persevered but flourished, thanks to the unwavering support of our incredible donors, dedicated partners, and the exceptional athletes who have positively impacted communities across the world.
In 2023, Athletes for Hope achieved significant milestones, increasing our impact throughout the athletic community and beyond. We hosted our first Athlete Mental Health Day on the Hill in May, leading to the launch of our Athlete Mental Health Alliance in October while launching our revamped CHAMPS Program and celebrating 10 years of AFH University this fall. Our second annual Play for Good Gala in early December was an incredible evening celebrating our mission and through the generosity of our sponsors and donors, we raised over $500,000 that will support AFH programming. Our team is hard at work on our 2023 Year in Review which will give more detail into these incredible accomplishments (and much, much more).
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the generous contributions of our donors, who have demonstrated a deep commitment to creating a better world. Your support has fueled our initiatives, enabling us to make a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals. We express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every donor who has stood by us, recognizing the transformative power of sports and the positive influence athletes can have on society.
Our partnerships have strengthened and expanded throughout 2023, as we collaborated with like-minded organizations to maximize our impact. Together, we tackled issues ranging from athlete mental health to youth leadership and wellbeing to food insecurity, leveraging the collective strength of our network to address pressing global challenges. The synergy between Athletes for Hope, our partners, and the athletes themselves has proven to be a force for good, inspiring change on both a local and global scale.
Our athletes played a pivotal role in spreading awareness and inspiring positive change in these critical areas. Through the dedication of thousands of athletes around the world, we reached a broader audience, empowering individuals to overcome challenges and embrace a brighter future. Through our Athlete Spotlight Series, athletes were able to lend their voices to share their stories and highlight the causes most important to them.
As we look ahead to 2024, I am filled with optimism and enthusiasm for the opportunities that lie ahead. Athletes for Hope will continue to evolve, adapt, and grow, guided by our shared vision of a world where athletes use their platform to drive positive social change. I extend my deepest appreciation to our donors, partners, and athletes for their unwavering commitment to our mission. Together, we will continue to make a lasting impact and create a legacy of positive change that transcends the world of sports.
Wishing you all a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year.
Sincerely,
Jason Belinkie
CEO, Athletes for Hope