athletes in action Archives - Athletes for Hope

Athletes in Action

Posted: April 12, 2024 Updated: December 3, 2024 by Hannah Bronkema

Cultivating Community in the Northeast

It’s no secret that our AFH University student-athletes go above and beyond when it comes to community service. In fact, since 2013 over 14,000 student-athletes nationwide have participated in 23,000 hours of community service (and counting), postively impacting over 165,000 people!

It wasn’t long before the Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) at the University of Maine took notice of the incredible work happening across our 15 different AFH University campuses and reached out to us. We were able to connect with them and take them through a virtual Empowerment Workshop where they were introduced to the Athletes for Hope curriculum and engaged in meaningful conversation surrounding an athletes role in their community.

Post-workshop, University of Maine SAAC shared with us all of the volunteer opportunities in their community they took part in during the fall 2023 semester. From breast cancer awareness and trunk or treat to Best Buddies and canned food drives, we are so proud of the work the U Maine student-athletes were able to accomplish together.

Community Service

Christine B Foundation Volunteer Day and Awareness Games

The month of October is also known as Breast Cancer Awareness month. Throughout the month, student-athletes wasted no time giving back to their community for a cause they are so passionate about.

Several teams dedicated a game to breast cancer awareness while other teams volunteered to help clean up the Christine B. Foundation location in Bangor, Maine. Others also deciated their time to making thanksigivng cards for cancer patients who couldn not be home to celebrate the holidays with family and friends.

Trunk or Treat

Prior to the University of Maine football game on October 28, 2023, members of the University of Maine SAAC joined together with their fellow student-athletes and other various campus organizations to hust a trunk or treat event. The event itself was a huge success and community members who attended had just as much fun as the student-athletes!

Best Buddies

Best Buddies is an organization that gives individuals with IDD’s (Intellectual Developmental Disabilities) an opportunity to have one-to-one friendships as well as a college experience with the students of University of Maine. The Buddies in the community look forward to events and time spent with students going to football, basketball, and hockey games whereas they would not have the chance to do so without this organization.

In November, University of Maine SAAC partnered with the UMaine Best Buddies program to make friendship bracelets for the Buddies to sell in one of their fundraisers. The group had a great time creating and laughing together.

Canned Food Drive

In December, University of Maine SAAC partnered with Old Town Elementary School for a Food Frenzy canned goods drive. At the endof the Frenzy, they were able to collect almost 3,000 non-perishable items! The items were then donated to the UMaine Black Bear Exchange, the campuses food pantry, as well as the Christine B Foundation.

As a way to celebrate all of the good they accomplished, SAAC members joined Old Town Elementary classrooms for a pizza party complete with student-athletes and the University of Maine mascot Bananas T. Bear.

Did you know athletes all over the world are making a positive impact in their communities each day? It may be confusing to figure out how you can start making a difference, but we are here to help!

We offer a series of workshops that serve rookies, veterans, and retired athletes across all sports leagues and levels. Through facilitated debate and reflection, the Athletes for Hope model helps athletes explore their role in the community, discover their philanthropic passions, and learn how to maximize their charitable impact through a broad range of options, including forming a foundation.

If you are an athlete or coach who is interested in bringing an AFH Educational Workshop to your team, learn more about our workshops and schedule one (or many) with us here.

We can’t wait to work with you!

Hospital Heroes Spring Roundup

Posted: April 10, 2024 Updated: December 3, 2024 by Hannah Bronkema

No matter what sport you play or what level you compete at, bringing a smile to a child’s face is simply unforgettable – especially when that child is in the hospital. Each year, millions of children are hospitalized in the US and in Canada, with studies showing that these children experience higher rates of depression and anxiety than those non-hospitalized.

It’s for these reasons that we started our Hospital Heroes program and why it’s one of the most popular ways for athletes to get involved, give back and feel connected to the communities they live in, or play in!

Throughout the year many of our AFH Athletes participate in hospital visits nationwide, bringing joy to children who need it the most. In our Hospital Heroes spring roundup, we’re highlighting a few of those athlete visits below!

Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital

Located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital (OLOL) is a favorite place for AFH University student-athletes at LSU and Southern to visit. From signing autographs and having the opportunity to visit patients in rooms to hosting virtual trivia in the activities room and more, student-athletes always have the best time visiting with their friends at OLOL.

Louisiana State University (LSU)

Earlier this year LSU baseball made a visit to OLOL where they visited with patients, handed out and autographed baseballs and ended their trip by hosting trivia in the activities room. A special shoutout to LSU baseball players Griffin Herring, Brady Neal, Chase Shores and Jared Jones who took time out of their busy spring season prep to spread smiles!

Southern University

Every week different student-athletes from various Southern University teams spend their time at OLOL Children’s Hospital. Through these frequent visits, the student-athletes are able to create meaningful connections that the patients can look forward to each week! From room visits and hosting trivia in the activities room to handing out school swag and more, the student-athletes at Southern are making sure to leave a lasting impact in their community.

During their latest visit, members of the Southern soccer and Southern golf team visited OLOL Children’s Hospital to help host trivia in the activities room and share a few smiles with patients who were able to leave their rooms.

Rady Children’s Hospital

Located in San Diego, California, Rady’s Children’s Hospital is another place where AFH Athletes visit both virtually and in person. At the end of March patients at Rady’s Children’s Hospital had a surprise visit from brothers and San Diego natives Cameron Thomas of the Arizona Cardinals and Zach Thomas of the Los Angeles Rams.

The Thomas brothers spent the day surprising patients in their rooms where they handed out autographed mini footballs, spent time talking with the patients and their families, and created memories that will last a lifetime.

We are so grateful for each of our AFH Athletes who are helping to create moments that matter for children in hospitals nationwide. If you are an athlete who would like to be involved with our Hospital Heroes program, please connect with us here .

AFH Staff Piece

Posted: December 15, 2023 Updated: December 15, 2023 by Hannah Bronkema

Getting Into the Holiday Spirit by Giving Back to Others

By Mattis Koch, Mental Health Research & Digital Media Intern

As the Giving Season approaches, athletes from various sports are coming together to make a difference in their communities through volunteering and giving back.

“It’s all about bringing holiday cheer and bringing resources and support for people that need it,” said NBA star and 2021 AFH Community Hero Award recipient Stephen Curry.

Athletes for Hope is dedicated to encouraging and aiding athletes across all levels to use their platform to create lasting change in their communities through the holiday season and beyond.

Volunteering During the Holiday Season

In addressing the pressing issue of food insecurity, the significant surge in volunteerism during the holiday season, both nationally and within the athletic community, reflects a shared commitment to making a positive impact. According to HandsOn Connect (2021), non-profit organizations experience a remarkable 50% increase in volunteers during the holiday season compared to the yearly average. This spirit of giving extends to the world of athletics, where professional and collegiate athletes actively engage in philanthropic opportunities. Sports teams often participate in initiatives addressing food insecurity, including our AFH University student-athletes at Georgetown University, where soccer, rowing, and softball teams packed over 1,000 sandwiches that were donated in the local D.C. area.

A Georgetown student-athlete prepares a sandwich.

Sandwhiches packed for Martha's Table, a nonprofit in Washington D.C.

However, despite these commendable efforts, the challenges of food insecurity persist, demanding continued attention and action. More than 44 million people in the US face hunger, including 1 in 5 children (Feeding America). Hunger occurs for people from all walks of life but doesn’t affect everyone equally. Groups like children, seniors, Black, Indigenous, and other people of color face hunger at higher rates. With regards to athletics, up to 60% of Division I collegiate athletes are food insecure (Department of Nutrition and Dietetics).

As Minnesota Vikings player and AFH Community Hero of the Week Dalton Risner mentioned in our athlete spotlight ,“We may not be stopping world hunger but we are making a positive impact one day at a time without turning down opportunities to do more.”

Dalton Risner smiles between two other volunteers.

How can you help? Consider volunteering at your local food pantry and participating in charitable opportunities in your community. Educating and advocating also play a crucial role in addressing food security. Donating to organizations such as Stephen Curry’s Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation or local nonprofits that focus on tackling the disparities of food insecurity in their communities. By coming together and taking action, we can work towards a more equitable and hunger-free future for all.

Get Involved with Athletes for Hope

Often, athletes want to make a positive difference in the world, but they don’t always know how to begin or how to turn their charitable passions into action. If you are a current or former athlete whose 2024 resolution is to give back to your community, Athletes for Hope is here to help.

Our Causeway takes the form of a road map to illustrate an athlete’s journey through the world of philanthropy. Contrary to an athlete’s competitive spirit, their philanthropic journey along the Causeway is not a race. Each athlete proceeds at their own pace as Athletes for Hope guides them every step of the way.

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Athletes In Action

Posted: October 3, 2023 Updated: October 3, 2023 by Hannah Bronkema

AFH University September Roundup

Developed in 2013, our AFH University program helps college athletes explore leadership, life skill development, advocacy, their role in the community, and how to discover their philanthropic passions.

Our AFH University student-athletes are falling in love with community service this September! This past month, student-athletes went above and beyond the call of service as they made a positive impact in their communities.

Athletes from Southern University and LSU visited children’s hospitals, engaged in community events, and more!

LSU

Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital

On September 6, LSU Cheer visited OLOL Children’s Hospital and did what they do best! They brought cheer and great energy to patients.

The cheerleaders visited rooms, showed off their moves, and led an exciting game of trivia in the activity room.

Southern University

St. Vincent de Paul

On Thursday, September 7, Southern men’s basketball supported individuals facing food insecurity in Baton Rouge by packing over 100 “Bags of Hope” for guests at St.Vincent de Paul.

Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital

Before Southern softball could kick off their season, they wanted a special touch from the artists at OLOL Children’s Hospital.

Patients and student-athletes spent the afternoon painting cleats that the Southern Lady Jags will be wearing during their 2024 season.

Healthier Families, Better Communities Expo

On September 23, Southern baseball volunteered at the Healthier Families, Better Communities Expo hosted by the City of Baker and The Bridge Agency. The expo had various organizations on site sharing valuable resources including a kids zone.

Student-athletes assisted with the children’s activities as well as event logistics such as set up and registration.

Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital

To close out the month of service, on the 27th Harold Rhodes III of Southern football visited OLOL Children’s Hospital to facilitate activity time and visit rooms to cheer up patients.

As the fall semester kicks off our student-athletes couldn’t be more excited for another great semester of service! We couldn’t be more proud of their continued dedication to serving their communities and are excited to see all of the good they accomplish together this semester.

Athletes In Action

Posted: September 12, 2023 Updated: September 29, 2023 by Hannah Bronkema

Athletes for Hope 9/11 Day of Service Grant Projects

Since April, Athletes for Hope has engaged 150+ community members in more than 500 hours of service thanks to a 9/11 Day of Service grant period provided to them by The Arc and AmeriCorps.

This year, Athletes for Hope’s 9/11 activities focused on emergency preparedness, developing and implementing solutions that ensure that children and adults with disabilities are able to receive the help they need should calamity strike.

As we pause to reflect on the 22 years since the 9/11 attacks, we remember those whom we have lost and the heroes who selflessly risked their lives for the safety of others. To honor them, we are proud to share the three major community service projects AFH Athletes and other members of the Baton Rouge community have engaged in over the past 6 months.

Progress Elementary

On April 21, 2023, Athletes for Hope’s Southern Sports Philanthropy Certificate Program (SPCP) engaged over 100 students at Progress Elementary in Baton Rouge at an inclusive field day that promoted physical activity, provided fire safety, and encouraged fun learning ahead of Louisiana Leap testing.

With over 25 volunteers from Southern University Athletics, the Baton Rouge Fire Department, ASL On The Bluff, and the Alpha Sigma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Athletes for Hope was able to increase community safety, preparedness, and resilience in case of a disaster.

LA Key Academy

On Thursday, May 25, 2023, Athletes for Hope facilitated its second inclusive 9/11 emergency preparedness event at Louisiana Key Academy. Our annual field day brought out over 30 volunteers consisting of student-athletes from Southern University, SU Volunteers, Southern University chapter of The NAACP, and The Arc of Baton Rouge.

Members of the Baton Rouge Fire Department sit on the front of the fire truck.

Volunteers assisted with inflatables, various sports stations, and fire safety activities. Students were excited to tour a fire truck, honk the truck horn, and learn about the firefighter uniform and tools with the Baton Rouge Fire Department and the Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency team shared tips on how to prepare and evacuate in the case of an emergency. After learning about emergency preparedness, students were able to participate in various sports stations, play on inflatables, and practice fire safety.

Community Day

On September 11, 2023, Athletes for Hope commemorated the 22nd anniversary of 9/11 with a community day of arts and unity. The Arc of Baton Rouge, the Baton Rouge Fire Department, student-athletes from LSU and Southern University, and other community leaders participated in various stations including canvas painting, letter writing to all who serve through Operation Gratitude, and created handmade beaded jewelry.

The St. George Fire Department led a tour of the fire truck and shared important emergency preparedness tips with all community day participants. After learning new safety tools, activity books and hats donated by the fire department were distributed along with collateral from the Red Cross.

At the end of the community day, local heroes from the Baton Rouge community were honored for their commitment to service in the community. Athletes for Hope gives a special thank you to the following community heroes who are making a positive impact in their community; The Arc Baton Rouge Board of Directors President, Al Thibodaux, Sheriff Timothy Johnson, Nurse Anastasia Montgomery, Deborah Lee, Captain Todd Perez, St. George Fire Department, Firefighter Brian Roussel, and Firefighter Brent Bravata.

Olympic Athlete Spotlight

Posted: August 2, 2023 Updated: August 3, 2023 by Hannah Bronkema

Former Brazilian soccer star is helping create a special future in Arizona

Growing up in Brazil, Alessandra “Alex” Sachs felt a sense of community from an early age. The future Brazilian Women’s Soccer Olympian would play soccer on the blacktop with groups of boys. At six years old, she was one of the youngest players and the only girl participating.

Alex enjoyed running for the ball and fighting for position on the blacktop.

Today, this same fiery passion has her fighting for her community in Arizona. She felt a sense of purpose on the blacktop, then on the field, and now she finds purpose in helping others.

Alex Sachs poses for a photo with the Phoenix Suns mascot, a gorilla, at a Suns 88 event.

“Throughout my career, I have always volunteered or helped out in some capacity, but when I was accepted to Valley Leadership and Suns 88, I realized that I could be a catalyst for change,” Alex said. “A great opportunity for my actions and my voice to make a positive impact in my community.”

Valley Leadership is a non-profit organization that is built around empowering Arizonans to become leaders in the community. Meanwhile, Suns 88 raises money for children in the region.

As an Olympian and a Brazilian Soccer Hall of Fame inductee, Alex has developed a platform through which she can help others. Her goal was never solely to succeed in sport, but to make an impact outside of soccer as well.

“Aryton Senna inspired me,” Alex said. “Even with him gone 29 years, I still feel his presence. He taught me to be an advocate, a humanitarian, and a proud Brazilian.”

She has fulfilled each of these missions.

Alex has worked throughout Arizona to help many different groups, including partnering with United Healthcare to create an “all girls soccer day” or beautifying Title 1 elementary school playgrounds alongside Playworks Arizona.

Alex Sachs smiles while opening up a paint during a community service event with Playworks Arizona

Today, she works with Special Olympics Arizona and Law Enforcement Torch Run to promote a sense of camaraderie between law enforcement and community members.

Alex’s trajectory from a premier soccer icon to an established advocate and activist is living proof that a goal and drive can be used as tools to better the world around us.

The same girl that was the only female on the blacktop now runs camps and clinics where dozens of 4th and 5th-grade girls are introduced to soccer and receive gear to further their journeys within the sport.

It is not just the youth she is helping, though.

“Look around you and see what is happening in your community,” Alex said. “An example is I realized that many seniors in my community were isolated and lonely, so I create through my work at SPD and in partnership with the Via Linda Senior Center a Senior Walking Club. There is no better feeling than seeing another human being smile and say thank you.”

Alex Sachs smiles behind a table full of collected non perishable items

Pride and passion go hand in hand and Alex personifies the potential for athletes to be the change they wish to see in the world.

From the community in Brazil to communities throughout Arizona, Alex is leaving a legacy that far surpasses her impressive career resume. All it took was a vision.