Yesterday, Professional Skateboarder Doug Brown took time out of his busy schedule to visit with families at the Ronald McDonald in Cleveland, OH.  During the visit, Doug shared several important life lessons and he also got to know many of the individuals on a deeper level.

“What an amazing day at the Ronald McDonald House,” Doug said.  “Getting to bring a smile into their day was so rewarding.”

Doug has been devoted to giving back to the community for many years.  It is not uncommon for Doug’s Facebook followers to see a variety of pictures and posts from Doug every week as he visits different charities throughout the country.  In addition to his work with the Ronald McDonald House, Athletes for Hope has helped connect Doug to several other charities in 2013, such as the Boys and Girls Club of the Western Reserve, and First Book.

We are very lucky to work with such a passionate and giving person. Thank you for all that you do for the community, Doug!

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?”

For the fourth consecutive year, Athletes for Hope held a national service week in honor of Dr. King. We received an incredible response from athletes across the country who felt empowered to give back during this important time. Pro and Olympic athletes from eight different sports, including basketball, bobsledding, boxing, cycling, skateboarding, soccer, track & field, and volleyball volunteered with charities across many causes and states around the United States. A few of this year’s MLK Jr. campaign athlete-charity connections include:

Bobsledder Jeremy Holm inspired youth at he discussed his journey to success with multiple juvenile detention centers in Salt Lake City, UT.

Skateboarder Doug Brown partnered with First Book in a social media campaign to raise awareness for children’s literacy while he also took the time to share his inspirational story with children at the Arlington Boys and Girls Club in Akron, OH.

US Women’s Soccer player Heather Mitts captivated her audience of nearly 100 children at The Community Partnership School in Philadelphia, PA.

Former NBA Star Etan Thomas and his family volunteered with First Book in a variety of activities including packing books into backpacks for underserved children in Washington, D.C.

Boxer Ann-Marie Saccurato brightened the day of many sick children at Palm Beach Children’s Hospital in Palm Beach, FL.

For the fourth consecutive year, Athletes for Hope held a September 11th national service week to honor our nation’s fallen heroes. We received an incredible response from athletes across the country who felt empowered to give back during this important time. Pro and Olympic athletes from eight different sports, including basketball, bobsledding, football, gymnastics, skiing, soccer, tennis, and volleyball volunteered with charities across many causes and states around the United States. A few of this year’s 9-11 campaign athlete-charity connections include:

• Sacramento Kings Forward Thomas Robinson did several fun activities such as playing music and basketball with a group of children at The Sacramento Children’s Home in Sacramento, CA
• Olympic Bobsledder Jeremy Holm, Olympic Gymnast Missy Marlowe, and Olympic Freestyle Aerialist Fuzz Feddersen inspired children as they discussed their Olympic journeys at the Sugarhouse Boys and Girls Club in Salt Lake City, UT
• Arena League Football player Dan Huff brightened the day of many children at Children’s Hospital of Saint Peters in New Brunswick, NJ
• Led by Coach Carin Gabarra, 15 members of the US Women’s Navy Soccer Team helped children do their homework and send letters to our nation’s troops at the Annapolis Boys and Girls Club in Annapolis, MD.
• US Women’s Soccer player Heather O’Reilly captivated her audience of children ranging from age 6-13 at the Wang YMCA of Chinatown in Boston, MA. Heather spoke about her recent journey to London and held a soccer clinic with the kids.

On March 8th, 2012 Athletes for Hope members Britney Henry, Arielle Martin, Brooke Cain, Connor Fields, Claire Laubauch, Allie Post, Kara Patterson, Akiba McKinney, Yvette Lewis, and Crystal Manning took time out of their busy training schedules to visit the San Diego Rady’s children hospital. Several of the players have done similar matches before and felt a great connection with the youth there.

During their visit, the athletes spent a few hours doing arts in crafts, playing games, and hanging out with the youth. The athletes were split into groups and went to either the Carley’s Garden or Auxiliary Garden, were they had the games and crafts set up. The kids were able to ask questions, take pictures, and get autographs. The kids had a fantastic time and can’t wait for the players to come back.

The director there was very thankful for the athletes coming, “I just love those Olympic athletes! I am proud to have these ladies and gentlemen representing the USA.”