In a world where there is so much negativity and concern over the current state of affairs, there’s one NFL athlete who wants to make a change. Eagles Defensive End Chris Long announced today that he would be donating all sixteen of his game checks to charity to support educational equity.
Earlier in the season, the Super Bowl Champion revealed that he would donate his first 6 checks to charities that help fund scholarships in Charlottesville. Long sat down with Chris McPherson to talk about the decision to donate his next 10 and the impact he looks to make. It’s an incredible segment and one that should make every Eagles fan burst with pride
Hear from @JOEL9ONE on his decision to donate all of his game checks for the 2017 season to support educational equality. pic.twitter.com/uh1GqiEoH0
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 18, 2017
The official press release contains all the details you need along with information on how you can join Long in helping to make an astounding difference to future generations.
The Chris Long Foundation announced today that Chris Long will donate his upcoming 10 NFL game checks to further his support of educational equity. In conjunction with his contribution, Long is launching the Pledge 10 for Tomorrow campaign. The campaign encourages fans, businesses and every person with a desire to join in his pursuit of equal education opportunities for all students to make a donation. The goal is that Long’s donation will be matched by pledges made by those inspired to join the effort — because together we can accomplish more.
“In my 10th year, I want to celebrate the awesome opportunity I’ve had to play football by giving back to the communities that have given me that gift,” said Long. “Educational opportunity and equity are the best gateway to a better tomorrow for everyone in America.”
Long’s 10 game check donation is in addition to the six game checks he previously donated to fund scholarships in his hometown of Charlottesville, VA. In summation, Long is donating his entire 2017 salary to education-based causes because he believes education is the key to building a bright future that produces social equality.
Long’s foundation has identified four organizations whose missions focus on making education easily accessible to underserved youth while also providing students the support they need to develop strong social and emotional character. The four organizations are based in the three communities in which Long has played during his NFL career: St. Louis, Mo., Boston, Ma., and Philadelphia, Penn.
Three of the four organizations identified (Summer Search Boston, Summer Search Philadelphia and College Bound), provide a holistic support system to each student beginning in their sophomore year of high school through the completion of their undergraduate degree. Summer Search and College Bound provide mentoring, develop academic competency and nourish the overall well-being of students facing systemic inequities that could deter their pursuit of higher education. The Little Bit Foundation in St. Louis begins their student advocacy program in elementary school and addresses the needs of the whole child – body, mind and spirit – so that students can focus on their education all the way through graduation.
Each of the four organizations participating in the Pledge 10 for Tomorrow (#Pledge10) campaign will receive a $100,000 donation from Long. Fans and business are encouraged to join Long by pledging a recurring donation for each game remaining in the NFL regular season or by making a pledge of $10. The city with the most pledges to the campaign will receive an additional $50,000 from Long.
The #Pledge10 campaign was launched in hopes of inspiring others to be a part of the change set forth in Long’s mission of spreading educational equity.
“By joining forces we will have the power to make a bigger impact and create a rich, educated culture for all of our youth,” said Long. “These kids will be the kids that can propel positive change in their communities.”
For those that wish to join the cause and/or learn more about the Pledge 10 for Tomorrow campaign and its beneficiaries, please visit www.pledgeit.org/Pledge10.
Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
