Newsstand

Sports Philanthropy Newsstand 4-28-2025

Cheryl Reeve, head coach and president of basketball operations for the Minnesota Lynx, received the 2025 DreamMaker Award from the Ann Bancroft Foundation. This honor recognizes individuals who inspire and support young girl-identifying youth in Minnesota to pursue their dreams with courage and confidence. Reeve’s leadership in women’s basketball and her advocacy for women in sports and leadership roles have made a significant impact. In recognition of her contributions, the State of Minnesota declared April 24, 2025, as Cheryl Reeve DreamMaker Day.

Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. announced his fourth annual celebrity charity game, scheduled for May 10. The event aims to support local youth and community programs, offering fans the opportunity to interact with athletes and celebrities while raising funds for charitable causes. ​

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Newsstand

Sports Philanthropy Newsstand 4-20-2025

In Nairobi, Kenya, a group of young athletes launched the “Kicks for Kids” campaign, collecting and distributing over 1,000 pairs of gently used athletic shoes to children in underserved communities. Initiated by a local soccer academy, the campaign quickly gained momentum, drawing donations from across the globe and inspiring neighboring clubs to participate. This grassroots effort not only provided essential footwear but also fostered community engagement and support for youth sports development.

In Huntington, West Virginia, students and coaches initiated the “Building a Better Huntington” campaign to raise funds for renovating the boys’ locker room, reducing participation fees, and covering other sports-related expenses. This community-driven effort aims to enhance athletic facilities and make sports more accessible to all students, reflecting a commitment to improving youth sports infrastructure and fostering inclusivity.

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Newsstand

Sports Philanthropy Newsstand 4-14-2025

This week’s Newsstand highlights inspiring acts of generosity and community support across the globe.

In a heartwarming act of generosity and community support, a group of young athletes in Nairobi, Kenya launched the “Kicks for Kids” campaign, collecting and distributing over 1,000 pairs of gently used athletic shoes to children in underserved communities. What began as a small initiative by a local soccer academy quickly gained momentum, drawing donations from across the globe and inspiring neighboring clubs to do the same. The campaign not only provided children with the gear needed to play sports safely but also fostered a sense of unity, empowerment, and hope—proving that even small acts of kindness can spark a global movement of compassion and change.

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Newsstand

Sports Philanthropy Newsstand 4-7-2025

This week’s Newsstand showcases global acts of generosity driving real change. In Australia, the Sydney Swans launched free sports and mentoring programs for underprivileged youth, fostering growth through teamwork. Meanwhile in Kenya, the Safaricom Foundation is bringing clean water to rural communities by building sustainable wells in partnership with local charities. Discover how you can support these impactful efforts!

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Newsstand

Sports Philanthropy Newsstand 3-31-2025

This week’s Newsstand spotlights powerful examples of sports-driven generosity and community impact. In Austin, the “Sports for All” program raised $150,000 to give low-income families free access to youth sports. In Los Angeles, the Dodgers Foundation’s “Healthy Homers” initiative brought in $1 million to support youth mental health. Locally, the Detroit Lions’ charity gala raised $250,000 for food banks and homelessness programs, while the Houston Astros Foundation donated the same amount to youth sports leagues, helping over 2,000 kids. See how you can join the movement and make a difference!

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Newsstand

Sports Philanthropy Newsstand 3-24-2025

This week’s Newsstand features impactful community efforts across the globe. The Denver Broncos partnered with local youth groups to offer scholarships for underprivileged kids to attend sports camps – promoting equal access to athletic development. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma wrestling community united to support the Ferguson family after a tragic wildfire, demonstrating the strength and compassion of the sports world. Read more to learn how you can get involved!

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Newsstand

Sports Philanthropy Newsstand 3-17-2025

This week’s Newsstand highlights inspiring community initiatives and charitable efforts making an impact worldwide. From Johnny’s Jog for Charity 5K in West Hartford, CT, to Match Madness 2025 in Salina, KS, raising over $543,000 for local nonprofits, communities are coming together for a cause. Plus, Dr. Feranmi Okanlami’s work in adaptive sports and the Flyers Alumni Charity Classic Weekend showcase the power of sports in giving back. Read more to see how you can get involved!

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Newsstand

Sports Philanthropy Newsstand 3-10-2025

This week’s Newsstand highlights generosity in action, from e-cycling in Hawaii to record-breaking donations for Team USA. Communities are uniting for cancer treatment, youth sports, and public radio, with 100 Men Who Care and Special Olympics Northern California leading the way. Dive in for more inspiring stories!

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Interview

MLB PLAYERS TRUST INTERVIEW: MEREDITH KIM

At the MLB Players Trust Gala in Phoenix, Sports Philanthropy Network’s Roy Kessel interviews Meredith Kim, CEO of Pitch In For Baseball & Softball. She shares her journey from fundraising to leading a global nonprofit that provides baseball and softball equipment to underserved children. Meredith highlights the power of sports in fostering confidence, friendships, and opportunities, as well as Pitch In’s partnerships with MLB, Little League, and major sponsors. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, she discusses the challenges of fundraising, the role of trust in nonprofit work, and ensuring donations create lasting impact.

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Interview

MLB PLAYERS TRUST INTERVIEW: JAY QUINN

At the MLB Players Trust Gala in Phoenix, Sports Philanthropy Network’s Roy Kessel interviews Jay Quinn, founder of the Baseball Island Foundation in the Dominican Republic. Quinn discusses his journey from U.S. college baseball to creating a program that combines sports and education, providing free training, academic support, and resources to Dominican youth. Supported by MLB players and philanthropists, the initiative aims to transform youth baseball development in the country.

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Interview

MLB PLAYERS TRUST INTERVIEW: HUASCAR FUENTES

Huascar Fuentes, founder of Project Baseball AC in Arizona, was interviewed by Roy Kessel of Sports Philanthropy Network at the MLB Players Trust Gala in Phoenix. Fuentes spoke about his organization’s mission to support underprivileged youth through baseball, focusing on mentorship and personal growth rather than just athletic success. He emphasized the importance of guiding kids who are often overlooked, teaching them life lessons through the sport, and fostering resilience and discipline.

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Interview

MLB PLAYERS TRUST INTERVIEW: NICK MONZI, CEO of LEARN FRESH

🎙 Roy Kessel – Sports Philanthropy Network welcomes Nick Monzi, CEO & Co-Founder of Learn Fresh, to discuss the impact of game-based learning in STEM education through sports. Learn Fresh’s flagship programs, NBA Math Hoops and MLB Players STEM League, help students engage with STEM concepts by leveraging basketball, baseball, and soccer as educational tools.

Nick shares the incredible journey of Learn Fresh, its global impact, and how partnerships with organizations like the NBA, MLB Players Trust, and Major League Soccer have helped scale these initiatives to reach students across six continents. He also highlights the importance of sports as a learning tool and how it can break down barriers worldwide.

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Interview

Sports Philanthropy Interview-Super Bowl 59-RR-Allie Engelken-Damani Leech

Damani Leech and Allie Engelken from the Denver Broncos joined Roy Kessel and Sports Philanthropy Network on Radio Row at Super Bowl 59. Damani and Allie shared their insights into the Broncos’ statewide initiative to provide Axiom Riddell helmets to every high school football player in Colorado, highlighting the program’s impact on player safety, the advanced technology in the helmets, and the organization’s broader commitment to youth health and wellness through the Denver Broncos Foundation.

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Interview

Sports Philanthropy Interview-Super Bowl 59-RR-Cliff Freeman

Dr. Cliff Freeman from Cliff Freeman Speaks joined Karisa Maxwell and Sports Philanthropy Network on Radio Row at Super Bowl. Dr. Freeman shared his insight into helping athletes navigate the transition from collegiate to professional sports, focusing on the challenges of managing newfound wealth, financial literacy, and maintaining a balanced mindset in their careers.

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Interview

Sports Philanthropy Interview-Super Bowl 59-RR-Jonathan Sutter

​Jonathan Sutter, CEO of TravelingWiki, joined Roy Kessel and the Sports Philanthropy Network on Radio Row at Super Bowl LIX. Sutter shared his insights into the intersection of sports and travel, emphasizing how TravelingWiki’s initiatives enhance fan experiences by providing comprehensive travel information and services tailored to major sporting events. ​

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