Green Bay Packers Give Back!

Last week I wrote about the charitable giving of the Packer’s Women’s Association. This week I’ll share some of the charitable work that the Packers and their Foundation perform in Green Bay and around the State. Mark Murphy and a Board of Trustees (10 Members) work long and hard to determine which organizations will receive grants and other contributions, which was in excess of $8 Million last year.

The Green Bay Packers Foundation handed out Impact Grants each worth $250,000 to three organizations, Freedom House (Family Support), Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity (For ReStore), and Give Big Green Bay (Matches funds for Non-Profits). The Foundation has awarded 234 grants totaling $1.8 million in 2018. One of those grants, which is close to my heart, is for $250,000 to Racine, WI for a Sports Complex at Pritchard Park.

Other projects in the Green Bay area that will benefit from the Packers Foundation include a capital campaign by Freedom House to construct a new homeless shelter, an expansion of the current ReStore facility by Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity, matching funds for 40 local non-profit organizations by Give Big Green Bay. Just think of the impact a new homeless shelter will have on families that struggle with basic needs. Having an expanded ReStore location will make it easier for those who donate goods and shoppers as well. The impact all these grants have on the communities these organizations serve runs very deep. The organizations themselves have a deep passion and dedication to people helping people and communities helping communities. The funds from these grants will provide shelter, homes, support, resources, enjoyment, and will leave an everlasting legacy.

There are several players who also individually and collectively support local charities such as the MACC Fund (Fight against childhood cancer), the Green n Gold Charity Softball game (This event sponsors Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, Make-A-Wish Wisconsin and multiple youth sports). Other examples of charities the players support are Ben’s Wish, 38 Reasons, Angel Flight, Fund a Dream, Ha Ha’s Hero, Cure Duchenne, and many others. Packers players truly embrace the community.

I know other NFL teams and professional sporting teams and players have charitable giving. But, with the Green Bay Packers being a community and fan owned team it gives everyone a sense of contributing to the ongoing improvement of our communities. This aspect is much different, the Packers really are a part of the community. Many of the players stay in Green Bay during the off season because it’s a great place to live and raise a family. Again remember it’s not just what these players do on the field, it’s their involvement in the community which also makes them a Packer!

As Always, Go Pack Go

PackerGreg