Athletics and the Charities They Support

Have you ever wondered what charity your favorite athlete supports? Many of us have probably noticed athletes being outspoken on and off the field in regards to their passion for giving and why.

We love this, right?

I grew up watching sports in my house. Football on Saturdays, Sundays, Monday Night and Thursday night (college or NFL, didn’t matter). Boxing on Saturday nights (if it was a prepaid fight, count my dad in) and well Baseball was also pretty huge if we didn't just go to the game. We even hit some NBA games (Mavericks mostly) and now I have enjoyed catching up with tennis and the occasional gold tournament (only the major ones).

Sports is usually a family affair. It is where families gather to watch their favorite teams and athletics do what they do best (if they’re playing well… and we want them to play well… especially if you have a favorite team and we all have our favorites in every sport).

We know athletes and their salaries. It is usually something that is discussed openly on Sports Center, at your dining room table, at the game and, well, you get it. If people know what you make they generally love to know what you spend it on.

We as a society can be very critical with extravagance minus giving. It is noted that many athletes give and support charities in a major way.

The next time you’re watching your favorite star athlete you might think “where are they giving?” and can I get behind their cause and give a little too? It is amazing that many of your favorite athletes have started their own foundations and are raising awareness and money in their local communities.

Every dollar makes a difference.

Here is a list of athletics and some of the many charities they support:

Patrick Mahomes - 15 and the Mahomies Foundation

Serena Williams - Elton John AIDS Foundation, Eva Longoria Foundation, Global Goals

Travis Kelce - 87 & Running

Cristiano Ronaldo - Save the Children, UNICEFand World Vision

LeBron James - Boys and Girls Clubs of America, the Children’s Defense Fund, LeBron James Family Foundation

Michael Jordan - Make-A-Wish Foundation, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Feeding America

Michael Phelps - Michael Phelps Foundation

Neymar Jr. - UNICEF, Global Goals, Quicksilver Foundation

Maria Sharapova - United Nations Development Programme, (RED)

Heather O’Reilly - American Scores, Right to Play