These Dads Are Doing It Right – Part 125 – Football Dads Creating An Impact Through Their Foundations 

This week for the These Dads Are Doing It Right series I wanted to share with you some dads who have made a name for themselves on the football field. With their success they looked to pay it forward by creating foundations to help communities. If there are any other dads that you think we should check out leave their name and info in the comment section below. 

Tom Coughlin – Tom Coughlin Jay Fund 

Jay was a special young man who developed leukemia while a member of Coach Coughlin’s team at Boston College. In the eight months between Jay’s diagnosis and the day he lost his battle with cancer, the Coughlin family saw first hand the physical, emotional, and financial strains the illness caused the McGillis Family. After going through the tragic events with Jay’s family, Coach Coughlin vowed that if he ever had the chance, he would create a way to help families with children battling cancer. Coach Coughlin kept his vow and started this foundation to be there in Jay’s honor. Furthermore, for over 25 years, the Jay Fund has evolved in size and scope. In addition, they have helped over 5,000 families and given away over $16 million in grants helping thousands of families in Northeast Florida and the New York/New Jersey Metropolitan Area.

Joe Andruzzi – Joe Andruzzi Foundation

Founded by former New England Patriots three-time Super Bowl-winning offensive guard Joe Andruzzi and his wife Jen in 2008. The Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF) grew out of Joe’s own successful battle with cancer. In addition it is their work with young cancer patients. In 2003, before cancer struck their own family, Joe and Jen founded the C.J. Buckley Pediatric Brain Cancer Research Fund at Boston Children’s Hospital in memory of a young friend – C.J. Buckley – who lost his battle with brain cancer months after meeting the Andruzzis.

Additionally, over the years, JAF contributed $850,000 to the fund. In 2007, Joe was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Burkitt’s lymphoma, ending his football career. Joe would go on to beat the disease and remains cancer free today. His new passion grew from his own battle: helping less-fortunate patients and their families. Overall, JAF provides financial assistance to patients and families residing in New England, helping them focus on recovery – not bills.

David Pollack – Pollack Family Foundation 

David Pollack and his family’s foundation vision is to help create thriving communities and strong families. Their mission is to positively impact communities through empowering families. They help in Athens and the Greater Atlanta area by providing for basic needs and opportunities to flourish. They are guided by their purpose that is centered around encouraging in faith, and creating a strong family and community. Furthermore, all of this is guided by their values of Love, Integrity, Family, Excellence (L.I.F.E). 

Mike Singletary – Changing Our Perspective Foundations 

Changing Our Perspective is a non-profit national organization. They believe that everyone should have an equitable opportunity to reach and achieve their highest potential. Their focus and commitment is to help tackle the gaps that exist in education. Plus they help with health and mental wellness, and vocational opportunities. This visionary organization is pioneered by NFL Hall of Famer Mike Singletary and his wife Kim. It was established with change in mind.  In addition, Changing Our Perspective’s primary goal is to help tackle the educational and healthcare disparities in under-resourced communities. The Singletarys alongside their dedicated team, look to help create sustainable and personal change.