This week’s for the Dads Doing It Right series I am taking a look at some well-known dads who paying it forward. Since we are almost approaching summer I wanted to highlight current or former players who are dads and have foundations. Make sure ayou check out their foundations. If there are any other dads that are paying it forward you think we should check out leave their site in the comment section below.
Albert Pujols – The Pujols Family Foundation
The mission for the Albert Pujols Family Foundation is to live and share their commitment to faith, family and others. They look to promote awareness, provide hope and meet tangible needs for children and families who live with Down Syndrome. In addition they look to improve the standard of living and quality of life for impoverished people in the Dominican Republic. They do this through education, medical relief and tangible goods. They provide extraordinary experiences for children with disabilities and/or life threatening illnesses. Check out their foundation at pujolsfamilyfoundation.org.
Clayton Kershaw – Kershaw’s Challenge Paying It Forward
Kershaw’s Challenge began in 2011 with a little girl named Hope. It was very evident need in her life, and the realization of a platform to do great things. Hope was born in Lusaka, Zambia, and has battled the HIV epidemic her entire life. Ellen Kershaw met Hope when she was nine years old. As a result of a lifetime of abuse, she built up walls towards anyone who might hurt her. However, Ellen and Hope instantly connected. Ellen and Clayton committed that summer to make life better for this child. They sponsored her through a ministry organization to provide basic needs. Today, Kershaw’s Challenge seeks to serve vulnerable and at-risk children living in Los Angeles, Dallas, Zambia and the Dominican Republic. Their goal is to partner with organizations that are committed to this as well. They work alongside them on specific projects to make life better for children.
Carlos Beltran – Carlos Beltran Foundation
The Carlos Beltran Foundation is a non-profit organization. Their aims to create an excel educative high school baseball academy for talented students. Since the inception of the Carlos Beltran Foundation in 2002, Carlos Beltran has dreamed of opening a baseball academy in his native Puerto Rico. A champion of youth sports and education, Beltran set up his Foundation. It helps to assist community organizations that support his missions criteria. Therefore, what began as a simple dream and conversation with his wife Jessica, has evolved into a reality. Check out his work here.
Jon Lester – NVRQT
Short for “never quit,” the NVRQT campaign, run by Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation. It helps to raise awareness and funds for children’s cancer research with the help of MLB pitcher, Jon Lester. Their commitment is simple: to strike out pediatric cancer. Above all it is their warriors and patients whom they fight with by funding life-saving pediatric cancer research. In 2012, World Series champion pitcher and cancer survivor, Jon Lester, made the commitment to partner with the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation. The foundation looks to provide inspiration for those who suffer with cancer. In addition, they support the researchers who choose to dedicate themselves to finding a cure. Check out his foundation here.