Purpose
To work with sports teams, athletes and fans to support volunteering, donations and charities in a different, smaller and more frequent way. Although sports is a main component, much of this could be applied to other interests such as music or the arts and so is certainly not limited to sports.
Why
Fans are passionate people. They’re passionate about their sport and their team. They’re passionate about their hobbies, and their interests. Many fans are passionate about giving back to their community, but unless there is a sponsored event i.e. a food drive there is very little involvement between the two.
This is also very passive and many fans may easily forget to bring an item to donate. While raising money for large causes like cancer research or food donations is very admirable and worthwhile, sometimes these causes don’t resonate with fans or because they’re such big causes, many fans will have already donated or simply turn a blind eye figuring plenty of other people will donate.
But what if we could bring donating down to the micro level and provide something fans can be passionate about as well as know they gave someone an experience they may always remember? Or that may have a huge impact on their life?
Many studies have proven that playing sports or being involved with the arts as a kid has a huge impact later in life in many ways including life and people skills. Places like the Boys & Girls Club are extremely beneficial for this reason, however, many kids still don’t have access to places like that. And even if they do, there’s nothing like getting to experience a live game, or to meet players from your favorite team, or to learn the sport from someone who really knows how to play.
How
Banding fans, teams and players together to do more frequent smaller charity initiatives. For example, fans purchase x number of tickets to a sporting event (or events), the team either matches the tickets bought or provides different incentive such as food & drink for each ticket, and everything is donated to an appropriate charity such as an orphanage. This is an initiative that can be done throughout the season instead of just once and fans can participate up to their chosen level. This could also be done for plays, symphonies or other events.
Or how about banding together with other fans to obtain used sports gear donations which could then be combined with players’ time to teach the sport?
Just imagine the impact we could have if we applied our passion as a group!