FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NFLC-1                 11/30/98

60 NFL Player Foundations Receive Nearly $1 Million

NFL Charities recently donated $4 million to more than 100 charitable organizations, including 60 NFL player foundations, the NFL has announced.

NFL player foundations generally concentrate on youth with an emphasis on education, violence prevention and athletics. Player foundations, supported by NFL Charities, include:

Warrick Dunn, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Warrick Dunn Fund runs a Homes for the Holidays program that helps single mothers obtain new houses at Thanksgiving and Christmas. The foundation places down payments on homes for the chosen families and then organizes a group of local businesses to donate the necessary furniture and appliances. Dunn’s organization also provides education on handgun violence and assists those who have been touched by tragedy.

Warren Moon, Seattle Seahawks: The purpose of Crescent Moon Foundation is to provide scholarships to those who have the academic ability but not the financial means to pursue a college education. Crescent Moon also presents its benefactors with opportunities to enjoy cultural activities. These events include taking children to the circus, ballet, theatre, athletic events, and a variety of other field trips. In addition, the Crescent Moon Foundation gives toys to the needy during the holiday season.

Junior Seau, San Diego Chargers: The Junior Seau Foundation focuses on children who are victims of violence. The organization contributes to the development of violence prevention programs as well as drug and alcohol awareness programs. Charitable contributions also are earmarked for supporting and educating victims of child abuse. The Seau Foundation helps such groups as the Club 55 Teen Center-Oceanside Boys & Girls Club, High Five America-Midnight Basketball, and the Inner-City Games.

Will Shields, Kansas City Chiefs: The Will To Succeed Foundation was established to support women and children who have been battered and neglected. The program provides educational opportunities that promote self-esteem and confidence. The organization also works to secure prescription glasses for children on Medicaid and sponsors a local football camp.

NFL Charities was established in 1973 by the National Football League to make grants to worthwhile causes on a national level. The areas benefiting from NFL Charities include education, sports-related medical research, and physical fitness development. Over the past 25 years, NFL Charities has contributed approximately $31 million to more than 200 charitable organizations.

The NFL Charities board of directors consists of NFL Commissioner PAUL TAGLIABUE, Buffalo Bills owner RALPH C. WILSON, JR., Philadelphia Eagles owner JEFFREY LURIE, Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation chairman DELORES BARR WEAVER, Arizona Cardinals Vice President MICHAEL BIDWILL, former NFL quarterback and congressman JACK KEMP, Pro Football Hall of Famer JOHN MACKEY, former NFL player LOWELL PERRY, and philanthropist DAVID MAHONEY.