Partnering for Positive Change in the Bay Area
Building stronger communities through bay area nonprofit partnerships
49ers Community Relations strives to build stronger communities through partnerships with Bay Area nonprofit organizations forging the path for positive change. Through hands-on service, 49ers players, alumni, ownership and staff volunteer their time to support and encourage marginalized youth and families, those facing medical crises and mental health challenges, at-risk individuals and social justice efforts.
In addition to being champions for youth, the 49ers support real-life heroes through NFL programs including the Inspire Change social justice initiative, the Crucial Catch cancer awareness campaign presented by Dignity Health, the Salute to Service military appreciation program, and My Cause My Cleats presented by Shoe Palace, which highlights the inspiring work nonprofits are accomplishing for causes players are most passionate about. The 49ers are proud to support those dedicated to serving and unifying the community.
Less Contact. More Impact.
PIVOTING DURING THE PANDEMIC
One of the greatest things about being part of a robust group of like-minded partners, is that when there is a need in the community, we can band together, combine resources and provide support for those in need. Here’s what 2020 looked like for 49ers Community Relations.
helping those who help others
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 49ers showed appreciation for frontline healthcare workers and first responders by delivering pick-me-ups in partnership with Peet’s Coffee and Mountain Mike’s Pizza; presented the @Home Virtual Graduation presented by Chegg; hosted Storytime with Arik Armstead; donated Visa gift card surprises for deserving families and delivered school district grants to narrow the digital divide.
FIRE RELIEF
When another layer of adversity struck in the form of wildfires, the 49ers delivered resources including donations and water to the American Red Cross.
SOCIAL JUSTICE
Following the murder of George Floyd, the York family pledged $1 million to support organizations committed to social injustice. Selected by members of the Community Impact team, 49ers Black employee resource group B.U.I.L.D., and a players committee, the grantees included 100 Black Men of the Bay Area, African American Community Services Agency, Californians for Safety and Justice, Dream Corps, The Innocence Project, Operation HOPE, PICO California, The Players Coalition, and SPAAT.
NFL Votes
As part of the NFL Votes campaign, the 49ers partnered with I am a voter.® and led the league in subscribers to the program. Arik Armstead, Jimmy Garoppolo, Richard Sherman, Jimmie Ward, Fred Warner, and Trent Williams all participated in PSAs encouraging fans to participate in the census, register to vote, and get out the vote.
SALUTE TO SERVICE
The 49ers celebrated 60 military families by hosting them for a socially distant drive-through screening of the movie, Elf. Welcomed by a video message from OL and Air National Guardsman Ben Garland, families received a holiday gift bag featuring items from team partners, Zenni Eyewear and Panini America Trading Cards.
CRUCIAL CATCH
Partnering with the American Cancer Society for the Crucial Catch presented by Dignity Health Virtual Experience, players escorted Shelby, a breast cancer warrior, and Cheri, her Dignity Health Oncology Nurse Navigator, on a special behind-the-scenes tour of the SAP Performance Facility and Levi’s® Stadium with the help of the team’s robot.
Community Service
49ers staff members and Sourdough Sam packed and delivered festive holiday cheer to 30 deserving families newly housed at Habitat for Humanity East Bay Silicon Valley’s Central Commons complex in Fremont. This was made possible by generous donations from U.S. Bank, Jimmy Garoppolo, coaches, executives, Zenni Eyewear, Peet’s Coffee, Shoe Palace and Panini America Trading Cards.
MENTAL HEALTH
In continuation of the team’s mental health awareness efforts, over eighty 49ers staff and players, including GM John Lynch participated in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Virtual Walk. To highlight Men’s Health Month, the 49ers hosted a candid conversation with AFSP’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Christine Moutier about the importance of mental health and resources to help during this unique year.
PRE-COVID PROGRAMS
(and the type of work we hope to do again, in person, real soon.)
“We came out prepared and fought together, we played hard and we just believed in ourselves and our plan and we got it done.”
— Bryant Young
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