logo
Ray of Hope Foundation Teams Up with NFL Star Austin Ekeler for Charity Fantasy Football Initiative Supporting Youth Mental Health

Ray of Hope Foundation Teams Up with NFL Star Austin Ekeler for Charity Fantasy Football Initiative Supporting Youth Mental Health

BALTIMORE, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Ray of Hope Foundation, led by Hall of Fame legend and philanthropist Ray Lewis, proudly announces an exciting new partnership with NFL star running back Austin Ekeler to launch a Charity Fantasy Football League aimed at raising critical funds and awareness for youth mental health initiatives.
This unique collaboration merges the passion for football with the power of philanthropy, inviting fans, corporate partners, and communities nationwide to join a fantasy football league with purpose. Proceeds from the league will directly support the Ray of Hope Foundation's ongoing efforts to provide mental health resources, mentorship programs, and life-changing opportunities for young people across underserved communities.
'Mental health is one of the most pressing issues facing our youth today,' said Ray Lewis, Founder of the Ray of Hope Foundation. 'Partnering with a competitor and leader like Austin Ekeler—who shares our heart for the next generation—allows us to create something that's both fun and impactful. This is about more than football; it's about saving lives, building resilience, and giving hope where it's needed most.'
Participants will have the chance to compete against Austin Ekeler, Ray Lewis, and other celebrity athletes in a fantasy football league filled with exclusive prizes, VIP experiences, and opportunities to directly engage with NFL talent. Most importantly, every entry will contribute to programming that champions youth mental wellness, emotional intelligence, and positive life choices.
'This is personal to me,' said Austin Ekeler. 'I know what it's like to have people believe in you and invest in your future. Through this league, we're inviting fans to join us in making a real difference for kids who need that same support.'
About Ray of Hope Foundation:Founded by Hall of Famer Ray Lewis, the Ray of Hope Foundation is committed to transforming the lives of youth through educational enrichment, leadership development, and mental health initiatives. The Foundation's programs address critical social-emotional needs while fostering resilience, purpose, and hope.
About Austin Ekeler:Austin Ekeler is an NFL running back known for his dynamic athleticism on the field and his unwavering commitment to giving back off the field. Through his Austin Ekeler Foundation and numerous charitable efforts, he continues to uplift youth and inspire positive change in communities nationwide.
How to Join:Registration for the Ray of Hope x Austin Ekeler Charity Fantasy Football League opens soon. Visit www.rayofhope.foundation for details.
Media Contact:Dr. Debra L. Wright, Executive DirectorRay of Hope FoundationEmail: [email protected]Phone: 863-307-0925Website: www.rayofhope.foundation
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Pivot® Performance Turf Launches in New Jersey
Pivot® Performance Turf Launches in New Jersey

Malaysian Reserve

time4 days ago

  • Malaysian Reserve

Pivot® Performance Turf Launches in New Jersey

MORRIS PLAINS, N.J., July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Athletic Fields of America (AFOA), A TenCate Company, has completed several installations of Pivot® Performance Turf across New Jersey, introducing this revolutionary product to the mid-Atlantic region. Pivot is the latest innovation in artificial turf. It is intentionally engineered to provide athletes with the feel and performance of natural grass—without the use of black crumb rubber infill. Recent installations include Pivot fields at All Wars Memorial Park in Linwood and Sabella Park in North Brunswick. 'Pivot Performance Turf has been a powerful investment in our community,' said Eric Ford, Councilman for Linwood. 'We've been impressed with the natural grass-like experience it delivers and how it's been holding up to all of the nonstop play our teams have put it through. It was a game-changer for our community.' The Sabella Park project also involved extensive groundwork to repair a sinkhole prior to turf installation. 'We've had a great experience collaborating with AFOA on this project for Sabella Park,' said Robert Bongiovi, Parks & Playgrounds Manager for North Brunswick. 'The team efficiently managed the field replacement, and we couldn't be more delighted with the Pivot turf they've installed. Pivot is truly in a league of its own compared to other products I considered for the project, and the performance has been spectacular for our athletes.' Additional completed projects include Van Brunt Field at Montclair Kimberly Academy in Montclair and Grekoski Park in South River. 'The continued adoption of Pivot across the country is extremely gratifying,' said Joe Fields, CEO and President of TenCate Americas. 'Our global team spent countless hours developing a best-in-class product, and I'm excited that more athletes will benefit from Pivot.' AFOA will continue installing Pivot fields across New Jersey this summer including South Hunterdon Regional High School in Lambertville and Mount Olive High School in Flanders. Additional Pivot field installations are scheduled for Ardsley High School and Brewster High School in New York later in 2025. About TenCate GrassAt TenCate Grass, we design and deliver the future of turf. With over 300 years of expertise and nearly 5,000 employees worldwide, we're a truly global company with strong local roots. We offer high-performance, turf systems for sports, landscaping, and outdoor living across more than 60 countries. Fully vertically integrated, we manage everything from R&D to recycling, working hand-in-hand with trusted local partners who bring deep expertise and on-the-ground insight. Whether it's a world-class stadium or a community field, we deliver surfaces that perform, last, and support vibrant, active lives. For more, visit Contact: Erica Rumpke, 513-484-6795

Verily Storyworks Launches Development of New Jim Thorpe Series and Invites Fans to Join the Journey
Verily Storyworks Launches Development of New Jim Thorpe Series and Invites Fans to Join the Journey

Malaysian Reserve

time5 days ago

  • Malaysian Reserve

Verily Storyworks Launches Development of New Jim Thorpe Series and Invites Fans to Join the Journey

For the first time, fans can help bring the untold story of Jim Thorpe to the screen and honor a legacy long overdue DALLAS, July 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The story of Jim Thorpe is experiencing renewed national attention, but his life is far too powerful, complex and inspiring to be captured in a single moment. Verily Storyworks, a next-generation storytelling studio and intellectual property (IP) development company, is proud to announce their flagship project, THORPE, a definitive dramatization of the life of Jim Thorpe. This epic, three-season scripted drama series will explore the forgotten story of the greatest athlete who ever lived. Verily, a company rooted in fan participation and investment, is now calling for the public to not just learn about Jim Thorpe's story, but to be a part of it. 'At Verily, we believe the greatest stories are already out there waiting to be told. We're all about developing the most compelling stories into global entertainment, and we want all to have a chance to be part of the journey,' said Barry Capece, founder of Verily Storyworks. At the core of Verily's mission to develop powerful, production-ready content rooted in real events is a grassroots structure that champions storytellers and welcomes fans to participate in bringing nonfiction epics to life. The IP development company is currently calling on the public to invest in THORPE and help raise money for one of the most inspiring and untold stories in American history, giving everyone a chance to co-create the soon-to-be chronicle of American triumph. Developed as an epic drama series, THORPE will tell the story of Native American icon Jim Thorpe who overcame tragedy, oppression and racism to become one of the greatest athletes of all time. Chronicling five decades of his life, THORPE will take viewers on an epic journey starting at Thorpe's humble upbringing in Oklahoma to his groundbreaking achievements and quiet resilience in the face of profound injustice and racism. The project arrives at a moment of renewed interest in Jim Thorpe's story — a cultural reckoning that underscores the importance of honoring his legacy in full. 'THORPE is the ideal story that needs to be told. It is more than a television series — it's a long overdue tribute to a great man and the greatest athlete in modern history. His epic story deserves to be told with authenticity, purpose and devotion to his legacy,' Capece added. 'At Verily, we don't only ask the public to watch this story, we open up the opportunity to be a part of the process of building it with us. That's how storytelling should be: fan-led, fan-driven and fan-invested.' Developed in collaboration with Thorpe family members and leading Native American and cultural historians, THORPE is more than just a sports story — it is a sweeping narrative about identity, perseverance and the enduring human spirit. 'Jim's story deserves the time, depth and respect only a series of this scope can deliver,' said John Thorpe, grandson of Jim Thorpe. 'We are proud to see Verily telling his story the right way and invite others to be part of preserving his legacy.' What sets Verily's THORPE apart is not just the depth and scale of the series, but the opportunity it offers fans to move beyond being passive viewers. Dedicated to preserving a collective storytelling experience driven by passion and fan support, Verily is calling on the public to drive the story of an American legend's journey. Verily invites the public to participate directly in the development of the series and help bring it to screen by becoming Capital Ambassadors. Those who step into the role of Capital Ambassador help fund the development phase of THORPE, owning a piece of its intellectual property and playing an active part in bringing this long-overlooked story to life. For more information on Verily Storyworks or to support the THORPE project, visit About Verily StoryworksVerily Storyworks is a Texas-based intellectual property (IP) development company and modern-day storytelling studio built on truth. From story sourcing to screenplay packaging, Verily delivers a high volume of high-concept, production-ready entertainment designed for cinematic feature films and scripted television dramas. As a champion of both established and emerging writers, Verily also cultivates fresh creative voices through its StoryQuest program and offers development services to producers and studios. Learn more at Contact:Karla NafarrateVice President of Public RelationsInnoVision Marketing GroupKarla@

United Set to Hire More Special Olympics Athletes As Customer Service Ambassadors
United Set to Hire More Special Olympics Athletes As Customer Service Ambassadors

Malaysian Reserve

time18-07-2025

  • Malaysian Reserve

United Set to Hire More Special Olympics Athletes As Customer Service Ambassadors

Airline expands industry's only Special Olympics Service Ambassador (SOSA) program to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Newark, bringing total to 28 hires across all seven hubs NFL hall of famer Jerry Rice suits up in San Francisco to help recruit and 'train' with current United SOSAs United SOSA duties include welcoming customers in the airport lobby and helping them find check-in kiosks, bag check locations and navigate security lines CHICAGO, July 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — United announced today that it will expand the industry's only Special Olympics Service Ambassador (SOSA) program to the airline's hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Newark. The goal is to welcome 10 more people into the program and reach a total of 28 SOSA employees across all seven of its U.S. hubs, furthering its effort to create employment opportunities for people with physical and intellectual disabilities. Former San Francisco 49er and all-time receiving touchdowns leader Jerry Rice was on-hand at United's San Francisco hub today to help recruit, undergo a 'boot camp' by some of United's existing SOSAs and get a firsthand look at their responsibilities. 'I've been fortunate to be part of lots of winning teams and world-class organizations, and it's a real honor to be part of a program like this that proves greatness comes from giving everyone a shot,' said Jerry Rice. 'What I saw today being trained by these SOSAs was dedication, skill, and heart, and that's what makes a team unstoppable.' United's SOSA program gives Special Olympics athletes the opportunity to earn part-time employment with full employee benefits. United SOSAs welcome customers in the airport lobby and help them find check-in kiosks, bag check locations, and security lines. Post-security responsibilities include navigating the terminal and using digital customer service tools. 'Our Special Olympics Service Ambassadors deliver a daily dose of inspiration and an extra set of helping hands to our employees while also providing friendly, timely service to our customers,' said United Chief Operations Officer and Special Olympics board member Toby Enqvist. 'I'm so proud of our SOSA team and look forward to growing at three more of our hubs – they not only enhance the customer experience in a uniquely United way, but also help to foster inclusive, dynamic, and engaging workplaces for all.' 'The continued expansion of United's Special Olympics Service Ambassador program is a powerful example of what true inclusion looks like in action,' said Zehra Sayin, Chief Communications, Development and Marketing Officer of Special Olympics. 'By creating meaningful, visible roles for our athletes, United is not only enhancing the travel experience for its customers but also helping to shift perceptions about the capabilities of people with intellectual disabilities. We are proud to partner with United as they lead the way in showing how diversity and inclusion can strengthen workplaces, communities, and lives.' United first launched the SOSA program in Chicago during National Disability Employment Awareness Month in 2019 and quickly expanded to its hubs in Houston, Denver, and Washington DC. Since its inception, the Special Olympics Service Ambassadors program has given Special Olympics athletes the opportunity to gain firsthand experience working as part-time employees for United Airlines. 'As an athlete, I lean on skills like teamwork and communication to excel in my sport and being able to share those experiences and skills with United customers is really fulfilling,' said Lauren Miller, a current United SOSA in Chicago. 'It's exciting to know that more people are going to be able to experience this great program for themselves and get the chance to impact passengers on a daily basis.' United's Storied History with Special Olympics United has a longstanding partnership with Special Olympics that includes a wide range of sponsorship and event activations including plane pull competitions, localized volunteering, support of the Capitol Hill Day in Washington D.C. and the Global Athlete Congress at the Special Olympics World Games. As sponsors of the 2025 Capitol Hill Day, United supported Special Olympics delegates championing inclusion and critical funding. Special Olympics athletes led more than 330 face-to-face meetings with Members of Congress in both the House and Senate, inviting their elected officials to partner with them to support inclusive education and health initiatives for people with intellectual disabilities. The event brought together more than 275 participants from 50 programs across the country. In 2025, United's Chief Operations Officer, Toby Enqvist was appointed to the Board of Directors for Special Olympics International. His leadership adds momentum to the airline's shared commitment to inclusion in the workplace and empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities on a global level. United customers can also support Special Olympics through United's Miles on a Mission program. To learn more, visit where you can donate miles and become a MileagePlus® Member for free. Accessibility Initiatives at United United Airlines' implementation of the SOSA program is just one of the many ways the airline has dedicated itself to fostering welcoming and inspiring environments for everyone, both travelers and employees alike. For over eight years, United has been a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion and has worked to improve accessibility through measures including: The industry's first digital sizing tool for wheelchairs and reimbursing the difference in fares if a customer needs to pay more for a flight that can accommodate their wheelchair. The first U.S. airline to add Braille to aircraft interiors to help millions of travelers with visual disabilities more easily navigate the cabin independently Launching a new collaboration last year with United Spinal Association where the organization will help support and advise the airline in its efforts to improve accessibility throughout the entire travel experience. The United mobile app makes it easier for people with visual disabilities to use by offering increased color contrast, more space between graphics and an enhanced display and announcement of information to better integrate with the screen reader technologies like VoiceOver and TalkBack United's Inflight Seatback Entertainment screens offer a wide range of accessible features like closed captioning, text-to-speech controls, magnification, explore-by-touch capabilities, audio-described movies, and adjustable and high-contrast text and color correction United offers day-of travel support for the visually and hearing impaired with Agent on Demand where a customer can use audio, video and chat to get assistance by a United Customer Service Representative About United At United, Good Leads The Way. With U.S. hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., United operates the most comprehensive global route network among North American carriers and is now the largest airline in the world as measured by available seat miles. For more about how to join the United team, please visit and more information about the company is at United Airlines Holdings, Inc., the parent company of United Airlines, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol 'UAL'. About Special Olympics International Founded in 1968, Special Olympics is a global movement to end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities. We foster acceptance of all people through the power of sport and programming in education, health and leadership. With nearly four million athletes and Unified Sports® partners and one million coaches and volunteers in more than 170 countries, Special Olympics delivers more than 30 Olympic-type sports and nearly 50,000 games and competitions every year. Engage with us on: X, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. Learn more at

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store