Bucs players giving back to community
Josh Cascio reports.
TAMPA, Fla. – Quarterback Baker Mayfield launched the Baker & Emily Mayfield Foundation to support parents in affording early education for their children.
Off the field, Mayfield is an avid golfer, and in August, he hosted a charity event at Tampa’s Top Golf to raise funds.
“Our foundation’s motto is to level the playing field,” Mayfield said.
Early education plays a crucial role in leveling the playing field. The charity event succeeded in raising $56,000 for the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County, which will be matched by the state, resulting in a total donation of $112,000 that will benefit hundreds of additional children.
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The Early Learning Coalition is a non-profit organization that offers education opportunities and childcare access to parents in need.
“It’s incredible that the initial donation from any foundation can help preschoolers gain access to our school readiness program. These funds are crucial, especially considering that 45% of parents struggle to meet basic obligations like rent, food, and childcare,” said Dr. Fred Hicks, CEO of the Early Learning Coalition in Hillsborough County.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield started the Baker & Emily Mayfield Foundation.
Mayfield isn’t the only player committed to giving back. Many of his teammates, including the superstar wide receiver Mike Evans, have also made significant contributions off the field through their foundations.
“He always says he’s been blessed, so he wants to be a blessing to others,” said Courtney Foss, Executive Director of the Mike Evans Family Foundation.
Evans, who attended Texas A&M on a football scholarship, is passionate about providing others with the same opportunity. His foundation, founded in 2017, has already awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in college scholarships and focuses on supporting survivors of domestic violence, a cause close to Evans’ heart.
READ: Husband and wife support foster care graduates with Hillsborough non-profit
Foss shared, “We’ve awarded over $400,000 in college scholarships in just the past few years. This year, we were able to award $150,000 in scholarships, which is amazing.”
Cody Szelc, a junior and football player at Monmouth College in Illinois, received a $5,000 per semester scholarship from the Evans foundation. Without it, he wouldn’t have been able to attend college.
“I was about to email the coach saying I couldn’t go, but then I received the email about the scholarship,” Szelc said. “It was an emotional moment for me. I’m not usually an emotional guy, but it meant the world to me.”
These players not only excel on the field but also make a significant impact off it, and that’s what makes them truly remarkable.
“Giving back is in our hearts. It’s the right thing to do. We’re blessed, and being able to give back is a blessing. We’re fortunate to do it,” Mayfield told FOX 13.
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