From a $25,000 donation to helping hundreds of children: How Lamar Jackson built a foundation to support children beyond football
The quarterback started the Forever Dreamers Foundation in 2018 to support children, encourage young people and raise awareness about mental health. The events raised $29,000 for two organizations, according to WAVE 3 News. Jackson donated $25,000 to Blessings in a Backpack, while another $4,000 went to Mission Hope for Kids. Its first major event was Funday With LJ, which took place in the summer of 2018. In July 2023, Jackson hosted the fifth annual Funday With LJ. The City of Boynton Beach announced that the July 13, 2024, gathering would take place at Ezell Hester Jr. Families could enjoy go-karts, a video game truck, a DJ, face painting, games and bounce houses without paying an entry fee. boynton-beach.org +2 His work has also reached families during the holiday season. In December 2020, Jackson organized the Christmas for Dreamers Toy Drive in Baltimore. The event helped distribute toys to more than 150 families and children, according to WMAR-2 News. WMAR 2 News Baltimore
Because the organization provides food to children who may not have enough to eat when school is closed for the weekend, his contribution to Blessings in a Backpack was particularly helpful. Which uses information from IRS tax filings, Forever Dreamers reported the following figures, according to ProPublica’s Nonprofit Explorer.
The children enjoyed bounce houses, laser tag, face painting and a train ride for toddlers, according to Ravens Wire. Lamar Jackson has given Baltimore Ravens fans plenty of reasons to admire him on the football field, but his work away from the NFL tells another side of his story. From helping families get food to organizing free events for children, Jackson has made community work an important part of his life. Later that year, after entering the NFL, Jackson started the Forever Dreamers Foundation. The foundation was created to give children more opportunities and help them believe that their background or financial situation should not stop them from following their dreams. The foundation’s financial records give an idea of the money it has received and spent over the years. Jackson also treated the young guests to ice cream, making the day even more special. The following year, he returned to his hometown area for the sixth annual event. Athletic Field. Jackson attended the event with his mother, Felicia Jones, who spoke about the importance of helping families during a difficult time.
The program was connected to Jackson’s role as the lead owner of the Maryland Colts, a team in the National Thoroughbred League, according to The Baltimore Banner. His involvement in horse racing gave him another way to introduce young people to an industry they might not have considered as a career option.