49ERS FOUNDATION
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
49ERS COMMUNITY
49ERS COMMUNITY
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, and ownership volunteer their time to support and encourage marginalized youth and families, individuals navigating medical and mental health crises, at-risk individuals, military service members and their loved ones, and social justice efforts.
Building Stronger Communities Through Partnerships
In addition to being champions for youth, the 49ers supported 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 highlighted 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 our Bay Area community.
PROGRAMS
This year, 49ers players, coaches, personnel and their families volunteered over 800 hours, impacting over 1,500 children and 800 adults through community programming. Volunteerism opportunities connected the team to over 80 community groups and nonprofits. Here are a few of the highlights from the 2024 season.
Crucial Catch
Presented by Dignity Health
For the 49ers annual Crucial Catch presented by Dignity Health programming, 20 players participated in an art therapy event alongside ten cancer survivors and their caregivers. Cancer warriors, representing all cancers, were selected in partnership with nonprofit partners, American Cancer Society, Dignity Health, and Okizu. Cancer warriors paired up with players to create custom denim jackets generously donated by Levi’s and walked the red carpet alongside the players in their custom outfits for game day arrivals. Jackets integrated personal designs highlighting strength and inspirational phrases, shining a light on cancer awareness.
Read for Justice
Presented by Newfront & Rakuten
Through 49ers Read for Justice presented by Newfront and Rakuten, all students at Kathryn Hughes Elementary in Santa Clara, CA received a copy of the book I Can Be All Three by Salima Alikhan which demonstrates the importance of acceptance and inclusion. 49ers players joined students from Santa Clara for a special assembly where players read the book followed by a discussion. As part of this program, 1,000 books were purchased from Black-owned bookstore, Ashay By The Bay, in Vallejo, CA. The 49ers hope is that by providing a book to these students and sharing this reading, we can instill an early love for education and open the dialogue for important lessons around diversity, inclusion, and equity.
Children’s Hospital Visit
As part of the team’s health and wellness programming, the 49ers visited pediatric patients at a local children’s hospital. 13 players spent their weekly off day with patients and their families in their hospital rooms, delivering 49ers backpacks and blankets, playing board games and uplifting spirits during challenging times.
Feast with the Niners
Presented by Graton Casino
At the annual Feast with the Niners presented by Graton Casino, the 49ers welcomed 15 families from Bill Wilson Center, Boys & Girls Club, CityTeam, and Modesto Gospel Mission for a festive evening at Levi’s® Stadium. Nineteen players, joined by Linda Lynch, Mandy Shanahan, and other family members, paired with families for a Team Store shopping spree before sharing a meal at a 100-foot dining table. The night ended with a surprise delivery of holiday essentials, from groceries and turkeys to heaters, blankets, and more.
Salute to Service
Presented by U.S. Bank
To kickoff the NFL’s Salute to Service initiative, the 49ers hosted military members and families for a behind-the-scenes practice visit experience. Military participants included the families of fallen heroes from nonprofit TAPS, a Navy veteran and two active-duty Marine servicewomen. Guests enjoyed breakfast in the 49ers Café where John Lynch welcomed the group before they headed out to the practice field. Once practice concluded, the military guests were ‘paired’ with position groups of players who welcomed the guests, shared their appreciation, and learned more of their stories. The families returned for the Salute to Service presented by U.S. Bank game, enjoying football festivities, including standing on the sidelines during player intros, the anthem and fly over. TAPS families were featured as the Second Half Fog Horn Energizers.
Hosted by the 49ers
In honor of the teams’ Social Justice commitment of $5 million in grants over the next ten years to local and national social justice organizations working to create societal change for individuals in the Bay Area, the 49ers hosted youth from several of these organizations for a mentorship session with nine players at Levi’s Stadium. During the session, students and players explored the meanings of social justice and community leadership, while also sharing practical life advice.
Social Justice Mentorship Session
The team visited San Quentin State Prison as part of the NFL’s Inspire Change initiative. The 49ers and Pastor Earl Smith have visited San Quentin every year since 1997, with the exception of two years during the pandemic. The visit included a social justice discussion, tour of the facility and career training programs offered, including a canine rehabilitation program. A warm lunch and 49ers gift bags were distributed to over forty of the incarcerated men’s children, nieces and nephews as they enjoyed special visitation hours during the players’ visit.
Visit to San Quentin State Prison
Presented by U.S. Bank
To celebrate the season, 29 players and their families joined John and Linda Lynch and Mandy Shanahan for Hope for the Holidays presented by U.S. Bank. At this annual drive-thru event, 125 underserved families received groceries, gift cards, household essentials, toys, and more. Players and their families loaded cars with gifts, signed autographs, and spread holiday cheer, making it a memorable evening for all.
6th Annual Hope for the Holidays
Presented by Dignity Health
The 49ers hosted a Special Olympics flag football game presented by Dignity Health, creating an unforgettable experience for two Special Olympics unified teams at the SAP Performance Facility. The 49ers players joined the event, taking on roles as coaches and referees, offering guidance, encouragement, and even more positive energy.
Special Olympics Flag Football Game
My Cause My Cleats
Presented by Shoe Palace
During week 13, over 40 players and coaches took to the field in custom cleats and shoes that amplified over 40 causes and nonprofits close to their hearts for My Cause My Cleats presented by Shoe Palace.
49ers Wish
In partnership with organizations such as Make-A-Wish, the 49ers host the 49ers Wish program with the goal of enriching the lives of children with life threatening medical conditions. Wish recipients and their families join the 49ers to enjoy a unique day in the life of the team, including a private tour of the stadium, meeting their favorite players and breaking down the huddle during a practice visit, as well as a VIP gameday experience. Fulfilling multiple wishes per year, the 49ers will continue to provide these once in a lifetime experiences and hope that the journey will not only leave a lasting impression on the individuals and their families, but positively impact the 49ers players, coaches, and staff as well. During the 2024 season the team fulfilled eight Make-A-Wish experiences, creating life-long memories for both the Wish families and team.
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