INFORMATION SHEET & UPDATE: FALL 2008

The following is some information about the mission of Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund and our progress to date:

 

Brief History of the Organization: The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund is an IRS §501(c)(3), charitable and humanitarian organization that provides financial aid, social and medical services to retried NFL players who are in dire need. The organization is overseen by Mike Ditka and a Board of Director’s that includes, Gale Sayers, Kyle Turley, several professionals, and an advisory committee that includes Harry Carson, Michael Irvin, Daryl Johnston, Matt Birk and others. There are over 150 retired players and coaches who support our efforts through various initiatives.

Player and Grants Statistics: GGAF has been active since February 2007. In our short existence, we have truly made a difference. Since early 2007, GGAF has assisted over 80 former National Football League players and their families in dire need. Many of them have been suffering from debilitating medical issues and some have found themselves in desperate conditions. GGAF has provided over $750,000.00 in direct and indirect aid and has now begun to implement a multi million dollar pro bono medical services program. Most of the needs of the players we provide assistance to are due to an inadequate disability and medical system and/or player’s pension program, as well as a lack of attention paid to the issues retired players face post career and their needs.

Programs:

 

Player Assistance Direct: GGAF provides direct financial support to retired National Football League players and their families. In most cases, we pay funds to providers of services (e.g. medical, pharmaceutical, landlords, utilities, food, clothing, transportation etc.).

Player Assistance Indirect: GGAF has a full-time credentialed social services employee whose single responsibility is to screen and assist players in need. The remainder of our staff is also available and actively involved with the same process. We assist players in filling out not only our application, but also in filling out local social services applications locating and facilitating other assistance such as food, shelter, clothing and medical services. The needs are overwhelming.

Medical Services Program: Possibly our most far-reaching program so far, GGAF has developed a multi million dollar pro bono medical program to provide cost free surgeries (of many types -- not just joint replacements) and other medical services for former National Football League players. GGAF supplies the ancillary support to players for this project. It is anticipated that we will have 15 qualified and full service facilities on-line by the end of 2008 providing such services. Three facilities are currently providing a full slate of services to players.

Gridiron Guardian: Through the efforts and participation of former Kansas City Chiefs, Kyle Turley and Matt Birk of the Minnesota Vikings GGAF has begun a direct donation and public awareness program reaching current National Football League players. The program has raised substantial funds. Funds donated by active players are segregated and 100% go to the direct financial aid portion of our program and not used for any administrative expenses. The program will be facilitated once again this season in December.

Fundraising Activities:

 

Gridiron Greats Super Bowl , Tampa 2009, National and local initiatives: Significant initiatives will take place nationwide and in Tampa, Florida during Super Bowl week. In Tampa, an unprecedented group of over 100 NFL Legends spanning generations will come together to raise funds and awareness for retired NFL players. A nation wide online auction and donation drive will also take place. This unprecedented initiative is the largest humanitarian project to date to assist retired players in dire need.

Additional Hospitals: GGAF plans to add 12 hospitals during 2008 that will provide a wide variety pro bono care to retired players through the Gridiron Greats medical Program

Gridiron Guardian Program: During the third week of December active players will participle in a donation drive. Our first Gridiron Guardian program in 2007 which was spearheaded by Kyle drive was extremely successful.

Special Initiatives: GGAF will participate in specialty fundraising events with Miller Brewing through out the United States raising significant dollars. We intend to duplicate this program with other national companies. An ongoing donation drive with thank you gifts and mini auctions are facilitated throughout the year at www.gridirongreats.org.

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