The Foundation is contributing to families through Martha’s Table and Hendley Elementary School in D.C.’s Ward 8 and is calling on sports fans to join on #GivingTuesday
Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation (MSEF) announced on #GivingTuesday that it has donated $50,000 to buy gifts and provide support to more than 100 families in Ward 8. MSE Foundation will give through Martha’s Table, a D.C. nonprofit providing wraparound services and assistance to community members, and Hendley Elementary School, a DC Public School in the Ward 8 section of D.C. Both groups have a long-standing partnership with MSEF, the Washington Capitals, Wizards and Mystics. The Foundation is launching a website for fans to also contribute – all proceeds will then be divided among families participating in the “Family-to-Family” program and may be expanded to support more families.
Fans are asked to contribute to the program through December 31, 2020 by visiting: www.MonumentalFoundation.org/familytofamily
“The sports community looks forward to the Season of Giving every year – and especially this year – because we know that so many spirits can be lifted with simple acts of kindness and a celebration of our shared sense of community,” said Monica Dixon, President, Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation. “We know our sports teams have the most kind-hearted and committed fans in the world and our players, coaches and staff are excited to stand among them and contribute – from our families to families in Ward 8.”
In previous years, MSEF’s Family-to-Family program included staff, coaches, players and coaches and players’ significant others participating in gift buying excursions from family wish lists, staff gift-wrapping parties and delivery of the gifts to families from players across all the teams. However, this year the Foundation has altered its operations considering COVID-19 protocols. MSEF is launching the program with an initial grant and then a series of social media posts highlighting the work of Martha’s Table with the families it serves and asking for fans and the broader community to also donate to the effort. The graphics will highlight the tremendous work of Martha’s Table with compelling storytelling of the real neighbors who will be supported by giving to this program.
Martha’s Table is a D.C.-based nonprofit committed to supporting strong children, strong families and strong communities by increasing access to quality education programs, healthy foods and family supports. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the organization has seen a 400-percent increase in the number of neighbors seeking access to food and other resources. MSEF will administer $40,000 of the grant to Martha’s Table.
“We are grateful for the continued support from the Monument Sports & Entertainment Foundation and the Washington Capitals, Wizards and Mystics throughout our nearly decade long partnership,” said Rae Davidson, Director of Development, Martha’s Table. “They have provided financial assistance, have been a tremendous source of staffing for our volunteer efforts and have consistently promoted our work throughout all of their available channels. The untold number of families their generosity has supported has helped us achieve our shared goal – for all Washingtonians to have the opportunity to thrive.”
Hendley Elementary school is a DC Public School and is host to a marquee program within Martha’s Table, the Joyful Food Market, which provides families with fresh produce to increase their access to healthy food and supports children and their families in making healthy choices. MSEF and the sports teams have volunteered their time at Hendley Elementary school – as part of the Martha’s Table program and through other endeavors with the school – in the DCPS Adopt-A-School partnership extending more than five years. The school will receive $10,000 from MSEF for the Family-to-Family program.
“The Family-to-Family program has greatly benefitted students and families within the Hendley Elementary School community,” said Sundai Riggins, Principal, Hendley Elementary School. “It provides an opportunity for families to enjoy the holiday season in abundance, providing children with time to connect with role models they look up to and are excited to meet in person. It is a perfect time to bring joy into the lives of students and families, at a time that can be difficult for many. We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful program at Hendley.”
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About Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation
MSE Foundation is committed to making the region a better place for all by supporting game-changing solutions for our community. We fundraise, provide grants to nonprofits and rally Monumental Sports & Entertainment’s teams and fans to support and amplify the impact of community change agents. Together, we’re raising the game in the DMV. Learn more at: www.monumentalfoundation.org.
