Chris Long to Donate 10 Game Checks to Educational Equity Cause; Launches 'Pledge 10 for Tomorrow' Campaign

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chris Long Foundation announced today that Chris Long will donate his upcoming 10 NFL game checks to further his support of educational equity. In conjunction with his contribution, Long is launching the Pledge 10 for Tomorrow campaign. The campaign encourages fans, businesses and every person with a desire to join in his pursuit of equal education opportunities for all students to make a donation. The goal is that Long's donation will be matched by pledges made by those inspired to join the effort — because together we can accomplish more.

"In my 10th year, I want to celebrate the awesome opportunity I've had to play football by giving back to the communities that have given me that gift," said Long. "Educational opportunity and equity are the best gateway to a better tomorrow for everyone in America."

Long's 10 game check donation is in addition to the six game checks he previously donated to fund scholarships in his hometown of Charlottesville, Virginia. In summation, Long is donating his entire 2017 salary to education-based causes because he believes education is the key to building a bright future that produces social equality.

Long's foundation has identified four organizations whose missions focus on making education easily accessible to underserved youth while also providing students the support they need to develop strong social and emotional character. The four organizations are based in the three communities in which Long has played during his NFL career: St. Louis, Missouri, Boston, Massachusetts, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Three of the four organizations identified (Summer Search Boston, Summer Search Philadelphia and College Bound), provide a holistic support system to each student beginning in their sophomore year of high school through the completion of their undergraduate degree. Summer Search and College Bound provide mentoring, develop academic competency and nourish the overall well-being of students facing systemic inequities that could deter their pursuit of higher education. The Little Bit Foundation in St. Louis begins their student advocacy program in elementary school and addresses the needs of the whole child – body, mind and spirit – so that students can focus on their education all the way through graduation.

Each of the four organizations participating in the Pledge 10 for Tomorrow (#Pledge10) campaign will receive a $100,000 donation from Long. Fans and business are encouraged to join Long by pledging a recurring donation for each game remaining in the NFL regular season or by making a pledge of $10.  The city with the most pledges to the campaign will receive an additional $50,000 from Long.

The #Pledge10 campaign was launched in hopes of inspiring others to be a part of the change set forth in Long's mission of spreading educational equity.

"By joining forces we will have the power to make a bigger impact and create a rich, educated culture for all of our youth," said Long. "These kids will be the kids that can propel positive change in their communities."

For those that wish to join the cause and/or learn more about the Pledge 10 for Tomorrow campaign and its beneficiaries, please visit www.pledgeit.org/Pledge10.

Media inquiries contact Nicole Woodie, (786) 863-7096, [email protected]

Pledge 10 for Tomorrow Organizations:

St. Louis: College Bound

College Bound (http://collegeboundstl.org) is a St. Louis-grown nonprofit recognized as one of the best college access-and-success organizations, nationwide. Through an individualized, holistic, and multi-year commitment, College Bound empowers promising students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to achieve bachelor's degrees and fulfilling careers. Why? Because one college degree can end the cycle of poverty in a family forever. Today, College Bound students graduate at five times the rate of their peers.

St. Louis: The Little Bit Foundation

Founded in 2001, The Little Bit Foundation (www.thelittlebitfoundation.org) is a leader in breaking down barriers to learning for under-resourced children in the St. Louis area by providing for their basic needs. The organization currently serves 9,000 students in 31 partner schools. In every school, Little Bit serves as the convener of programs and services that address the needs of the whole child – physical, mental and emotional – and works one-on-one with each child to support his or her health and wellness, classroom readiness and self-esteem. The results are positive personal and academic growth in students impacted by poverty, with the goal of seeing each of them graduate and go on to fulfill their dreams.

Boston and Philadelphia: Summer Search

The mission of Summer Search is to help students from low-income backgrounds transform what they believe is possible for themselves and strengthen the skills they need to become college-educated leaders who give back to their families and communities. It's not about charity. It's about equity. Through a combination of mentoring, experiential learning opportunities, and start to finish college support, Summer Search gives young people the opportunity to strengthen the skills they need to succeed in school and in life. And in doing so, they soar.

Boston: https://www.summersearch.org/boston

Philadelphia: https://www.summersearch.org/philadelphia

About The Chris Long Foundation

The mission of The Chris Long Foundation is to support bright futures for communities and the individuals that make up those communities. We believe borders do not limit caring about our fellow neighbors. We engage in both international and domestic programs focused around clean water, military appreciation, homelessness and youth. Our programs strive to generate impactful results by creating opportunities and providing resources, financial support and meaningful experiences to those we serve. Visit www.chrislongfoundation.org to find out more about the foundation's work.

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