EMPOWER
49ERS
COMMUNITY IMPACT
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, those facing medical and mental health crises, at-risk individuals and social justice efforts.
Building Stronger Communities Through Bay Area Nonprofit 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, the 49ers hosted over 100 community events and programs throughout the season, connecting 49ers players, personnel, and corporate partners with local community leaders. Here are just a few of the highlights from our year.
CRUCIAL CATCH
Presented by Dignity Health
For the 49ers annual Crucial Catch presented by Dignity Health programming, eighteen 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 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
Through 49ers Read for Justice presented by Newfront, all second-grade students in Oakland Unified School District received a copy of the book Just Ask!: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You By Sonia Sotomayor which demonstrates the importance of diversity and inclusion. 49ers players joined second-grade students from Oakland for an EDU lesson followed by a reading and discussion of the book. As part of this program, 3,100 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. Fifteen 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. The team also delivered donuts and handwritten cards to hospital staff to share their appreciation for their efforts on the frontlines.
FEAST WITH THE NINERS
For the annual Feast with the Niners event, the 49ers served Thanksgiving dinner at CityTeam, a local homeless shelter in San Jose that provides community support through hot meals, groceries, shelter, transitional housing, and restorative programs. Twenty-three players volunteered at the event alongside Jenna and Mara York among other family members. The volunteers helped prepare and serve a warm meal and escorted nonprofit guests to their dinner tables before enjoying the meal alongside them, sharing in conversation and holiday spirit.
SALUTE TO SERVICE
Presented by U.S. BANK
To kickoff the NFL’s Salute to Service presented by U.S. Bank initiative, the 49ers hosted military families for a behind-the-scenes practice visit experience. Guests enjoyed breakfast in the 49ers Café where General Manager John Lynch welcomed the group and shared his appreciation for the military on behalf of the team. Following breakfast, families were escorted to the SAP Performance Facility to enjoy Walk Thru practice. Once practice concluded, families were ‘paired’ with position groups of players who welcomed the guests, learned more of their stories and signed autographs. The families returned for the Salute to Service presented by U.S. Bank game, enjoying football festivities, including standing alongside players during the national anthem and hyping up fans during the second half Fog Horn activation.
CULTURAL TOUR
Hosted by the 49ers
As part of the 49ers Cultural Tour presented by United Airlines, students from a few of the teams’ Social Justice grant partners including AACSA, RYSE, and SPAAT as well as football players from Gunderson High School, joined 49ers players to enjoy a sampling of cuisines from five local, Black-owned restaurants. Following the food tour at the San Jose African American Community Service Agency, the group heard from Dr. Harriett Arnold, author of The History of Antioch Baptist Church & creator of the first Cultural Tour, who shared about the long history of African Americans in San Jose.
VISIT TO SAN QUENTIN STATE PRISON
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 educational programs and career training offered to detained individuals, including a canine rehabilitation program. Holiday gifts were also distributed to over 40 of the incarcerated men’s children, nieces and nephews who had special visitation hours during the players’ visit.
5TH ANNUAL HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Presented by U.S. Bank
The team hosted Hope for the Holidays presented by U.S. Bank to spread cheer and support deserving families this holiday season. 180 families in attendance received numerous resources at the fifth annual drive-thru distribution including holiday meals, weekly groceries, air fryers, space heaters, glasses, toys, and shoes. Families were invited in partnership with nine local nonprofits and schools. Twenty-four players and Ownership joined families of players and coaches to hand out the items while they welcomed guests in a festive atmosphere.
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB VISIT
The 49ers continued their community efforts into the post-season with several players visiting the Boys & Girls Club Silicon Valley Alviso Clubhouse. Seven players spent the afternoon with nearly 100 youth in the after-school program at the clubhouse located in the stadium’s backyard. The day included traditional gym games, board games and an arts-and-crafts activity, capped off with a sweat treat for all in attendance.
MY CAUSE MY CLEATS
Presented by Shoe Palace
During Week 13, over 40 players and nine coaches/staff 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 2023 season, including Playoffs, the team fulfilled ten Make-A-Wish experiences, creating life-long memories for both the Wish families and team.
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