Community Corner

NFL Players Help Raise Money for Foster Teens

Football stars generate more than $500,000 for the Orangewood Children's Foundation at a two-day charity event hosted by Newport Beach's Athletes First sports agency. The event was held in Dana Point.

Hundreds of football fans joined NFL superstars earlier this month at a two-day fundraiser for Orange County foster teens.

The Athletes First Classic charity event was organized by Athletes First, a Newport Beach sports agency that represents more than 125 athletes and coaches. Held at the St. Regis Resort Monarch Beach in Dana Point, the gala and golf tournament raised more than $500,000 for Orangewood Children’s Foundation’s scholarship program for former foster teens in Orange County, according to event organizers.

Among the professional athletes in attendance were Clay Matthews of the Green Bay Packers, Mark Sanchez of the New York Jets and Reggie Wayne of the Indianapolis Colts. Retired players Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens and Drew Bledsoe of the Dallas Cowboys also participated.

Find out what's happening in Newport Beach-Corona Del Marwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Foster teen April Amsden, who grew up with divorced parents who used drugs, spoke at the gala about her life in foster care and ending up homeless at 15. Amsden said she received help from Orangewood Children’s Foundation, returned to school and is now in college. Her story moved the audience to donate more than $125,000 to Orangewood’s scholarship fund.

“This was a great opportunity for our clients to come together for a great cause,” Athletes First C.E.O. and Orangewood board member David Dunn said. “I applaud them for taking time out of their extremely busy schedules to help the kids of Orangewood."

Find out what's happening in Newport Beach-Corona Del Marwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The charity event wrapped with the presentation of the 2013 Golden Heart Award to philanthropist and founder of the Orangewood PALS auxiliary Stephanie Argyros and Indianapolis Colts wide receiver and six-time Pro Bowler Reggie Wayne.

The award is given annually to one local business leader who has exhibited leadership in doing good works and benefiting humanity, and the other to an athlete who has been a positive role model and has made contributions off the field.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here