More than $1.1 Million Raised at the 2019 JJ Watt Charity Classic
May 6, 2019 (Houston, TX) – The Justin J. Watt Foundation raised more than $1.1 million at its 2019 JJ Watt Charity Classic. On Saturday night, Minute Maid Park held more than 17,000 fans who came to the ballpark to cheer on 26 members of the Houston Texans playing softball for a greatcause. The funds raised at the event will go toward the foundation’s mission to support after-school athletic programs for middle-school children.
JJ Watt won the home run derby and Team Offense took home the victory, beating Team Defense 13-7.
“It was great to bring the community together again for the 6th Charity Classic,” said JJ Watt, defensive end for the Houston Texans and foundation founder. “Since we took a year off to focus on helping Houston in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, I forgot how fun this event is for me, my teammates and the fans. It’s a great way for us to help fund programs that teach kids to dream big and work hard to achieve their dreams.”
At the event, the JJ Watt Foundation recognized on the field three community members who live by JJ’s Dream Big Work Hard motto and have displayed the character traits of accountability, teamwork, leadership, work ethic and perseverance in their daily lives.
- Victoria De La Garza: A 21-year-old entrepreneur who donates hand-knit hats
- Hannah Wilson: A 2nd Lieutenant with the U.S. Army
- Adan Lewis: A 14-year-old who is overcoming the challenges of Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome to maintain his school grades and participate in sports
Their complete stories are available on the foundation’s website.
“We asked people to nominate someone they knew who dreams big and works hard,” said Watt. “It was an honor to recognize three nominees at the game, and it was inspiring to read the many submitted nominations that shared the ways people are dreaming big and working hard.”
The foundation is thankful to fans, sponsors and volunteers who made this successful night possible!
About The Justin J. Watt Foundation
The Justin J. Watt Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides funding for after-school athletic programs for middle-school aged children. The goal is to provide opportunities for these students to become involved in athletics, so that they may learn the character traits of accountability, teamwork, leadership, work ethic, and perseverance, while in a safe and supervised environment with their peers. For more information about the Justin J. Watt Foundation and event, visit www.jjwfoundation.org, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Written by Abelina Tavera