Philadelphia's Zach Ertz Named Week 5 NFLPA Community MVP
Eagles tight end donated $80,000 to launch scholarship program for orphaned students in Haiti
PHILADELPHIA’S ZACH ERTZ NAMED WEEK 5 NFLPA COMMUNITY MVP
Eagles tight end donated $80,000 to launch scholarship program for orphaned students in Haiti
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Zach Ertz has been named Week 5 NFLPA Community MVP for donating $80,000 to Mission of Hope: Haiti to create the Ertz Family Foundation Haiti Scholarship Program. This initiative will provide full scholarships to orphaned graduating high school students living in Haiti.
The contribution will cover room, board, tuition, meals and learning material for a full year of education at a local college or university in Haiti. Students who receive this reward were raised at the Mission of Hope: Haiti orphanage and defied the odds in a country where 60 percent of students drop out of school before sixth grade and less than 1 percent receive post-secondary education, according to UNICEF.
“I am beyond honored to have been named the NFLPA Week 5 Community MVP,” Ertz said. “My wife Julie and I are driven to make positive and enduring change in our beloved city of Philadelphia, in California, in Haiti and around the world.”
The scholarship fund marks one of the first steps taken by the Ertz Family Foundation, launched in June by Ertz and his wife, Julie, who won a FIFA World Cup as a member of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team. Their non-profit organization strives to empower others by sharing faith, learning through sports and advancing education to build supportive communities.
Both the foundation and subsequent scholarship program stemmed from a trip to Haiti earlier this year by the Ertzes. Upon returning, the couple vowed to find ways to help others and spread hope in America and abroad.
In August, the Ertz Family Foundation donated $10,000 to Kensington High School in Pennsylvania after the football team lost all of its equipment following a break-in. Ertz and his wife will again give back to the Philadelphia community on November 29, when their foundation hosts the City of Love Gala and Auction Fundraiser. The proceeds will benefit their City of Love Fund, a grant-making program devoted to supporting local charities in Philadelphia that align with their foundation’s three pillars: youth sports, education and family.
“We are committed to bringing love and hope to all of these communities and thank you for this honor,” Ertz said.
In honor of Ertz being named this week’s Community MVP, the NFLPA will make a $10,000 contribution to his foundation or charity of choice along with an in-kind donation to him on behalf of our supporting partner Delta Private Jets. A limited-edition bobblehead will also be made of Gordon and sold by our supporting partner Forever Collectibles at www.sportsfanisland.com and www.foco.com. The NFLPA will donate part of the proceeds from this collector’s item to the player’s charity or foundation of choice.
The NFLPA is also proud to partner with Life is Good, the original positive lifestyle apparel brand, to showcase athletes whose values align with the brand’s commitment to growing the good in their communities and helping those in need. In January 2019, Life is Good will further advance the MVPs’ worthy causes with the Life is Good x NFLPA commemorative T-shirt collection at LifeisGood.com and Fanatics.com. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to each player’s charity or foundation of choice.
Ertz, along with the other 2018 Community MVPs, will become eligible for this year’s Alan Page Community Award, which is the highest honor that the NFLPA can bestow upon a player.
The NFLPA Community MVP program recognizes NFL players who are making a positive impact in their local communities. Each week during the regular season, the NFLPA will celebrate one NFL player who has demonstrated a commitment to giving back to his community. Please visit our website to read more about the program as well as the current and past winners.
2018 NFLPA Community MVP winners*:
Week 0: Tyrann Mathieu, Houston Texans
Week 1: Melvin Gordon, L.A. Chargers
Week 2: Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs
Week 3: Tyreek Hill, Kansas City Chiefs
Week 4: Damon Harrison, New York Giants
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