2019 Year in Review: The Foundation Making an Impact in its Second Year

“Philadelphia and its residents have given so much to our family and we are so excited to be giving back to those who are working to make Philadelphia a better place,” said Zach.

The foundation started its year with a $65,488 donation from its partner, Chegg as the culmination of its inaugural “Catches for the Community” campaign. The ‘Catches for the Community’ campaign was based on Zach’s 2018 – ‘19 season for breaking the record for the most receptions by a tight end in a single season. To support the foundation, Chegg pledged $860.00 dollars for every first down Zach earned (66) and $1,086.00 dollars for every touchdown (8) totaling $65,448 in funds raised for education.

“We are incredibly grateful to have partnered with Zach, Julie and the Ertz Family Foundation to support and empower youth by sharing learning through sports and education,” said Dan Rosensweig, CEO of Chegg. “Chegg is proud to be part of the Foundation’s family of donors where together we are making a difference in students’ lives.”

One month later, on March 8th, 2019, Zach was honored with the 2019 Steinberg DeNicola Humanitarian Award presented at the 82nd Annual Maxwell Football Gala.  The Humanitarian award is given to a representative of the NFL that has committed themselves to doing good in their community.

In July, after the Ertz’s celebrated with the country a Team USA victory at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, the foundation held it’s inaugural Ertz Family Foundation Par-Tee Golf Tournament and Reception at Blackhawk Country Club in Danville, CA.

“I was truly amazed at the support everyone showed towards our mission with the Ertz Family Foundation,” said NFL Champion and Philadelphia Eagles Tight End, Zach Ertz, “Having our inaugural golf tournament was a huge success and I am so thankful to everyone who made that day special. From being on the course, to the reception, we are so grateful everyone took the time to be a part of our family! Julie and I feel a responsibility to bring hope and love to the people of our communities and we truly know the best is yet to come!”

The day officially kicked off with 140 golfers on Blackhawk County Club’s Falls Course, an 18-hole, par-72 championship course. Among the 212 golfers and guests at the reception were notable figures of sports and popular culture including Michael Madden, Khaliah Ali, Kristi Yamaguchi, Bret Hedican, Brent Jones, and Ricky Watters. Guests enjoyed spirited silent and live auctions, remarks from hosts, Zach and Julie Ertz, emcee Brent Jones, special guest, Khaliah Ali, and more.

The highlight of the evening was the live auction and “fund-a-need” call-out when Zach and Julie committed to match all donations from the evening. With their donation and the generosity of those in attendance, the event raised over $400,000 in proceeds.

• The Ertz Family Foundations’ charity partner, College Is Real’s mission to help students become the first in their families to attend and graduate from college.
• The formation of the “Zach and Julie Ertz Scholarship Fund” for College Is Real to continue to support students in Richmond, CA achieve their dream of a college education.
• Provide grants to select Philadelphia-area charities offering services in the foundation’s focus areas of youth education, sports and family enrichment.
• Support Kensington development and improvement projects.

“Being able to use our platform to make an impact in communities that have supported both our careers is so important to us. Excited to see it all come together,” explained 2019 U.S. Women’s Soccer FIFA World Cup Champion, Julie Ertz.

To advance the second year of their giving back goals, the Ertz Family Foundation in September, launched its 2nd Annual “Catches for the Community” campaign providing a unique opportunity for fans, friends, and businesses to participate in to support youth and their families in the Philadelphia area.

For the 2019/’20 NFL season, the Ertz Family Foundation sought the support of Eagles’ fans, friends and businesses to support the Philadelphia community by participating in the performance-based crowdfunding campaign. To start the campaign, Zach and Julie pledged $500 per catch, and Chegg’s CEO, Dan Rosensweig, committed the same amount as last year ($860 per catch and $1,086 per touchdown). Participants could support the campaign by pledging as little as one dollar per catch, match Zach and Julie’s pledge, or pledge any amount desired.

In October of 2019, The Ertz Family Foundation launched the “City of Love Fund” created by Zach and Julie to provide necessary funding to Philadelphia area nonprofits who are providing everyday life needs and necessities to underserved Philadelphia residents.

“It’s been amazing to see how much support our foundation has received; it is now our hope to extend our reach by supporting like-minded organizations who are in the community serving those in need,” said Julie Ertz.

The focus of the City of Love Fund is to provide grant support to charities, programs and initiatives that serve the most vulnerable residents. Priority is given to Philadelphia area nonprofit organizations that demonstrate excellence in community involvement, leadership, governance and fiscal practices. The City of Love Fund’s goal is to help make a measurable impact in the communities and families served for a better and greater Philadelphia.

The City of Love Fund and Founder’s Grant Recipients:

• Timoteo Sports
• Young Women Rising Philadelphia Futures
• Mighty Writers
• LOGAN Hope

Zach and Julie went into the Holiday Season once again by partnering with ACME Markets and Bringing Hope Home to distribute over 100 Thanksgiving meals to families battling cancer.

• Zach was chosen to represent the Philadelphia Eagles and the NFC in his third-straight Pro Bowl selection.
• Julie was awarded with the WOGL Remarkable Woman of the Year Award for her charitable work with the Ertz Family Foundation as well as her accomplishments on the soccer field.
• Julie was also named the 2019 US Soccer Female Player of the Year and she and her USWNT teammates were chosen as the TIME Magazine Athletes of the Year.
• Julie was also honored with the 2019 FIFA FIFPro Women’s World11 Award, presented to her in Milan in September.

As the foundation heads into 2020, it is excited to hold its Second annual Ertz Par-Tee Golf Tournament and Reception on July 13th, 2020 at Roundhill Country Club in Alamo, CA, continue to support Philadelphia area organizations through its “City of Love Fund” and work with the community to continue its mission of empowering others by sharing faith, learning through sports and advancing education to build supportive communities. Zach, Julie and The Ertz Family Foundation are so grateful for all the generosity and support received in 2019 and are excited in 2020 to triple its efforts in Philadelphia and continue to support its pillars of interest in Northern California.