2019 Community Report 2019JAG_CommunityReport | Page 12

Enriching the Lives of
Families
and Neighborhoods
CRUCIAL CATCH: INTERCEPT CANCER THE FIGHT AGAINST FOOD INSECURITY
At the Jaguars’ annual Crucial Catch game
against the Los Angeles Rams, the team
honored survivors of various forms of cancer.
The Jaguars hosted more than 200 guests
from the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund for a special
pregame experience on the sidelines for the
National Anthem. In addition, the Jaguars
collaborated with 8 different nonprofits,
including the American Cancer Society, The
Tom Coughlin Jay Fund, Make A Wish and
many others to host a private event for 250
cancer survivors who battled breast cancer,
prostate cancer and childhood cancer for a
night of celebration at Flight Fit n Fun. Food insecurity negatively affects 283,000
individuals in northeast Florida, including
more than 81,000 children. In an effort
to combat hunger in our community, the
Jaguars Foundation, Publix, and PepsiCo
work closely with Feeding Northeast Florida
annually to provide a holiday meal to more
than 1,200 families, seniors and veterans. The
Foundation also hosts an annual event, Taste
of the NFL - Jacksonville, to bring awareness
and raise funds in support of the Jaguars
Foundation’s and Feeding Northeast Florida’s
hunger relief programs. Since 2014, Feeding
Northeast Florida has distributed over 12.5
million meals to struggling families and
children on the First Coast.
TOM COUGHLIN JAY FUND
The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund was established
in 1996 in honor of one of Tom Coughlin’s for-
mer players at Boston College, Jay McGillis,
who lost his battle with leukemia. In honor of
Jay, Coach Coughlin made it his mission to
help other families tackle childhood cancer by
providing comprehensive financial, emotional,
and practical support. Since its inception, the
Jay Fund has helped over 5,000 families and
provided $11 million in financial assistance to
BE THERE for parents facing the unthinkable,
so they can BE THERE for their sick children
and families.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
In 2018, the Jaguars and TIAA Bank launched
the One Team. One Home. initiative in part-
nership with HabiJax and other Habitat for
Humanity affiliates on the First Coast. TIAA
Bank and the Jaguars are each contribut-
ing $1 million over the next five years to
help build or repair 100 homes in northeast
Florida. As part of this initiative the Jaguars
will be mobilizing hundreds of volunteers to
assist with the home builds. TIAA Bank will
contribute additional dollars to fund home-
builds and repair projects in other counties
around the state of Florida where TIAA Bank
has an existing presence. In celebration of
the Jaguars 25th season, One Team. One
Home. will build or repair 25 homes during
the 2019 season as part of the NFL’s Huddle
for 100 program.
25th SEASON EDITION
UNITED WAY HOMETOWN HUDDLE
VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
Over the last 40 years, the NFL and United
Way have partnered to help build stronger,
healthier communities in all 32 NFL markets.
Each fall the Jaguars partner with United
Way of Northeast Florida for a hands-on
community service project called Hometown
Huddle. Children who are members of United
Way programs get a chance to spend the day
with Jaguars players and staff to participate
in fitness activities and community service
projects.
FIRST NATURALIZATION CEREMONY
HELD AT NFL GAME
As a naturalized American citizen, owner
Shad Khan brought the idea to the table to
host the very first Naturalization Ceremony at
an NFL game. 65 immigrants became United
States citizens during halftime of the Jaguars
vs. Redskins game in December of 2018.
As part of the ceremony, participants stood
together at the 50-yard line, raised their right
hands and swore the oath and fans then
joined in to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
Thousands of fans cheered the new American
citizens in a standing ovation.