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by David Kindervater
October 16, 2008
Live United: Donte Whitner
Buffalo Bills safety Donte Whitner is on a mission to aid underprivileged youth in effort to enrich, educate, and encourage families in impoverished communities. Donte lives united through his Team20 Foundation. He hosted a Youth Football Mini-Camp to teach kids the values of sportsmanship, leadership and teamwork — on and off the field. His Annual Charity Cancer Strike Bowling Tournament was started as a result of his grandmother being diagnosed with lung cancer. She is now in remission and co-hosts the event to raise funds for families who have a loved one affected by cancer.
“Growing up I always knew that I wanted to remain connected in my community. Being raised in a single-parent home in the inner city of Cleveland showed me the importance of family and education. Without either I would not be the man I am today.”
As a result, Donte honors single parents for their struggles, strength, and sacrifice through the Single Mother’s Spa Day and Do Right Dads initiatives. Donte created Whitner’s Read to Win program and the Impact Plays, Impact Families program. He also joined forces with the Gloria Pointer Teen Initiative Movement in Ghana, West Africa to help build a school for children in need.
For 35 years, United Way and the National Football League and its teams have been working together to help strengthen America’s communities. Today, the NFL and United Way are leveraging resources and relationships to raise awareness about the importance of youth health and fitness and create opportunities for kids to live healthier lifestyles. It’s part of United Way’s 10-year goal to increase by one third the number of youth who are healthy and avoid risky behavior. United Way is proud to partner with the NFL and we incite you to join us. You can help support youth fitness by volunteering your time, lending your voice or contributing to youth fitness programs.
