Submitted by Josh Milton
The Tommy Bohanon Foundation is on a mission to support local youth on and off the playing field, and thanks to the generous support of the Southwest Florida community, the organization raised over $170,000 in 2021.
Every dollar donated to the Tommy Bohanon Foundation goes directly towards supporting the organization’s mission. Last year, the foundation hosted several fundraising events to benefit local at-risk youth, including the Playmaker’s Tailgate Party and Annual Softball Tournament. In addition to its fundraising efforts, the foundation offers workshops, camps and events for local youth, including the highly anticipated Tommy Bohanon Youth Football Camp.
“Our generous community members are truly the ones who make all of this possible for our organization,” said former NFL player Tommy Bohanon, founder of the Tommy Bohanon Foundation. “We are so proud to be making a positive impact in the lives of hundreds of kids, and that is all because of the support of each and every one of our incredible partners, donors, and volunteers.”
Two hardworking high school seniors were awarded the Tommy Bohanon Foundation Scholarship in May of 2021. Marco Medrano and Mariah Figueroa were each awarded $10,000 to be put towards continuing their education after high school. Both students are the first in their families to attend college, and they both come from first-generation immigrant families.
Over the summer, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office donated $30,000 to the foundation. The donation paved the way for the Tommy Bohanon Foundation to support the continued education of three Southwest Florida students.
In July, the foundation hosted the 5th Annual Tommy Bohanon Youth Football Camp at North Fort Myers High School. Over 40 volunteers were in attendance to coach and support nearly 100 campers during the one-day workshop. Campers were taught a great deal more than just football, including valuable life skills that will be the building blocks towards their future success.
In 2021, the Tommy Bohanon Foundation also dispersed $30,000 through its Sports Equipment Grant to five Southwest Florida schools: North Fort Myers High School, South Fort Myers High School, Dunbar High School, Riverdale High School and Mariner High School. The grants were used to purchase athletic program necessities such as new uniforms, new equipment and more for each school’s sports program of choice.
To finish the year, the Tommy Bohanon Foundation collected over $17,000 in toys during its Holiday Toy Drive and Annual Softball Tournament. The events included activities and fun for all ages, such as crafts, delicious food and friendly competition.
“2021 was an incredible year for the Tommy Bohanon Foundation,” Katie Bohanon, executive director of the Tommy Bohanon Foundation, said. “We are looking forward to making an even bigger impact in the lives of our local kids in 2022. We thank you for your continued support of our mission, and can’t wait for another year of success.”
In addition, the Tommy Bohanon Foundation partnered with NorTech Hi-Performance Boats for the company’s 30th anniversary. During the celebration, the foundation raised $80,000 that was dispersed between Ronald McDonald House of SWFL, Blessings in a Backpack and Southeastern Guide Dogs. To wrap up the year, the Tommy Bohanon Foundation was awarded the Best Nonprofit in North Fort Myers by North Fort Myers Neighbor.
The Tommy Bohanon Foundation is a nonprofit organization working to ensure that every child can achieve their goals on and off of the field. To learn more about the organization’s mission, please visit www.tommybohanonfoundation.org.
TOMMY BOHANON FOUNDATION
The Tommy Bohanon Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting young athletes to reach their highest potential on and off the playing field. Former NFL fullback, Tommy Bohanon, returned to his hometown in Southwest Florida to pursue his vision of ending generational poverty for at-risk youth. The foundation funds annual scholarships, sports equipment grants to local high schools, youth football camps, seminars and programs, as well as funding for other local nonprofits. For more information about the Tommy Bohanon Foundation, visit TommyBohanonFoundation.org or call 239-671-0441.
