Big League Philanthropist

Danielle spoke with Amy Kingman, the Executive Director of the Learning by Giving Foundation, in February of 2019 about the great work that the organization is doing to inspire a new generation of effective philanthropists. From courses in colleges and universities around the country, to innovative partnerships with sports teams, stadiums and athletes, the organization is passionate about the power of sports to make a difference in the nonprofit world.  To learn more about the Learning by Giving Foundation and how to get involved, visit their website at www.learningbygivingfoundation.org. You can also follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To read the Tackle What Matters article that complements this podcast interview, click here. 

Chris Dickerson is an MLB alum who played for the Cincinnati Reds, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Yankees, the Cleveland Indians and the Baltimore Orioles. He chose not to enter the MLB right away when he was drafted out of high school and instead played baseball for the University of Nevada while getting his college degree. In 2007, prior to joining the major leagues, Chris co-founded Players for the Planet with fellow player Jack Cassel and since then they’ve brought on dozens of athletes like Robinson Cano, Curtis Granderson, Brent Suter, Giancarlo Stanton, Nelson Cruz, Zach Britton, and Ryan Braun to support the cause.  Danielle and Chris chat about how he got into baseball and why sports has opened up so many doors for him. Chris shares why raising awareness for and protecting the environment is such an important part of his life. They discuss what it was like to start a nonprofit prior to going pro, and how being a pro athlete became an asset to the organization and his mission. Chris shares how his dad was a big motivator for him to stay active and aware about helping the environment, and what Players for the Planet is doing to raise awareness all over the country and internationally in areas like the Dominican Republic.  To learn more about Players for the Planet and how you can get involved with your community, visit http://playersfortheplanet.org/ and be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can follow Chris on Twitter and Instagram.

Wes Martin is a rookie offensive lineman for the Washington Redskins. Born and raised in West Milton, Ohio, he played football for Indiana University and was named honorable mention All-Big Ten in his redshirt junior and senior seasons. He was drafted to the Redskins in the 4th round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Wes founded Brave Breed Rescue, Inc. while he was in his senior year of college. Brave Breed is located in West Milton and is a 501c3 dedicated to rescuing and re-homing all dog breeds that enter their care.  Wes and Danielle chat about the transition from college athlete to professional, the challenges of starting a nonprofit organization AND balancing that with playing football at a high level. He chats about how important his mom has been throughout his life and what it's like working with her at the organization. Wes shares the inspiration behind why he started Brave Breed and why he's motivated to help dogs find forever homes. He also speaks about the importance of fostering to save dogs currently in shelters waiting to be adopted.  To learn more about Brave Breed Rescue, visit www.bravebreed.org and be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can follow Wes on Twitter and Instagram.   

John Register is an inspirational speaker, trainer and coach, who commands his listeners attention on the topic "Hurdling Adversity". John is an avid athlete and played baseball, track and field and more as a kid. He ran Track and Field at the University of Arkansas, and originally majored in music, the cello specifically, before switching over to communications to focus his time on sports. He qualified for the Olympic Trials twice. He served in the US Army and participated in Desert Storm and Desert Shield.  Unfortunately in 1994, John suffered a life changing knee injury when practicing on the hurdles and ended up getting the leg amputated. He didn't let that injury stop him. He climbed his way back into sports, practicing and training for the Paralympic Games. In 2000, he won the silver medal in the Long Jump at the Paralympic Games. Alongside his sports activities, John spearheaded the US Army's World Class Athlete Program. He worked for the USOC until earlier this year and launched the USOC Paralympic Military Program, which uses sports to assist in the recovery of wounded, ill or injured service members. John and Danielle discuss what made him choose track and field (because no one naturally enjoys running, right?), what it was like going through the Army and how he transformed his life in such a positive way after his injury. He talks about why sport is such a powerful tool and a universal language to encourage dialogues both big and small.  John now travels the country to share his insight on the topic "Hurdling Adversity" and helps people understand what's holding them back from who they are trying to become. He is the facilitator of the brilliance in the room! His latest Ted Talk, called "Live Beyond Tolerance", at TEDx Colorado Springs will be released soon- to get the link as soon as it drops, you can email John at John@Johnregister.com. You can follow John on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn. Check out his YouTube Channel to see some of his amazing speeches. Visit www.johnregister.com for more info or to inquire about having John come out and speak to your team! 

Dereck Faulkner is a former NFL and CFL player who is now an entrepreneur and Founder of Athletes for Vets. Dereck went to Hampton University and got his MBA from George Washington University. He works to unite, support, advocate for and help the heroes that defend our nation's freedom. Danielle and Dereck chat about what life was like growing up in a military family, his later than usual start to football, the inspiration behind Athletes for Vets and how his MBA program pushed him to launch the vision for Athletes for Vets. We also learn how Athletes for Vets supports veterans and military organizations, some of the challenges Dereck faces when working to fundraise and create awareness, and so much more. Dereck is passionate about athletes giving back in any way that makes sense for them, and considers it their duty. Be sure to follow Dereck on Instagram @dereckfaulkner and Twitter @DereckFaulkner and follow Athletes for Vets on Twitter: @athletesforvets, Instagram: @athletesforvets, and visit their website: https://www.athletesforvets.org to learn more about how you can support their work.

Haron Hargrave is a former basketball player and point guard who played for Sacramento State and went on to play for Mediaş in the top league in Romania. Today, Haron is a community activist, working to bridge the gap between law enforcement and communities through Ballin' 4 Peace. Danielle and Haron chat about how Haron got into basketball, the inspiration behind Ballin' 4 Peace, and what motivates him to keep growing that movement every day. Along the way, we learn the impact that Haron's mother had on his life, why sport is such a powerful tool for social change and how athletes can create impact in communities like no one else. Be sure to follow Haron on Instagram @h2O5 and follow Ballin' for Peace on Twitter: @ballin4peace and Instagram: @Ballin4Peace, and visit their website: https://ballin4peace.org/ to learn more about how you can support their incredible movement.  

We’re thrilled to bring you the Big League Philanthropist podcast! We focus on athletes doing amazing things in the community. Whether they have started their own nonprofits or are partnering with nonprofits to make a difference, we’ll share their stories here. Follow us on Twitter @bigleaguephil and on instagram @bigleaguephilanthropist. Email us at bigleaguephilanthropist@gmail.com.