LOS ANGELES (News4usonline) – With the 2023-24 NFL season in sight, the Los Angeles Rams officially kicked off this year’s work away from the field. Leading the charge when it comes to giving back, the team values the community immensely. Their annual Kickoff for Charity fan-player lunch helped raise a ton of money for the Los Angeles Rams Foundation.
The team’s sponsors and supporters gathered at the Fairmont Hotel in Los Angeles for a beautiful meal and celebration in honor of the upcoming season. Steve Wyche of NFL Network was the first to speak once everyone sat at their tables.
The Los Angeles Rams annual Kickoff for Charity event, presented by UNIFY Financial Credit Union on Aug. 22, 2023. Photo credit: Los Angeles Rams
“I have the privilege of being around all 32 teams, and I see the community work they do… The Rams lead the way,” said Wyche. “This is the Rams’ house, and you guys are filling it for a great foundation.”
The members of the Rams roster came out, and each table had a player who sat with the fans while the hotel staff brought out lunch. Every player on the team was in attendance except for one notable name. Aaron Donald’s wife gave birth earlier in the day, so the former Defensive Player of the Year spent the day with the newest member of his family.
The live auction started after players and guests had time to enjoy their meal. The first three items went towards the Rams Foundation, with the fourth going to Maui relief.
A VIP suite field cabana for a Rams home game went for $15,000. A trip to New York for the Rams-Giants game sold for $11, 000, and four tickets to the Super Bowl sold for $42,000. Finally, an ocean-front suite for four nights at a Maui resort sold for $15,000.
“The only way this works is with a truly healthy Los Angeles, a truly healthy community. Helping those who are most vulnerable is what our coaches and players do every day; that is what our organization strives to do,” said Rams President Kevin Demoff.
After eating lunch and signing some autographs with the fans, the team left to get ready to take on the Denver Browns in their preseason finale. The Rams open the regular season on the road in Seattle against the Seahawks, an NFC West Division rival. The first game to be played for the Rams at SoFi Stadium during the regular season will be in Week 2 against the San Francisco 49ers on September 17.
“We all enjoy playing the sport we play but also connecting with people and connecting with people that are passionate about being involved in the community, which I am passionate about as well. I got some great contacts today, and hopefully, we can do some special things moving forward,” Rams defensive back Jordan Fuller said after the event.
It is often overlooked that athletes are people as well, who care about making the world a better place. Events like this let the community know that the players and staff are rooting for the people within the communities, just as communities root for them.
Benjamin Verbrugge is a reporter for News4usonline who studied journalism at CSU Dominguez Hills. “Sports have brought me much joy throughout my life, and I want to give a little back to something that has meant so much to me.” Email Benjamin at benverbrugge8@gmail.com.
Discover more from News4usonline
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.