The program followed the narrative of late Founder, Andy Hoffman’s Book, Yards After Contact
ATKINSON, NE—On April 16, the Team Jack Foundation gathered sponsors, special guests, friend and more, virtually, for their 8th Annual Gala which raised $482,000 for their cause: childhood brain cancer research.
Presented by Fat Brain Toys, the gala had a special look this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, yet supporters were still dedicated to raising money for childhood brain cancer. Fat Brain Toys has been the presenting sponsor of the Gala since 2017. In addition to their sponsorship, Fat Brain Toys asks their customers to round up for Team Jack at checkout throughout the year. The 2020 Round Up for Team Jack Campaign totaled $36,600 making the five-year Round Up total $113,000.
The 8th Annual Team Jack Gala program followed the narrative of the book, Yards After Contact, written by the late Andy Hoffman, which was released in October 2020, just months before Hoffman passed from the disease himself. The event was presented as a one-hour special which aired on News Channel Nebraska, MeTV and online on Friday, April 16, at 7:00 PM.
The program featured interviews from Keith Zimmer, Associate AD, Nebraska Athletics, Rex Burkhead, former Husker, New England Patriot Running Back and Team Jack Board Member and many more. Each explained their connection to the Foundation and their part in helping bring awareness to the disease.
The program honored nearly 75 children affected by brain cancer, some who are currently fighting, are in remission or who have lost their battle. One of those children, Cole Christensen, was featured in the Spotlight Story presented by The Home Agency and the Jim & Sharri Baldonado Family. Cole was from Lincoln, Nebr. and passed away from brain cancer at age three. He was a light to all who knew him, and the Foundation was honored to share his story this year.
“The unacceptable reality is that children right here in Nebraska and nationwide continue to be diagnosed with brain cancer and continue to have few treatment options. This is not acceptable and that is why we choose to continue to support this event and the Foundation,” said Jim Baldonado, President of The Home Agency and Annual Gala Child Spotlight Story Sponsor.
The program ended with the annual tradition of the Teammate of the Year Award presentation. This award is given out to an individual(s) in recognition of their commitment to the Foundation’s mission. Mark and Karen Carson, Founders of Fat Brain Toys, presented this year’s award to the Brianna Hoffman Family and the late Andy Hoffman. The battle to end childhood brain cancer is grossly underfunded, but the Hoffman’s have shown that perseverance and determination can start a movement.
With the support of many, the gala achieved a record year, raising $482,000 for research. In addition to the traditional elements of the gala, this year the Foundation sold raffle tickets to win a restored 1980 Trans Am donated by Mark & Mari Burch and Burch Motorsports of Lincoln, NE.
Over 1,100 raffle tickets were purchased, and the lucky winner was William Richardson from North Platte, Nebraska. This was an exciting way for the Foundation to bridge the gap left by not being able to hold an in-person event.
“We were unsure of what this year’s event would look like due to the pandemic, but we knew we had to push forward to continue to raise money for research. The outpouring support not only sustains our mission financially but is a reminder of how passionate our supporters and donors are about our cause. We are so thankful,” said Kylie Dockter, Executive Director of the Team Jack Foundation.
The mission of Team Jack is stronger than ever. Since the inception of the Foundation in 2013, over $8.5 million has been raised for research. Andy’s wish was that the story of the Team Jack Foundation will someday be part of the final and unwritten chapter: the cure. This does not happen without the commitment of individuals and companies like those who supported and continue to support this annual event. The Foundation will keep fighting until there is a cure. The 9th Annual Gala will be held at The Cornhusker Hotel on February 26, 2021. To learn more or get involved, visit, www.TeamJackFoundation.org.
