Sports Backers kicks off 'Building an Active Future' fundraising campaign

RICHMOND, VA –Sports Backers, a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring residents from all corners of the Richmond community to live actively, kicked off their ‘Building an Active Future’ campaign with the announcement that the campaign has already raised nearly $1 million towards its $2.5 million, five-year goal.

“The Building an Active Future campaign will raise funds to double down on our most impactful work and expand our reach even further into underserved communities,” said Jon Lugbill, Executive Director of Sports Backers. “This campaign will help us provide residents of Greater Richmond with access to safe and affordable active living opportunities. As a result our region will be a healthier and more vibrant place to live, work, and play.”

The initial success of the Building an Active Future campaign is thanks to contribution pledges from corporations, foundations, community leaders, and regional governments. The campaign is led by Chairman Roy S. Grier, Vice President for Workforce Development, Dominion Energy. The Campaign Committee also includes Maureen Ackerly, Partner, Armstrong Bristow Farley & Schwarzschild; Daniel Gecker, Partner, Urban Development Associates; Lindsay Wortham, Community Volunteer; Sam Young, President, Astyra; C. Burke King, Senior Vice President, Large Group Segment, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield; Bobby Ukrop, CEO and President, Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods; Sam Mintz, Financial Advisor, BB&T Scott & Stringfellow; Lee Warfield, CEO, Cushman & Wakefield |Thalhimer; Tyler Hutchens, Director of Financial Services, UBS Financial Services, Inc.; Courtney Moates Paulk, Shareholder, Hirschler Fleischer; and Neil Amin, CEO, Shamin Hotels.

Campaign Benefits

An investment in this $2.5 million campaign benefits the Richmond region by:

• Expanding economic impact of sports tourism through Sports Backers owned and operated events and other organizations’ athletic events supported by Sports Backers
• Continuing advocacy to significantly increase the amount of bike and pedestrian infrastructure
• Increasing accessible fitness programs in underserved areas
• Strengthening the active living partner network in the region

“As a longtime Sports Backers volunteer, participant, and donor, I’ve seen over the past decade how our region’s active, outdoor culture has been built and promoted by Sports Backers, “ said campaign chairman Roy Grier. “The campaign’s vision is really reflective of its name – Sports Backers will use the funds raised through this campaign to build a more active future for all residents of our region by bringing physical activity to all corners of our community.”

Committed to Building an Active Future

The following foundations, individuals, companies, and jurisdictions are already committed to Building an Active Future:
Benjamin & Maureen Ackerly
Altria Companies Employee Community Fund
The Robert Leroy Atwell and Lucy Williams Atwell Foundation
The Bank of America Charitable Foundation, Inc.
Bill & Lauri Berry
Bon Secours Health System
J. Alfred Broaddus, Jr.
The Community Foundation Serving Richmond & Central Virginia
Cushman & Wakefield |Thalhimer
Woody & Susan Fowler
Daniel A. Gecker & Elizabeth A. Gibbs
Roy & Charlotte Grier
Henrico County
HHHunt
Hunton & Williams
Shannon and Tyler Hutchens
John Randolph Foundation
Susan and Lennart Freeman
Darius A. Johnson
Burke & Gay King
Gillian & Jon Lugbill
Chris Mackay
Sam & Heather Mintz
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Mary Lloyd & Randy Parks
Dee Ann & Jim Remo
Richmond Times-Dispatch
Robins Foundation
G.M. Rosenthal
S.B. Cox, Inc.
Dan Schmitt
Shamin Hotels
Sledd Family Charitable Fund of the Community Foundation Serving Richmond and Central Virginia
Jayne & Bobby Ukrop
Rob & Shannon Ukrop
Lee & Margie Warfield
Lindsay & Coley Wortham

To learn more about Sports Backers and the Building an Active Future Campaign, visit www.sportsbackers.org or contact Will Dixon, Director of Development, at 804-285-9495 or [email protected].

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About Sports Backers
With a key message of Let’s Go, RVA, the mission of Sports Backers is to inspire people from all corners of our community to live actively. A non-profit organization, Sports Backers is dedicated to producing nationally recognized quality sporting events and programs that motivate residents and visitors alike to be more active, supporting youth running and fitness programs, and advocating for safe and connected networks of bike and pedestrian infrastructure. Learn more at www.sportsbackers.org.