The New York Giants‘ very own former-head coach Tom Coughlin is an admiral man who serves as president of the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund. The Jay Fund has worked hard over the last 25 years to help families with children battling cancer. The foundation features three annual signature fundraising events. In the fall, The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund hosts its annual Champions for Children Gala in New York City.
Each year, the Champions for Children Gala honors cancer patients, philanthropists, and celebrities committed to tackling childhood cancer. The foundation recognizes specific individuals who have worked hard to fight for this cause each year as special honorees. These honorees are inducted into the Champions for Children Hall of Fame.
In 2020, the Champions for Children Gala will feature three honorees: James Dune III (Vice Chairman & Senior Managing Principal, Piper Sandler Companies), Lesa France Kennedy (Executive Vice Chair, NASCAR), and Eli Manning (former New York Giants quarterback and 2x Super Bowl Champion).
Eli Manning: Champions for Children Gala Hall Of Famer
Eli Manning wrapped up a historic sixteen-year career with the New York Giants in 2020. The Giants legend led the team to two Super Bowl victories, earning the honors of Super Bowl MVP in both of the championship games. Manning, a fantastic philanthropist who works with numerous charitable foundations, will have another accomplishment to add to his list in 2020. Eli Manning will be inducted into the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund’s Champions for Children Hall of Fame.
It should not be news to anyone that Manning is a hard-working philanthropist. Eli is a winner of the NFL’s most prestigious off-field award, being named the 2016 Walter Payton Man of the Year (along with Larry Fitzgerald). NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell referred to the award as the NFL’s “highest honor.” According to Giants.com, “Manning was also named the Giants’ Man of the Year in 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2015. He was one of the three finalists for the Man of the Year award in 2015, when the award went to wide receiver Anquan Boldin.” Eli was the first player in the history of the New York Giants to win the award.
“Championing causes that involve children has always been a priority for Manning, and that goal has intensified now that he is the father of three young daughters.
Manning is a fervent champion for causes involving children. He has served as the Chair of the New York March for Babies for the past eight years, joining thousands of New Yorkers in the walk in support of March of Dimes. Providing additional access for top sponsors, engaging donors and raising awareness of the organization’s platform, Manning’s efforts with March for Babies helped raise more than $25 million over the past seven years.” – via Giants.com in 2017
Eli Manning will join elite company in 2020 as an honoree at the Champions for Children Gala. Manning will join the likes of Justin Tuck (2018), Steve Sabol (2011), Ann Mara (2008), and many other great philanthropists as a Champions for Children Hall of Famer. You can check out the full list of Hall of Famers here.
Congratulations, Eli Manning, and thank you for all you do. You are a consistent role model at all times and your incredible work off the football field is what makes you the true legend that you are. Thank you for always being a class act and using your platform to fight for important causes.