Come next fall, millions of the most undeniably die-hard fans will gather in front of television sets across the nation to watch the National Football League (NFL) kick off its 2009 season. Only this time, they’ll be able to channel some of their drive and energy against cancer while they support their favorite team, thanks to one of the nation’s leading sports networks.
FOX Sports selected City of Hope as one of four nonprofit organizations to benefit from its “FOX Sports Supports” program in 2009. This initiative raises awareness, funds and volunteerism for national charities.
City of Hope will be the sole charitable beneficiary in FOX Sports’ 2009 NFL season, which reaches more than 150 million people. The national sports network will feature City of Hope in mentions on air during FOX NFL game broadcasts from September through the playoffs in January 2010.
Besides game-time coverage, public service announcements featuring NFL players and commentators will run on FOX news, sports and entertainment stations, promoting City of Hope and its mission and appealing for support. The FOX Sports Supports Web site, www.FOXsportssupports.com, also will prominently feature City of Hope.
FOX Sports Supports was created in 2007 by David Hill, chairman and chief executive officer of FOX Sports Television Group, and Bill Wanger, senior vice president of research and programming.
Wanger is a longtime City of Hope supporter. He nominated City of Hope as a candidate for FOX Sport Supports, and FOX Sports employees ultimately selected the institution through a vote.