Jermaine Kearse has made incredible strides in the past year to support military youth and has personally been responsible for more than 200 military youth attending various Seattle Seahawks games at no cost to the military family.
"I know kids in the military often don't get a lot of opportunities," said Seattle Seahawks wide receiver, Jermaine Kearse. "I want to make a difference for them."
By now, many people that are familiar with the local military community in Washington state are aware of the 15 to 1 Jermaine Kearse Foundation (JKF) and all that it's done in its first year to support military youth.
This past weekend, the 15 to 1 JKF got involved with providing complimentary game day passes to Gold Star Children in the community.
This opportunity became available following an earlier outreach meeting on Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Camp Murray in November to discuss opportunities for Jermaine to support military kids. These meetings were held by the JKF Board Chair, Cheri Marusa.
Passes were specifically provided for six separate Gold Star Kids, as well as another pass to bring a significant other/surviving parent with them.
A Gold Star Child is an American child survivor whose father or mother was killed or died while serving in the United States military.
"There may be no larger sacrifice for country than that of the children whom will never see, or maybe ever meet, their parent again due to their parent's ultimate sacrifice for country," said JKF Board Chair, Cheri Marusa.
The sacrifice of losing a parent to military service represents the ultimate sacrifice made by our military families and serves as a reminder on the meaning behind, "Military Kids Serve, Too!"
This popular slogan also emphasizes the dedication and sacrifices of the military youth that, in some case, will never/have never even met nor seen their military parent.
"My wife (Marisa) and I deeply care about uplifting kids of military families," Kearse said. "The Gold Star Child touched our hearts and 15 to 1 is honored to help in providing some fun and smiles to these kids."
Papa Johns was the sponsor that gifted the 12 tickets to the six Gold Star Kids and their surviving parent for the Dec. 27th Seattle Seahawks home game against the St. Louis Rams.
Accompanying team swag, as well as a luncheon, was also provided by the Seattle Seahawks who consistently contribute to these types of military non-profits to assist the Jermaine Kearse 15 to 1 Foundation, and many others, to go above and beyond in making moments like this as an unforgettable memory.
Jermaine Kearse 15 to 1 Foundation first year accomplishments:
- Funding for 150 youth from Joint Base Lewis-McChord to attend finance and business training at Junior Achievement
- Scholarships for youth football players to attend the Jermaine Kearse and Lawyer Milloy Football Camp
- Thirty tickets for youth in military families, and their parents, to the United Way Softball Game
- Donation of 15 to 1 foundation bags for the Trufant/Coleman football camp at JBLM
- Providing eight youth in military families the opportunity to serve as a "Seahawks Sideline Assistant" during a Seahawks home game in partnership with clothing company Uniqlo
- Sponsorship of Joint Base Lewis-McChord CYSS basketball team
- Gifted domestic travel programs
- Two domestic trips in 2015 for a trip to see our Nation's Capital in Washington, D.C.
- Donation of TCL Roku TV's to JBLM Santa's Castle holiday program
Plans are underway for 2016:
- Establish a partnership with Junior Achievement to create a one-week long summer camp for 150 middle school youth
- Two international trips in 2016 to support humanitarian efforts around the world
- Two domestic trips in 2016 to Washington, D.C. to see our Nation's Capital
"Without the capacity to show true compassion and put others first, life would simply lack its full potential," said Cheri. "Fifteen to 1 envisions the joy in doing amazing things together with the Gold Star Child and all the kids of military families."
To become involved with Jermaine's foundation, please email info@jermainekearsefoundation.org or visit his website at http://15to1.org.
"Many hearts working together can accomplish great things!"