Draftathon

Together We Can Make A Difference
Join the NFL's Pandemic Recovery Efforts

COUNTDOWN TO DRAFT:

As we all continue to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic, our communities and nation at large need to continue supporting each other. Through the NFL's Draft-a-Thon, we will work closely with our partners to support pandemic recovery, especially in our communities that have lacked significant resources.

Draft-a-Thon will bring awareness and fundraise for national nonprofit organizations supporting key issues that impact underserved communities: health disparities, bridging the digital divide, bringing awareness to the importance of mental health, and helping to solve food insecurity.

Starting Thursday, April 29, you can donate here. Every donation helps.

BENEFICIARIES:

Mental Health America is the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and to promoting the overall mental health of all. This year, 4 out of 5 people who took an anxiety or depression screening reported moderate to severe symptoms. The pandemic has made it clear to everyone that there is a huge need for more mental health services and support, especially in our hardest hit communities and the Draft-a-Thon will raise awareness and understanding that prioritizing this is a key part of recovering from the pandemic.

Communities of color, indigenous communities, older and rural Americans have long faced health disparities, creating obstacles to achieve health. This has been exacerbated by the pandemic, where COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted those already experiencing health disparities. Through Draft-a-Thon, the CDC Foundation will drive awareness of the cause of health inequities and promote vital community conditions, including meeting the basic needs for health, nutrition, safety, housing, education and meaningful work.

Feeding America estimates nearly 42 million people, including 13 million children, could face food insecurity in 2021 due to the ongoing economic fallout from COVID-19. This equates to 1 in 8 people and 1 in 6 children. Feeding America’s mission is to feed those facing food insecurity through a nationwide network of member food banks and engage our country in the fight to end hunger. Draft-a-Thon is helping to spread awareness and provide funding for our neighbors that need help putting food on the table.

Over this past year, the digital divide – a growing chasm between those who have access to computers and reliable, high-speed Internet and those who do not – has widened due to the pandemic. The Education Trust works to close opportunity gaps that disproportionately affect students of color and students from low-income families. Draft-a-Thon is pushing forward the urgency to close the digital divide.

Watch the 2021 NFL Draft on ABC, ESPN and NFL Network starting April 29 at 8pm EST.

During the Draft, you can also tune in on social to Draft-a-Thon LIVE, a livestream in support of pandemic recovery hosted by Kay Adams featuring many athletes and entertainers. You can join the experience live on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube on the official NFL account.