Former Arizona Cardinals players Frank Sanders and Derek Kennard joined other athletes and community members at Rolling Hills Golf Course in Tempe for a celebrity golf event benefiting underprivileged youth. The Saturday morning event was held in partnership with the Rise & Dream Foundation.
Sanders, a former wide receiver, said he values opportunities to support young people. He noted that the Valley has many people with the resources to help address community needs and said he tries to use his name and connections for good. Rather than establish his own foundation, Sanders has chosen to support organizations already working in the community. He said helping young people develop and gain useful tools is a worthwhile cause.
## Athletes’ Connection to Rise & Dream
Rise & Dream was founded by Kristin Hodge, a single mother of four who worked multiple jobs and wanted to help future generations. Her connection to athletes began during her time at Arizona State University, where she met football player Phillipi Sparks.
Hodge recalled being on campus with her first daughter and meeting Jodi Sparks, who was also caring for a baby. Phillipi Sparks was among eight players drafted that year. Later, while Hodge was doing work for a church in South Phoenix, she contacted friends in the locker room to ask for donations to a silent auction. Sparks, then with the New York Giants, arranged for signed footballs to be sent.
## A Weekend of Community Events
The golf event was part of a full weekend of activities organized by Rise & Dream. Former Denver Broncos and University of Colorado linebacker Jashon Sykes hosted a “Rise and Read With Legends” session featuring his book, *Multitask with Jarvis and Dad*. He signed autographs and took photos with children and families.
The weekend also included “One Tree Hill Live,” an immersive fan event that brought together several actors from the television series.
Hodge said events like these help fund Rise & Dream’s year-round programs, which provide children with food, hygiene supplies, haircuts, clothing and other support. The organization also planned to distribute food boxes for Thanksgiving. Its broader approach includes educational and financial literacy, with the goal of supporting families in a holistic way and helping break generational cycles of hardship.
