49ers community relations department hosts biggest event of the year

The San Francisco 49ers do an exceptional job at staying involved in the local Bay Area communities and they continued their efforts after the team returned from their extended stay on the east coast. The organization hosted their largest event of the year with help from humanitarian-relief organization Convoy of Hope on Monday at Levi’s Stadium.

More than 1,000 Bay Area residents from underserved families attended the holiday resource fair. Attendees received winter apparel, groceries, holiday gifts, health and dental screenings, haircuts, family portraits, a hot meal and shoes, as well as being able to participate in festive activities for children.

Members of the 49ers team, coaches, staff, and front office all participated in the event. What is remarkable is that so many players are regularly at these events, even after long road trips. Their commitment to be involved in the local community is very commendable. Players in attendance included LB Ahmad Brooks, TE Garrett Celek, RB Mike Davis, DT Quinton Dial, RB Shaun Draughn, LB Eli Harold, TE Vance McDonald, P Bradley Pinion, QB Christian Ponder, CB Keith Reaser, S Eric Reid, LB Marcus Rush, S Vinnie Sunseri, and OL John Theus.

“To come here and see these smiles, it brings you back to reality and lets you know what’s really important. I think an event like this really helps motivate underprivileged kids so that they can overcome the odds.” – Torrey Smith

“I’ve kept a rapport with Convoy of Hope ever since my trip [to Haiti] and have been to a couple of events since, and think they’re great. They’re unbelievable at giving back and sharing hope with people across the world. To be able to give people hope this holiday season, to use our platform to give back to those in need, I’m just thankful to be a part of it.” – Vance McDonald

The photos, all courtesy of 49ers.com speak for themselves. The full gallery can be seen here.

Support for the event also came from the following organizations: Bill Wilson Center, CityTeam Ministries, Family & Children Services of Silicon Valley, HomeFirst, LifeMoves, Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence, San Francisco City Impact, San Francisco 49ers Academy, Family Supportive Housing, Eastside College Preparatory School, and Orchard School

As part of Convoy of Hope’s feedONE initiative, which feeds children in Tanzania, South Africa, Philippines, Nicaragua, Honduras, Kenya, Haiti, Guatemala, Ethiopia, El Salvador and the Dominican Republic, YouTube influencers Judy and Benji Travis will be onsite for their “Feed the Stadium” Dancember tour – a month-long campaign where they dance for donations to feed children.