Fantasy Football Charity League

Sep 11

Welcome to the annual E2BH Fantasy Football Charity League, where competition meets compassion. This season, 12 teams are going head-to-head, each championing a cause close to their hearts. With a $50 entry fee per team and a generous match from E Squared Behavioral Health, we’ve raised a grand total of $1,200. At the season’s end, the champion’s charity will receive $1,000, while second place earns $200. It’s a fun and meaningful way to score points both on the field and in our communities.

Before I continue, I want to give a shout out to Nanette Leslie, the Office Manager for E2 Behavioral Health who put together this article and did a lot of the research on these organizations. And to the participants, thank you for another year of support!

Let's meet the incredible organizations we’re rallying behind this season!

Head for the Cure – Head for the Cure is a nonprofit on a mission to inspire hope and ignite change for the brain tumor community. Established from the memory of a glioblastoma patient, the organization hosts 5K run/walk events across the U.S. to build awareness, raise funds for clinical research, and support patient and caregiver programs like Brains for the Cure. Beyond fundraising, Head for the Cure advocates on behalf of those impacted by brain cancer by championing legislation, publishing awareness resources, and providing survivor recognition and community-based support. Together, they offer hope and strength to those facing brain tumors nationwide.

Rachel’s Challenge – Rachel’s Challenge is a non-profit founded in 2001 by Rachel Scott’s parents, Darrell and Sandy Scott, after Rachel became the first student killed in the Columbine High School shooting. The organization delivers inspiring presentations and trainings – through assemblies, workshops, and “Friends of Rachel” clubs – that motivate students and educators to build cultures of kindness, connection, and safety. Programs like their “Chain Reaction” model aim to quell school violence, bullying, self-harm, and have reached over 30 million students and educators worldwide. Schools implementing the programs have reported dramatic improvements in climate, with reductions in disciplinary referrals, bullying, and a notable rise in feelings of safety and belonging.

Face Addiction Now (FAN) – Face Addiction Now is a Michigan-based nonprofit (formerly known as Families Against Narcotics) dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by substance use disorder through coordinated, no-cost programs. From early intervention and harm reduction efforts – such as Narcan distribution, street outreach, and family support groups – to events like the “Run Drugs Out of Town” 5K and their peer recovery services, FAN offers a full continuum of compassion care. Rebranded in June 2024 to better reflect their evolving mission and inclusive approach, today they serve over 62,000 people a year across roughly 20 chapters statewide. They’re turning hope into action and helping individuals reclaim their lives from addiction.

22ADAY – 22ADAY is a nonprofit organization founded in Michigan in 2021, formed by individuals with personal connections to veterans who have died by suicide. Their mission is to raise awareness about the veteran suicide crisis and provide support to those affected. The organization offers resources to help veterans and their families find the assistance they need, educates the public on the warning signs of suicide, and advocates for improved services and policies to support veterans. By fostering a community support and understanding, 22ADAY aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues in the military and ensure that no veteran feels alone in their struggles. Through their efforts, they strive to honor the lives of those lost and work towards a future where veteran suicide is no longer a daily tragedy.

Affirmations – Affirmations is a nonprofit organization founded in 1989 in Ferndale, Michigan, with a mission to provide a safe and welcoming space for individuals of all sexual orientation, gender identities, and cultural backgrounds. The center offers a variety of programs and services, including mental health counseling, support groups, youth programs, and community events. Affirmations serves as a hub for the LGBTQ+ community, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment through education, advocacy, and connection. Their commitment to inclusivity and support has made them a cornerstone in the Southeast Michigan LGBTQ+ community.

The Jed Foundation – The Jed Foundation (JED) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2000 by Phil and Donna Satow after the tragic loss of their son, Jed, to suicide in 1998. JED’s mission is to protect emotional health and prevent suicide among teens and young adults by equipping them with the skills and support they need to thrive today and tomorrow. The foundation partners with high schools, colleges, and universities to strengthen their mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention programs and systems. JED’s comprehensive approach includes promoting social connectedness, and encouraging help-seeking behaviors. They also work to mobilize communities to support youth mental health through education, training, and advocacy. Through their efforts, JED has reached over 6.5 million students across more than 1,200 schools and districts nationwide, making a significant impact on the mental well-being of young people.

Ronald McDonald House Charities – Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1974 with a mission to create, find, and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children. Through its global network of chapters in 62 countries and regions, RMHC offers three core programs: the Ronald McDonald House®, the Ronald McDonald Family Room®, and the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile®. These programs provide access to quality healthcare and enable family-centered care, ensuring families are fully supported and actively involved in their child’s care.

The Trevor Project – The Trevor Project is a nonprofit organization founded in 1998 with a mission to end suicide among LGBTQ+ young people. They provide 24/7 crisis services through phone, text, and chat, offering confidential support to those in need. In addition to crisis intervention, The Trevor Project invests in four key program areas; peer support, advocacy, research, and education. Through these programs, they aim to create a world where LGBTQ+ young people see a bright future for themselves. Their work is supported by a network of trained volunteers who are dedicated to providing affirming and compassionate care.

Lambda Legal – Lambda Legal, founded in 1973, is the nation’s oldest and largest nonprofit legal organization dedicated to achieving full civil rights for LGBTQ+ individuals and everyone living with HIV. Through strategic litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education, Lambda Legal works to protect and advance the rights of these communities. Their efforts include challenging discrimination, promoting equality in workplaces and schools, and ensuring access to essential healthcare and legal protections. By combining legal expertise with community advocacy, Lambda legal continues to create a more just and inclusive society for all.

Harbor House Ministries – Harbor House Ministries, founded in 2000, is a nonprofit organization in Jenison, Michigan, dedicated to providing high-quality, individualized care for adults with profound developmental disabilities. Their mission is to embody Christ-centered values by offering residential care in a family setting, ensuring that each person can live abundantly. The organization operated several homes, including Pier Place, Beacon Place, Anchor Place, and The Cove, each designed to meet the unique needs of its residents. These homes feature accessible living spaces, therapy equipment, and community engagement opportunities. Harbor House Ministries emphasizes holistic care, addressing the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of its residents. They collaborate closely with families to create personalized care place that promote independence and community involvement. Through their dedicated staff and supportive environment, Harbor House Ministries strives to create a community where every individual is valued and can experience life to the fullest.

Empire Animal Rescue Society – Empire Animal Rescue Society (EARS) is a nonprofit organization based in Salamanca, NY, dedicated to recuing and providing care for animals in need. Founded by a small group of passionate volunteers, EARS operates as a foster-home-based rescue group, ensuring that each animal receives individualized attention and care. Their mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome abandoned, abused, and neglected animals, giving them a second chance at a loving home. Through community support, volunteer efforts, and foster care, EARS has been able to transform the lives of hundreds of animals, helping them thrive in safe and caring environments.

Breakthrough T1D – Breakthrough T1D, formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), was founded in 1970 by families of children with type 1 diabetes. It is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing research and advocacy efforts aimed at curing, preventing, and treating T1D and its complications. As the leading global organization in this field, Breakthrough T1D invests in the most promising research to turn ideas into life-changing therapies. Their mission also encompasses improving everyday life for those affected by T1D through community support, education, and advocacy. By collaborating with healthcare providers, government leaders, and regulatory officials, they continue to lead efforts that transform diabetes care and advance toward a future without T1D.

Links to the Organizations

Head for the Cure - https://headforthecure.org

Rachel’s Challenge - https://rachelschallenge.org

Face Addiction Now - https://faceaddictionnow.org

22ADAY - https://www.22aday.org

Affirmations - https://goaffirmations.org

The Jed Foundation - https://jedfoundation.org

Ronald McDonald House – https://rmhc.org

The Trevor Project - https://www.thetrevorproject.org

Lambda Legal - https://lambdalegal.org

Harbor House Ministries - https://harborhouseministries.org

Empire Animal Rescue Society - https://www.empirerescue.org