Michael Ann & Saquon Barkley Hope Foundation hosts Hurdles for Hope Gala
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- On the field he's known for breaking tackles, but off the field Eagles running back Saquon Barkley is breaking barriers for families across the region who are most in need.
His foundation is empowering youth to clear some of life's most challenging hurdles. It's a mission Barkley and his family say is personal.
"I mean, my parents...we didn't have a lot growing up, I guess you could say," he said. "But my mom and dad did a phenomenal job of never making us feel that way."
Before Saquon Barkley became a Super Bowl champion, he and his family had their fair share of life's struggles, from food insecurity to not having a place to sleep.
"We became homeless. We were staying with friends and family," said Saquon's parents, Tonya Johnson and Alibay Barkley. "One kept Saquon and my older daughter so they could stay in school."
"And then the kindness and the compassion and the empathy that they showed us, it was a no-brainer," added Johnson. "Once Saquon got where he was, we sat down, we was talking, and he's like, Mom, I started just doing little things."
Now, through the Michael Ann & Saquon Barkley Hope Foundation, the Eagles running back and his family are working to help those facing the same struggles they once faced.
They have teamed up with the Philadelphia Art Museum to host the Hurdles for Hope Gala with the goal to raise $250,000 to for under resourced families.
The money will be used for things like scholarships for student athletes and providing stable housing and safe environments.
"Sometimes, you gotta keep it simple. Worry about the things that matters the most and the basic stuff," said Saquon. "Provide hope, especially to the youth, and just give them opportunities to have a change and impact on their lives, because I know how much people believing and giving me hope changed my life."
The Hurdles for Hope gala is November 1 at the Philadelphia Art Museum.
For tickets or more information, CLICK HERE.
