This donation will fund new uniforms and equipment for the girls flag football team and cover summer camp fees so the girls can keep developing their skills, according to information provided by the district.
“This generous donation means so much to Carman-Ainsworth Athletics and, especially, our girls flag football program,” says Coach Justin Roberson. “Having Brandon Carr, a former Carman-Ainsworth athlete and NFL veteran, give back to the community and invest in the next generation of athletes is truly special. This support will help our girls have the resources they need to compete, grow, and represent Carman-Ainsworth with pride.”
Brandon Carr graduated from Carman-Ainsworth High School in 2004 and went to Grand Valley State University. He was drafted to the NFL in 2008 and played for the Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys, and Baltimore Ravens before retiring in 2020. He founded the Carr Cares Foundation in 2012 to empower children in his hometown of Flint and across the country.
Additionally, Carman-Ainsworth student-athletes have been making a name for themselves in flag football. In May, the Lady Cavaliers competed in the Girls Flag Football State Championship Tournament at Ford Field, an accomplishment they aim to repeat this spring.
Carr told the Carman-Ainsworth High School Girls’ Flag Football Team:
“As a proud Carman-Ainsworth graduate, I want to congratulate you on an outstanding season. Seeing you represent our school and community with confidence, determination, and pride means a great deal to me. Your success is something the entire Cavalier family can celebrate.
“As a Flint native and proud graduate of Carman-Ainsworth High School, it means a great deal to me to see young women from my alma mater competing, succeeding and representing our community at such a high level. Your success is the result of the discipline, teamwork and commitment each of you brought to the program throughout the season.
Carr told the team that football had taught him many lessons that have carried into every part of his life.
He added: “It taught me how to prepare, how to trust the people around me and how to keep moving forward
when challenges arise.”
Carr said he hoped the team’s experience provides you with those same lessons and helps them recognize what they can accomplish, both on and off the field.
Another $5K was donated to New Standard Academy Girls Flag Football Team through Carr Cares for Flint.
“As someone who was born and raised in Flint, I understand the strength, determination, and resilience that come from this community. It makes me proud to see young women from Flint embracing the game of football, competing with confidence and helping create more opportunities for the girls who will follow them.”
Carr stressed the team’s impact extends beyond wins and losses.
“By committing yourselves to this team and continuing to grow the sport, you are helping change what young athletes believe is possible,” he continued. “You are setting an example for other girls in your school and throughout the Flint community…”
Brandon Carr originally created the fund primarily because he was deeply concerned about the long-term health of Flint’s children due to the Flint Water Crisis. He wanted a secure platform through which pro athletes could easily fund ongoing relief efforts
Brandon Carr’s Donor Advised Fund is located at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint and managed by Jashell Mitchell-Cross. The Community Foundation of Greater Flint facilitates local philanthropic investments and community assistance programs. Donor Advised Funds (DAF) at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint work like personalized charitable savings accounts that support local and national causes.
For more information about Donor Advised Funds (DAF) at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, visit https://www.cfgf.org/news/5-things-to-know-about-donor-advised-funds
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