Northern California has a staunch ally in native Aaron Rodgers. The Packers star has just donated $1 million towards struggling small businesses hit hard by the ongoing pandemic.
“Small, locally owned businesses are the heart and soul of a community,” Rodgers said in a Monday statement.
Small businesses in Butte County are, no doubt, thrilled to count Rodgers among those who grew up there. To quell some of the impacts of COVID-19, ‘The King of the Hail Mary’s 7-figure donation will help 80 Northern CA restaurants and retailers cover their rent and operation costs. This means his money will go towards several businesses in his hometown of Chico, as well.
“In the applications and the videos, it was heart-wrenching to hear about all the obstacles facing restaurants and retail establishments,” the quarterback continues in his statement. “So many of them are struggling just to stay in business but remain hopeful that there’s an end to this.”
Aaron Rodgers‘ goal is to help small businesses get to that “end” as best they can. With his $1 million, the entities should be able to survive for a solid three months (or more). Hopefully, as vaccines continue to make their way across the country, we’ll see such an “end” in sight soon.
Aaron Rodgers Doubled His Donation “After Seeing the Need”
According to TMZ, Rodgers’s massive donation comes in association with the North Valley Community Foundation. The trade cites that the NFL star’s initial pledge was $500k. The Northern California native then doubled his contribution, however, “after seeing the need in the community.”
“Aaron is such an incredible person,” says Alexa Benson-Valavanis, NVCF President and CEO, in the organization’s response.
“He looked at everything, decided he wanted to do more, and doubled down on his original $500,000 commitment. He is such a champion for his hometown,” Benson-Valavanis continues of Rodgers.
Moreover, 9 of the small businesses received calls from Aaron Rodgers himself. Within, he informed each of his donation & intent.
This is far from the first time Green Bay’s star has come through for his home county, too. TMZ cites that “He donated $1 mil to help recovery efforts after the Camp Fire of 2018, and has also been involved in coronavirus and North Complex Fire relief efforts.”
Generosity springs from a generous man. Lesser individuals would not pass on the earnings of such a fruitful career. Aaron Rodgers, however, has been beyond charitable during his 16 NFL seasons, in which he has reportedly netted over $240 million in contract payments. In addition, Aaron Rodgers’ ‘Celebrity Jeopardy!’ championship win saw a massive sum go towards the children’s cancer charity of his choice.
Well done, sir – and all the best to Butte County’s small businesses. Up next? Aaron Rodger’s is headed to host ‘Jeopardy!’.
