Champions 4 Children Brings Former Pro Athletes to Valerie’s House for a Day of Joy and Connection

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Valerie’s House was honored once again to be a part of Champions 4 Children — an annual tradition that brings professional and collegiate athletes together with local nonprofits to uplift and inspire children across Southwest Florida. This year, dozens of athletes, many of whom are former stars in the NFL, MLB, NBA, and beyond, spent the day laughing, playing, and connecting with grieving children at our Fort Myers Family is Forever Home.

The event was filled with unforgettable memories — from backyard football games and basketball hoops to a grief-related activity that included art and bracelet making. It was a beautiful reminder that healing happens when community comes together.

Some of the incredible athletes who visited our Valerie's House location include those listed below. This is the full roster of Champions involved in the 2025 Champions 4 Children events, though approximately a dozen of these athletes personally participated in the Valerie’s House visit:

Baseball (MLB):

  • Dennis Rasmussen – San Diego Padres, New York Yankees, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs, Kansas City Royals

  • Larry Collura – Arizona State University, New York Yankees

  • John Cangelosi – Chicago White Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates, Texas Rangers, New York Mets, Houston Astros, Florida Marlins, Colorado Rockies

  • Rick Cerone – Cleveland Indians, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers, Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, Montreal Expos

Football (NCAA, NFL, CFL):

  • Marco Rivera – Penn State University, Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys

  • Frank Winters – Western Illinois, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers

  • Troy Drayton – Penn State University, St. Louis Rams, Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers

  • Chris Conlin – Penn State University, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins

  • Greg Johnson – University of Oklahoma (1985 National Champion), Miami Dolphins

  • Tom Toth – Western Michigan University, Miami Dolphins, San Diego Chargers, New England Patriots

  • Thomas Smith – University of North Carolina, Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts

  • Rogers Alexander – Penn State University, New York Jets, New England Patriots

  • Scott Kehoe – University of Illinois, Miami Dolphins

  • OJ McDuffie – Penn State University, Miami Dolphins

  • Keith Conlin – Penn State University, Indianapolis Colts, Saskatchewan Roughriders

  • Matt Vanderbeek – Michigan State, Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins

  • Kijana Carter – Penn State University, Cincinnati Bengals, Washington Redskins, Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints

  • Brian "Bo" O’Neal – Penn State University, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers

  • Tony Nathan – University of Alabama, Miami Dolphins

  • Ted Hall – The Ohio State University

  • Landon Tengwell – Penn State University

Basketball (NCAA & NBA):

  • Jim Andrews – University of Kentucky

  • Jack "Goose" Givens – University of Kentucky, Atlanta Hawks

  • Kris Dawley – Wittenberg University

Wrestling:

  • Pat Milkovich – Michigan State University, Florida Gulf Coast University

Golf (PGA, NCAA, Adaptive):

  • Nolan Henke – Florida State University, PGA Professional

  • Kenny Bontz – Competitive amputee golfer, aspiring PGA Champions Tour participant

  • Kellie Valentine – Three-time USGA Adaptive Championship participant, 2014 Women’s Unassisted ParaLong Drive Champion in Las Vegas, 2001 Albatross on a 210-yard par four at Woodloch Springs Country Club

We are beyond grateful to the Champions 4 Children organization for including Valerie’s House in this special tradition. Their commitment to supporting children who need encouragement, compassion, and hope is something our entire community can celebrate.

A heartfelt thank you to every athlete who visited our grieving children and teens — your presence made a lasting impact.