Charlie and Tonja Ward are deeply respected in the faith, sports and wellness communities for their solid character and unending commitment to serving others. Their philanthropic efforts date back to the early 90s when Charlie was a star point guard for the New York Knicks and Tonja was a burgeoning attorney and community outreach professional. During Charlie’s NBA playing and coaching days (1994 – 2008), they produced and underwrote youth sports camps and church programs throughout the country, including Christian music and sports youth events at five NBA All-Star Weekends and the Charlie Ward Tribute to Excellence in Houston, Texas. In 2015, the couple established what is now The Charlie and Tonja Ward Family Foundation, carrying on the legacy of the Ward family’s commitment to giving back. The Ward Family Foundation is a public charity, rooted in Christian principles, supporting youth character development through sports, education, the arts and wellness and supporting disaster relief initiatives.
Join the team dedicated to helping youth to become Lifelong Champions!
To collaborate with community, regional and natioanl partners to build the Charlie Ward Champions Ranch.
This campus will provide an oasis for youth and communities to access opportunities, programming, and high quality training that will nurture their body, mind, and spirit, and empower them to dream, find purpose, and become life long Champions.
Here's your chance to give back during the "Twice as Nice" Documentary Screening, hosted at the prestigious Red Fish Film Festival April 12, 2024. Support the Ward Family Foundation when you bid on an incredible prize pack that is sure to excite sports enthusiasts and collectors alike. Included in this remarkable package is one coveted Garnet and one White #17 Charlie Ward Jersey and a Heisman Football, personally signed by the 2023 winner, Jayden Daniels from LSU, alongside signatures from all former Heisman Winners who graced the 2023 Heisman Weekend.
Cultivating a Community of Lifelong Champions & Making an Impact with youth development programming that:
- Fosters character development and leadership skills based on Christian principles that will help prepare young people for the workforce
- Supports body, mind and spiritual wellness and athletic training
- Creates transformational experiences for defining life moments
- Unites and connects communities for conversations across lines of division
Sport Shoe Drive 2024
The 2nd Annual Sport Shoe Drive benefitting Big Bend Pop Warner Football is coming up soon! Check back for sizes needed and drop off locations to do your part in cultivating a community of lifelong champions!
Father's Day Mentor Leadership Clinic
Save the Date: June 16, 2024 for the THIRD ANNUAL Father's Day Mentor Leadership Clinic!
Championship Breakfast
Save the date: Friday, October 4, 2024 for the 2nd Annual Championship Breakfast featuring a FSU & NFL Legend Warrick Dunn!
Youth Sports & Arts Programs
Research continues to prove the value or sports and the arts in improving positive outcomes and mitigating negative outcomes.
Wellness: Body, Mind & Spirit
We support the whole child's development physical and mental wellbeing, STEAM and Literacy advancement and Spiritual growth based on Christian principles.
Disaster Relief
Mobilizing youth and their families to serve communities hit with unexpected catastrophes.
Here to Serve
Together we will cultivate a community of lifelong champions. Join Us!