Annual Back-to-School Drive for Youth

An annual event, Damar’s charity was proud to hold its annual back-to-school drive, youth football clinic, and CPR education event for youth and families in Buffalo.  Joined by Buffalo PAL, American Heart Association, Buffalo Bills Foundation, and many partners and supporters, the event provided free backpacks and school supplies for 800 families and included a football clinic, games, food, and barbers offering haircuts and braids. 

In just a few hours, more than 200 people learn Hands-Only CPR training through the American Heart Association’s Nation of Lifesavers™ initiative, which works to turn bystanders into lifesavers through awareness and education. 

The high-energy event is focused on one thing: sending kids back to the classroom with positive energy. 

The Damar Hamlin Youth Football Camp

One of Hamlin’s favorite days of the year, more than 400 5-12 year olds participated in Hamlin’s camp in 2024, learning skills and connecting with Damar as he coached the event. As part of the camp, 80 people learned Hands-Only CPR as part of a training Damar included to raise awareness of this superpower, and the ability it delivers to save a life

The Chasing M’s Celebrity Basketball game

On June 7, Damar hosted a high-energy Celebrity Basketball game attended by more than 900 people as part of a weekend of events that has become a tradition, allowing Hamlin to give back to his hometown. This exciting event ended with a 3-point shot by Hamlin that won the game, with proceeds from the event benefiting his charity.

The Chasing M’s vs. Jaster All-Star Football Game

A tradition Hamlin created to showcase the talent of young athletes, this competition is far more than a game. With no kickers or punters, a 40-yard dash to start the game and a rule that if a player didn’t celebrate, they got punished, this game is an intense and exciting tradition hosted by Hamlin each year.

In 2024, the game went down to the wire, and the first player who did a Chasing M’s celebration got an NIL deal from Hamlin.

Operation Clean-Up

In July of 2024, Damar and the Chasing M’s Foundation team joined Houston rapper and philanthropist Trae Tha Truth to hold Operation Clean Up, to help families impacted by Hurricane Beryl.

Each year, Trae hosts Traeday weekend which involves a wide range of events and activities to give back and celebrate the people of Houston. This year, Hurricane Beryl tore through the city just ahead of the planned weekend of events, resulting in the loss of life, damage to homes and with thousands of people without power during soaring heat. Damar and his team joined Trae in the community to help clean up neighborhoods, remove trees and help families get access to their homes. The day was capped off with a free community Dodgeball game in which Chasing M’s took a 2-1 victory over Trae’s Angel by Nature.

Damar will never forget where he came from, and he is committed to using his platform to positively impact the community that raised him.

To deliver that impact, the first program of the Chasing M’s Foundation was launching the annual Community Toy Drive in 2020.

Community TOY drive

Toy Drive

The Chasing M’s Foundation has provided ongoing support for youth with a focus on mentoring kids and providing resources for boys and girls in his hometown community of Sto-Rox, in McKees Rocks. Through the Sto-Rox Little Vikings Youth Sports Organization, the kids continue to show up and work hard as part of the youth football and cheerleading program.  

In 2023, Chasing M’s helped Sto-Rox send teams to Florida to compete in the UYFL National Championship tournament, giving the kids a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel and compete at a national level.  Chasing M’s has consistently supported the kids by providing uniforms, supplies, and funds for program fees and resources.   

Through the support of the Chasing M's Foundation and the NFL Foundation, the program is defined not just by scoreboard wins, —it embodies a spirit of unity, perseverance, and dedication. Our community is filled with pride for this program and looks forward to each season. 

SUPPORT FOR OUR YOUTH