FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Challenge Donors pledged $40,000 for the Taylor Hooton Foundation Scholarship Fund (THFSF)   McKinney, Texas (Friday, May 3, 2024) – At the Ninth Annual All-Star Gala held on Saturday, April 13, at Venue Forty|50 in Addison, Texas, the Taylor Hooton Foundation (THF) held a paddle raise in support of the Taylor Hooton Foundation Scholarship Fund. The THFSF was established at the inaugural All-Star Gala in 2015, to assist Educational Institutions, Associations, and Community Groups who can demonstrate a need for financial assistance to bring in one of the foundation’s ALL ME® Assembly Education Programs.  ALL ME Assembly programs were developed alongside the medical community, athletic trainers, and experts to deliver a strong and entertaining message that is inspirational and impactful.   These programs are delivered across North America to Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges & Universities, Associations, and Community groups. As long time supporters of reaching youth with the potentially life-saving message of the truths about Appearance and Performance Enhancing Substances, four donors pledged to match dollar for dollar up to $10,000 raised at the 9^th Annual All-Star Gala.  The 2024 Challenge Donors were Brennan Wealth Advisors, Fox Family Foundation, the National Football League (NFL) Foundation, and the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society (PBATS). “There are so many great charitable efforts out there, but I choose to support the THFSF because it is (and has been since it’s formation over 20 years ago!) the nation-leading voice educating our kids about appearance and performance enhancing substances, not just the extreme danger, but also the right way to train and eat. Parents, coaches and other adult supervisors are often stunned by THF programs. What could be more critical than protecting the kids?” said Pat Fox. Because of the challenge donors, the $10,000 goal was exceeded, raising almost $70,000 in total for the Scholarship Fund this year. Nick Kenney said “As President of the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society (PBATS), it gives me immense joy to announce our support for the Taylor Hooton Foundation’s Scholarship Fund. We believe wholeheartedly in the mission of the Taylor Hooton Foundation to educate young athletes about the dangers of performance-enhancing substances. By contributing to their scholarship fund, PBATS is not only investing in the future of our sport but also in the well-being and development of our youth.” “Our donation is more than just a financial contribution; it’s a testament to our belief in the power of education to drive positive change. We are proud to stand alongside the Taylor Hooton Foundation in their efforts to equip young athletes with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.” To date 100,000 people have been directly educated because of the Scholarship Fund.  The foundation has been able to fulfill every scholarship fund request. “For two decades, The Taylor Hooton Foundation has turned tragedy into purpose, empowering and educating young athletes to make good choices,” said Janelle Winston, Labor Relations Counsel for the NFL. “The NFL is proud to support the Taylor Hooton Foundation Scholarship Fund to continue this life-saving work and keep performance enhancing drugs out of our children’s bodies.” Michelle Brennan Hall commented “To love and to serve after tragedy have to be the highest calling and most admired traits a human can exemplify. The Hooton family turned an unimaginable day in their lives into a mission across the country to save young Americans and their families from the use of performance and image enhancing drugs. Brennan Wealth Advisors has long supported the important work of the Taylor Hooton Foundation. We are grateful for their service to our Nation’s youth.”     CONTACT:   Rick Cerrone / Rick Cerrone Communications (914) 715-5491 / rick@rickcerrone.com   About The Taylor Hooton Foundation: The Taylor Hooton Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization that is dedicated to educating North America’s young people about the dangers of anabolic steroids and other Appearance and Performance Enhancing Substances. The friends and family of Taylor Hooton formed the Foundation in 2004 after his untimely death at 17 years old following his use of anabolic steroids.   For more information about the Taylor Hooton Foundation and its efforts, please visit www.taylorhooton.org.