NFL Defensive End JJ Watt grew up in Pewaukee, Wisconsin and while his JJ Watt Foundation had fundraised in his home state, they were looking to host a fundraiser in Houston, Texas, where JJ was playing.
In 2013, Capture worked to concept, plan and execute an inaugural charity softball game in just nine weeks, raising $320,000. At its peak, one softball game raised $1.6 million.
Seeing JJ and his NFL teammates try their hand at a different sport was fun and entertaining for fans. Capture created and executed fundraising experiences for attendees and secured cash and in-kind sponsorships from high-profile organizations to help make the event a success each year.
THE STORY
The JJ Watt Foundation’s mission is to provide after-school opportunities for middle-school aged children to become involved in athletics. Hosting a sports related fundraising event made sense.
A charity softball game was an affordable event that families of all backgrounds could attend. Houston-area students who the foundation supported were also given the opportunity to participate in the event and volunteer. Excitement filled the air as 25,000 fans attended the JJ Watt Charity Classic at Minute Maid Park to support a good cause and see their football team having fun outside of their typical environment.
“When I started this foundation, we were just hopeful to raise $100,000. To now have donated over $3 million in 27 states is really hard to fathom.” – JJ Watt
SUCCESSES
By executing six charity softball games, Capture helped the JJ Watt Foundation raise over $5.4 million.
Capture worked with more than 70 local and national media outlets, including ESPN, CBS Sports, People and CNN, to raise awareness of the event and the foundation.
In conjunction with the charity softball games, the foundation’s social media following increased by 108%.