Boomer Esiason Foundation Receives $50K Grant in Recognition of Service to the CF Community

The Boomer Esiason Foundation (BEF) recently received a $50,000 grant from the Investors Bank and the Investors Foundation in recognition of the nonprofit’s 25 years of dedicated service to the cystic fibrosis (CF) community.

The grant highlights the positive partnership built by Investors Bank and former NFL quarterback and philanthropist Boomer Esiason, co-chairman of BEF.

Esiason and former New York Giants quarterback and broadcaster Phil Simms co-represent the Bank as spokespersons.

“I’m grateful that my friendship with Investors Bank has flourished over the past year, and I sincerely appreciate the generous grant to the Boomer Esiason Foundation,” Esiason said in a press release.

BEF is planning to use the grant to expand its educational programs targeting the CF community. These programs include podcasts, videos, blogs, scholarships and others, along with “Team Boomer,” a program designed to encourage people with CF to be active and healthy by joining real athletes in a team that raises funds and awareness.

“We selected Boomer Esiason as our one of our brand ambassadors because he clearly represents our core values and commitment to service and working with deserving communities,” said Kevin Cummings, president and CEO of Investors Bank.

“His stewardship of the Boomer Esiason Foundation has made it possible for the organization to make a significant and positive difference in the lives and wellbeing of tens of thousands of people. Our Bank and its employees are honored to have Boomer as a loyal, enthusiastic, and caring member of our team,” Cummings added.

Esiason began working with the CF community in 1993, after his son Gunnar was diagnosed with the disease. BEF was launched as a synergetic coalition of leaders in the medical and business fields, and relies on a deeply committed network of volunteers. Since its establishment, the organization has raised more than $135 million to support the CF community, provide key services and to fund research.

BEF is behind many awareness events in the CF community. One of these was “Bike to Breathe,” an effort to persuade CF patients to cycle and improve their health.

Last year, “Bike to Breathe” held its third adventure and the location selected was a 300-mile bike ride from London to Paris and on to Dublin. The goal was to raise awareness and funds for the community.

Until 2017, “Bike to Breathe” alone had raised more than $600,000 to fund research, services and scholarships.