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The Falcons are known for being charitable off the field, with players giving generously of their time as well as selflessly funding efforts to benefit those in need. Several current and former Falcons worked together Friday evening to benefit children battling cancer in the annual Rally on the Runway event at the Buckhead Theater.
Center Joe Hawley was the honorary host for the event, and he was joined by fellow offensive linemen Sam Baker and Lamar Holmes, backup quarterback T.J. Yates, linebacker Jacques Smith, fullback Patrick DiMarco and former Falcons Brian Finneran and D.J. Shockley. Players and former players escorted Rally Kids, who are currently fighting cancer, down the runway as they modeled the latest spring fashions courtesy of Bloomingdale's.
According to the Rally on the Runway Facebook page, last night's event raised over $200,000 to benefit the efforts of the Rally Foundation, which provides funding and resources for lifesaving research. The Rally Foundation operates at over 94% efficiency, meaning that just over 94% of the funds they raise go directly toward research and programs to find a cure. Since it was founded in 2005, the Rally Foundation has provided $5.25 million to more than 75 childhood cancer research projects across the United States.
It seems like the players and former players had a lot of fun and represented the team well while supporting a wonderful cause.
.@AtlantaFalcons center @JHawley61 -Honorary Chair of Rally on the Runway autographs some goodies backstage #RiseUp pic.twitter.com/KdzdtQGsYl
— FalconsCR (@FalconsCR) April 24, 2015
It's about to go down! Maddie and I are about to rock the catwalk here @RallyFoundation pic.twitter.com/j3pgTprPus
— Brian Finneran (@BFinn86) April 25, 2015
#Falcons C Joe Hawley rocking the beard at the #RallyOn The Runway. pic.twitter.com/eAzndyVoJw
— 11Alive Sports (@11AliveSports) April 25, 2015
.@AtlantaFalcons @JHawley61 escorts Rally Kids down the runway at Rally on the Runway #RiseUp pic.twitter.com/Xo5nOwoMPd
— FalconsCR (@FalconsCR) April 25, 2015
.@AtlantaFalcons @JacSmith5545 takes a turn escorting a Rally Kid down the runway! #RiseUp pic.twitter.com/FxBxYdFonc
— FalconsCR (@FalconsCR) April 25, 2015
Al of our beautiful models and their @AtlantaFalcons escorts! pic.twitter.com/AJLpjTl6fb
— Rally Foundation (@RallyFoundation) April 25, 2015
@PatDiMarco42 making himself useful here at the @RallyFoundation fund raiser! #NFL players doing good! @TJ_Yates pic.twitter.com/Te8g1NqdIE
— Brian Finneran (@BFinn86) April 25, 2015
Amazing time last nite modeling at the @RallyFoundation event w/some beautiful young ladies #beatchildhoodcancer pic.twitter.com/EkB4yiIJVs
— DjShockley (@DjShockley3) April 25, 2015
Had a great time last night with my incredible friend Mary! @RallyFoundation #RallyOnTheRunway pic.twitter.com/eNCLzbrI8M
— T.J. Yates (@TJ_Yates) April 25, 2015
Incredible event last night! My girl Sydney killed the runway! #RallyOnTheRunway @rallyfoundation #RiseUp #RallyOn pic.twitter.com/pKolLLFu2b
— Patrick DiMarco (@PatDiMarco42) April 25, 2015
T.J. Yates also shared with Atlanta's Fox 5 why childhood cancer hits close to home for him in particular.
Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5
For more information on the Rally Foundation and Rally on the Runway or to support the important work they're doing to eradicate childhood cancer, visit their website.