The ALL RISE Foundation’s Vital Partnership with Central California Blood Center

What does “wellness” mean to five-time All-Star and the 2017 American League Rookie of the Year, Aaron Judge? It means “service above self.” After all, in the world of professional sports, the impact of athletes often extends far beyond the playing field. Professional athletes, like Judge, possess the unique ability to inspire, motivate, and effect change in communities across the globe.

One such athlete is Aaron Judge, the tower star of the New York Yankees. His off-field efforts have garnered as much attention and respect as his on-field prowess. Through Judge’s philanthropic venture, the ALL RISE Foundation, Judge has forged a significant partnership with the Central California Blood Center, exemplifying the power of sports to drive positive change in society.

The Genesis of the ALL RISE Foundation

Born on April 26, 1992, in Sacramento, California, Aaron Judge grew up with a passion for both baseball and giving back. His journey to Major League Baseball (MLB) stardom was nothing short of remarkable. Standing at an imposing 6 feet 7 inches, Judge quickly became a dominant force on the field, capturing the hearts of fans and the respect of his peers. However, it was his compassionate nature and desire to make a difference in his community that prompted him to establish the ALL RISE Foundation in 2018, at the age of 26.

The foundation’s name itself reflects Judge’s playing style and personality. The phrase “ALL RISE” is a nod to the common courtroom exclamation and aligns perfectly with Judge’s own ability to rise to the occasion—whether it be on the diamond or out in the community.

The ALL RISE Foundation Mission

The primary goal of the ALL RISE Foundation is to improve the lives of young people by supporting initiatives related to education, mentorship, citizenship, leadership development, and community development. Judge is committed to utilizing his platform to

inspire the next generation. From hosting youth baseball camps to partnering with local organizations, the foundation has worked tirelessly to create a positive impact. The foundation’s initiatives include the ALL RISE mini grants, the Aspiring Leaders program, #ICANHELP activities, #JUST5MINUTES campaign, leadership library, leadership master class and the Aaron Judge Book Club.

Most recently, the partnership that has shone the spotlight on Judge’s commitment to his philanthropic endeavors is the collaboration with the Central California Blood Center. A former Fresno State Bulldog, the partnership between the two community-focused organizations paints a picture of the impact that can result when organizations with aligned values join forces.

“For me, the goal of ALL RISE Foundation is to empower others to be their best selves,” said Judge. “I gave blood throughout high school and college at Fresno State, and there is no bigger reward than being able to save a life. If everyone who gives blood donated just one more time per year, there would always be a ready supply for every need.”

A Lifesaving Partnership

At the beginning of 2020 with the surge of COVID, over 280 blood drives representing over 10,000 prospective units were canceled in 48 hours, due to the pandemic and initial shut down orders. In student-related collection efforts alone, the Central California Blood Center saw a loss of over 6,000 units and the cancellation of over 120 drives. In 2021, this trend became even worse.

After learning of the challenges Central California Blood Center faced in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, the ALL RISE Foundation agreed to a partnership to inspire donors, especially youth and young adults, to step up to the plate and put “service over self.”

The Central California Blood Center, a non-profit organization, serves as a crucial link between blood donors and patients in need of blood transfusions. The center plays an essential role in ensuring a stable and safe blood and blood products supply for local hospitals and medical facilities in a heavily populated region of California.

“I see so many bright futures in the students here, so whatever I can do to make a change in the Central Valley, I’m there.”

Judge’s personal connection to the Central California region, where he spent much of his childhood, further underscores his dedication to making a meaningful impact. Through this partnership, Judge has demonstrated that philanthropy isn’t just about writing checks—it is about actively participating in initiatives that directly affect the lives of individuals and communities.

Promoting Blood Donation Awareness

One of the main objectives of this partnership is to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation. By leveraging his popularity, Judge has successfully drawn attention to this critical issue. Residents of Central California can’t help but notice their public transportation, billboards and bus wraps with Judge’s encouraging smile looking back at them, encouraging fans and followers to step up and donate blood.

“Aaron was a perfect fit for being the face of increasing blood donations in the Central Valley,” said Christopher Staub, President and CEO of Central California Blood Center. “His genuine mission of service and connection to the valley he calls ‘home’ gave us the perfect mix to inspire our youth to serve their own community in this way.”

Judge’s partnership with the Central California Blood Center has not only boosted blood donation numbers but has also inspired acts of kindness throughout the community. The ripple effect of this partnership is reflected in the heartwarming stories of individuals who have stepped forward to donate blood for the first time or have become regular donors after being inspired by Judge’s advocacy. It’s a testament to the impact that athletes can have when they use their platform to champion positive change.

“We know that community service and volunteerism enable students to attain valuable life skills, while providing service to those who need it most,” said Patty Judge, Executive Director and President of ALL RISE Foundation. “Healthy life habits, like volunteerism, blood donation and community service, start early, and if blood donation was more of a habit shaped at youth, imagine the impact on the health and well-being of our communities!”

As fans watch Judge hit towering home runs on the baseball field this upcoming season, they will also be witnessing a humanitarian with a higher calling to use his fame to better society. In doing so, Aaron Judge is not just a sports star; he is a beacon of hope, encouraging us all to rise to the occasion and making a lasting impact on the place we call “home.”

Challenges and Future Prospects

While the partnership between the ALL RISE Foundation and the Central California Blood Center is achieving significant success, challenges remain. Sustaining high levels of blood and blood product donations requires consistent effort and maintaining that momentum of public engagement can be complex. As the Central California Blood Center looks at innovative angles to increase donations and donors—including virtual blood drives, interactive campaigns, and collaborations with others—to amplify the impact and extend the scope of the initiative, repeat donors are the main need.

This year, the Central California Blood Center will launch a campaign called “One More Time” to motivate blood donors to roll up their sleeves and make it a habit to donate more than once a year. According to the Central California Blood Center, increasing new donors will not fulfill the need alone, but asking donors to come into one of their five donation centers in Fresno, Clovis, Visalia and their various mobile drives to donate “one more time” will make a significant impact in the lives of local patients and their families.

This simple act of “service above self,” as Judge coined, has the Central California community truly uniting for a greater cause.

To make an appointment to donate blood in your community, visit www.donateblood.org.
For more information on the ALL RISE Foundation, visit www.aaronjudgeallrisefoundation.org.

Features Contributor Holly Clinard
Photographer Mariano Friginal