The Toots Foundation, 8110 Plainfield Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45236, US

STAFF Legend and Pro Football Hall of Fame member Anthony Mu oz has always been very active in the community he and his family have called home since 1980. Throughout his playing career, Anthony not only dominated opposing defensive linemen, but also supported worthwhile local charities, attended several fundraising events and simply set examples for others seeking to make an Impact. After a long, honor-filled NFL tenure, Anthony decided to bring all of his charitable efforts together by establishing the Anthony Mu oz Foundation ( AMF ), a 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) charitable organization. The Foundation made a memorable launch in April of 2002 with the mission of engaging the Tri-State region to impact area youth mentally, physically and spiritually. In such a short period of time, the AMF has created programming that has touched the lives of thousands of area children. In 2005 alone, the AMF reached over 10, 000 youth through its programs and support of local charitable organizations. Simultaneously, true to Anthony's mission, the foundation has also engaged the community by forging partnerships with nearly 100 businesses. April 17, 2002 marked the official foundation kick-off, and it was an unparalleled success. Following the announcement and press conference, Anthony hosted the inaugural Youth Leadership Seminar at the Cintas Center on Xavier University's campus. Nearly 300 students from 30 local high schools watched the Disney film, Remember the Titans, before meeting the actual coaches depicted in the film, Herman Boone and William Yost. The coaches spoke with the students about the racial and social themes from the film, and the students crafted ways to bring the concepts of understanding back into their schools. On its very first day of existence, the foundation touched upon many of the qualities that Anthony and his family hold dear. Students and administrators from inner-city Taft High School, and rural Goshen High School, struck up a rapport. Sparked by the theme and content of the seminar, they embarked on a relationship featuring athletic and cheerleading competition, student exchanges, and other initiatives intended to break down social and racial barriers.