Andy knew he wanted to start a foundation after being drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2011, but he never imagined it would happen during his rookie season.

For Andy, volunteering in his hometown of Katy, Texas, was his inspiration. His wife, JJ’s, two college roommates, who are special education teachers, moved her to want to take action. Together, the couple formed the Andy & Jordan Dalton Foundation to aid in-need families in an extraordinary way.

The Daltons began their work with kids at local Cincinnati hospitals who are ill or have special needs. With the ultimate goal of bringing a smile to children’s faces, they continue to help families any way they can. Andy and JJ feel like they’ve been blessed with an opportunity, and want these families to feel blessed as well.

Creating community outreach programs like King for a Day and Holiday Hearts, along with a Celebrity Waiter Night signature fundraising event, help the Foundation grow and bring awareness to the needs of families and hospitals in the Cincinnati area. Seeing this impact is most important to the Daltons, and they hope to continue outreach by expanding programs and events in the future.

“You really see the direct effect the Foundation has on families. That’s where my heart was when we started the journey. They’re so appreciative of anything that can be done.” – JJ Dalton