The A&A Peterson Family Foundation was founded by NFL running back Adrian Peterson and his wife Ashley on the belief of encouraging and empowering individuals and families to work together to make a difference in our communities. The couple would like to help eradicate poverty by working to create and develop greater opportunities for under-served individuals, especially children. The foundation aspires to help develop the resources needed to empower our communities and make a true impact.
In the past, the organization has partnered with Athletes Corner and Feeding America and was able to provide meals for over 100,000 families in Detroit. They’ve also partnered with O Athletik, Adrian’s gym, hosted a coat drive in Houston with Old Navy, and gave away toys to children at Target.
Recently, the organization raised over $10,000 during their Gowns Girls silent auction for Carson Park, another nonprofit owned by Chester and Latoya Pitt that houses girls ages 12-17.
“The goal of the A&A Peterson Family Foundation is to be able to pour into our community, especially communities of color, underserved communities, communities that are often forgotten. That's my goal, and that's my passion in particular with the A&A Peterson Family Foundation,” says Ashley, who is not only a founding partner of the organization but also the director and president.
Ashley says she was inspired to host the Gowns for Girls event due to the speaking and donating she was already doing at Carson Parke, another nonprofit owned by Chester and Latoya Pitt that houses girls ages 12-17.
“I had all of these dresses and ballgowns and from different galas that I had gone to, and I was like, “Okay, well, I don't need these anymore, but what do I do with them?” Ashley continues, “And I just had the idea like, “Hey, I'm going to sell these gowns, and I'm going to give the profits to Carson Parke.”
So many people were inspired by Ashley’s vision that it grew to be an even bigger event than expected. I had so many women who were like, “Oh, I've got old gowns that I would love to donate!” Then we also had people come in who donated sports memorabilia and things like that, and the auction became so much bigger.” Tootsie’s, a store that offers the best in luxury ready-to-wear, handbags, jewelry, and accessory offerings was a sponsor for this event.
Funds raised went to Carson Parke’s plans for a kitchen and dining facility for the girls.
Chiming in Adrian says, “I’m extremely proud of what my wife has accomplished thus far and can’t wait to see what’s to follow. She’s brilliant and there’s absolutely nothing she can’t conquer! This started as a dream and has now manifested into reality, inspiring so many people to go after their dreams in the midst.” He went on to affectionately say, “You’ve both planted and watered seeds and witnessed them blossom. That’s the sign of a real boss and what truly matters most! Keep Yeshua at the head and remain determined, passionate, relentless, and dedicated. I know the best is yet to come.”
When asked what it was like working with her husband Adrian, the Elizabella Cosmetics CEO says, “Just like any other husband and wife partnership. We actually work really well together. He has really great ideas, so he'll give me an idea, and I'll run with it. I actually put the pieces together and get it done. And so he's very creative, but he's also very generous and very giving. Even with the foundation, you know, he's always ready to get in, roll up his sleeves, and actually do the work.”
Ashley continues recalling a particular event. “We had our food drive with Brothers Produce this summer and it got so hot in Houston, but we were out there actually giving boxes of food away, you know- putting in the work. It's not always just about giving money, but also putting in the time.”
The couple believes in allowing their boys to take part in the work as well so that they can not only know they are blessed but also be a blessing to others. “To be able to have the means to show our kids what it is to love others as well as to give to others and give back fulfills us,” says Ashley.
Learn more about the A&A Peterson Family https://aapetersonfamilyfoundation.org.
-Fancy
Francheska “Fancy” Felder is the founder/publisher/EIC of SwagHer Magazine. She’s a
-Single mother of 3
-Libra - Trapping scribe
-Lover
-Mental health advocate
- Country girl
-Proud, liberated Black goddess
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