Helping Families During the Holiday Season
The CAL Sports Academy Holiday Monetary Award was created to support families facing hardship during the holiday season. What began during the impact of COVID-19 has grown into an annual community initiative dedicated to helping families experiencing financial challenges, illness, loss, and unexpected life circumstances.
Through the generosity of CAL families, sponsors, anonymous donors, and community partners, this initiative has raised more than $32,000 to support families in need throughout our community.
Our Community Impact
Each year, CAL Sports Academy works with families, donors, and community partners to provide meaningful support to those facing difficult circumstances. This award reflects our belief that sports should be a platform for leadership, compassion, generosity, and service.
How To Apply
Families interested in being considered for the Holiday Monetary Award are asked to submit a brief essay explaining their current situation and how the award would help their family during the holiday season.
Essay Guidelines
- Describe your family’s current situation.
- Explain the hardship being experienced.
- Share how the award would help your family.
- Include honest and thoughtful details.
Selection Process
- Applications are reviewed confidentially.
- Recipients are selected based on need.
- Available funds help determine award amounts.
- All decisions are made with care and respect.
What To Include
- Name, address, and phone number.
- Explanation of your current hardship.
- Reason your family should be considered.
- How the award will be used.
Submit Your Essay
Applications for the CAL Sports Academy Holiday Monetary Award are reviewed confidentially and with respect. If your family is facing hardship, we encourage you to share your story and apply for consideration.
Application Deadline
All essays must be submitted by December 20, 2026 at 12:00 PM.
All submissions are reviewed confidentially by the CAL Sports Academy selection committee.
Help Us Continue Supporting Families
Every donation helps CAL Sports Academy continue providing meaningful support to families during the holiday season. Your generosity helps us extend kindness, encouragement, and hope to families facing difficult circumstances.
100% of donations received support the Holiday Monetary Award and help provide assistance to families in need throughout our community.
Year-by-Year Impact
What began as a response to a difficult season has grown into an annual tradition of generosity. Each year, CAL families, sponsors, staff members, anonymous donors, and community partners continue to help us expand our impact and provide meaningful support to families in need.
| Year | Amount Raised |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $2,600.00 |
| 2021 | $4,399.00 |
| 2022 | $5,235.00 |
| 2023 | $5,675.00 |
| 2024 | $6,272.00 |
| 2025 | $8,576.82 |
| Total Raised | $32,757.82 |
Since 2020, the CAL Sports Academy Holiday Monetary Award has raised more than $32,757.82 to support families facing financial hardship, illness, job loss, the loss of loved ones, and other unexpected life challenges.
These donations have helped provide holiday gifts for children, assist families during medical challenges, support parents navigating difficult circumstances, and bring hope to households experiencing some of life’s toughest moments.
Behind every dollar raised is a family, a story, and a community that chose to care. Every contribution represents neighbors helping neighbors and demonstrates what can happen when people come together to support one another.
Essay Guidelines
To be considered for the CAL Sports Academy Holiday Monetary Award, please submit a brief essay explaining your family’s current circumstances and how this award would help during the holiday season.
- Describe the hardship or challenge your family is currently facing.
- Explain how receiving assistance would positively impact your family.
- Share how the monetary award would be used if selected.
- Include any additional information that may help us better understand your situation.
We are not evaluating writing ability, grammar, or essay structure. Our goal is simply to understand your situation and how this award may help your family.
All submissions are reviewed confidentially and treated with respect. If you need assistance completing your application, please contact Coach Corey at 844-225-3343 ext. 3.
Selection Process
A committee of CAL Sports Academy representatives, led by Coach Corey A. Lord, will review all applications with care, respect, and confidentiality. Award amounts may vary based on the number of applicants and funds available through donations.
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- A clear explanation of the hardship or challenge being experienced.
- The impact the award would have on the individual or family.
- The completeness and sincerity of the application.
- Submission of the application by the published deadline.
While we would love to assist every family, available funding may limit the number of awards distributed each year. We are grateful to every applicant who shares their story and allows us the opportunity to learn more about their circumstances.
Support the Holiday Monetary Award
Help us bring hope and support to families in need this holiday season.
Venmo: @CoreyALord
Memo: CAL Holiday Award
2026 Holiday Monetary Award Goal
Raised: $0.00
Goal: $10,000