Anthony Muñoz has built his legacy around overcoming obstacles and giving back. A first-round draft pick for the Bengals, NFL offensive lineman of the year and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Muñoz has done big things in his life. But ask him what he’s most proud of and he’ll tell you it’s the Anthony Muñoz Foundation (AMF), his nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire at-risk youth by impacting them mentally, physically and spiritually.
Through seven impact programs that include a college scholarship fund, three high school education and recognition programs, three football camps, and the Whiz Kids tutoring series, the Anthony Muñoz Foundation makes a tangible difference in the lives of young people across the Greater Cincinnati Area.
The Foundation reflects Anthony’s own experience as a kid raised with four siblings by a single mother outside of Los Angeles. His father, whom he never knew, struggled with addiction and was in and out of jail. Without means or advantages, Anthony found inspiration and mentoring through the work of community organizations that lifted and guided him to develop the tools he’d need to succeed.
He went on to achieve at the highest levels, but he never forgot where he came from. Anthony channeled his gratitude into his mission to help others overcome barriers and achieve their full potential. With the support of local partners, the Foundation helps struggling young people of all ages and cultural backgrounds. "Our young people need to be encouraged and inspired as well as recognized, respected and rewarded for their accomplishments," Anthony shares.
In June, AMF holds its biggest event of the year—the Hall of Fame Fundraiser with the Hall of Fame Dinner at Mason’s Manor House Event Center on June 13th and the Golf Classic at TPC River’s Bend on June 14th.
The Mason area and Manor House are near and dear to Anthony. Manor House was one of the Foundation’s first partners and it continues to host the fundraiser annually. Mason is also the home of the Muñoz family. Anthony and his wife Dede fell in love with the open green space and family-friendly neighborhoods when they put down roots here 28 years ago. Over the past two decades, they’ve watched Mason blossom into the vibrant community of residential, commercial and recreational areas it is today.
AMF’s two-part event is key to supporting their core seven impact programs, and as Anthony says, "The bigger the team, the bigger the impact." Most importantly, it offers an opportunity to celebrate positive outcomes with the organization’s donor partners and share the change it is making first-hand. There will also be a virtual dinner program for those who can’t attend in person. Anyone who is interested can register for the dinner and golf classic by visiting munozfoundation.org/events-2.
Anthony Muñoz Foundation
8919 Rossash Rd., Cincinnati
513.772.4900, MunozFoundation.org