Athletes Who Care
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Vince Bucci, Getty Images
Skating Is Life
When he was growing up, Tony Hawk spent so much time in the local skatepark that it was like his second home (big surprise). So when he started getting thousands of letters and emails from parents whose kids couldn't find a place to skate, he launched the Tony Hawk Foundation. Today, the THF creates more places for skaters to hit up and have fun.
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Richard Heathcote, Getty Images
Tiger Eyes Success
Tiger Woods might be a legendary golf player, but he's also a well-educated one. He created the Tiger Woods Foundation to help empower young people to reach their fullest potential intellectually, athletically, and otherwise. The Foundation supports community-based youth programs.
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Tina Basich
Slopestyle
World-famous snowboarders are known more for their moves on the snow than their activism off it. But when Tina Basich and Tara Dakides lost a friend to breast cancer, they continued her efforts to raise awareness about the disease through Boarding for Breast Cancer (B4BC).
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Kevin C. Cox, WireImage.com
Big Baller, Charity Caller
LeBron James might be one of the NBA's star players, but he's also a star when it comes to giving back. LeBron set up the James Family Foundation, which supports families and children in need. LeBron's efforts so far have focused on organizations in his home state of Ohio.
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Chad Buchanan, Getty Images
Living Strong
Those yellow rubber bracelets everyone has weren't always so ubiquitous. It took biking phenom and cancer survivor Lance Armstong to launch Livestrong, which is now one of the most prominent organizations in the U.S. for cancer education, advocacy, public health and research programs.
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Jim Watson / AFP, Getty Images
Skating into Activism
Based on her array of work for the Children's Miracle Network and recent appointment as a public diplomacy ambassador, you'd never guess that Michelle Kwan is also the most decorated figure skater in U.S. history. Now, as a diplomat, Michelle looks as natural on the world stage as she did on the champions' podium.
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John Shearer, WireImage.com
Surf's Up
But it won't be pumping forever if the oceans continue to get polluted and natural beach areas are destroyed by development. That's why the Surfrider Foundation was founded more than 22 years ago. Today, pros like Rob Machado sponsor events to support the organization that protects their fragile turf.
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Reinhold Matay, WireImage.com
True Grit
Donovan McNabb is a tough quarterback for the Eagles. But off the field, he's even tougher. After losing his grandmother to diabetes and watching his father struggle with the disease, he started the Donovan McNabb Foundation to help raise awareness about it. The Foundation also supports diabetes research efforts.
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Jeffrey Mayer, WireImage.com
Tireless Effort
World BMX leader Dave Mirra pulls off ridiculous tricks on his bike, but no feat is greater than his extensive work with the Dream Factory. Mirra is a huge supporter of the organization, which is dedicated to granting the dreams of children with critical or chronic illnesses. In addition to his philanthropic support, Mirra has also volunteered for the Dream Factory.
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Jeffrey Mayer, WireImage.com
Paradise Lost?
In their quest to find bigger, cleaner, emptier waves, surfers worldwide travel to remote villages. Six years ago, one traveler noticed that many village locals were suffering from illness and poverty -- and so SurfAid International was born. After making a big splash in the surf community, longtime pros like Brad Gerlach are now outspoken SAI members.
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Paul Hawthorne, Getty Images for NASCAR
KO for Poverty
When he was growing up in the projects of Atlanta, Evander Holyfield saw how hard his single mom worked to take care of him and help him achieve his dreams. Today, the world heavywieght champ runs the Holyfield Foundation, through which he helps disadvantaged young people become productive, successful adults.
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