The Miami Dolphins announced today the kickoff of the third annual Football UNITES™ Jason Jenkins Days of Service. Expanding from a single day to a month-long effort this year, the initiative is held annually in October to honor and carry on the legacy of Jason Jenkins, the late Dolphins senior vice president of communications and community affairs, who dedicated his life to serving the South Florida community. The initiative will culminate with the Dolphins' Thursday Night Football game against the Baltimore Ravens at Hard Rock Stadium on October 30, which also marks Jason's birthday.
Throughout the month of October, Dolphins players, staff and alumni – along with executives and staff from Hard Rock Stadium, the Miami Open presented by Itaú and the FORMULA 1® CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX – will be joined by community partners, elected officials, corporate partners and members of the South Florida community in a series of service projects across the tri-county area. Each project was designed with the mission of the Football UNITES program, which Jenkins created, in mind – bringing people together, growing the game of football and supporting economic and academic advancement across South Florida.
The organization will participate in more than 30 projects across South Florida that include:
- Reading to elementary school students
- Junior Dolphins field days and school-based activities
- Serving meals to displaced individuals, families facing food insecurity and local seniors
- Food distribution and marketplace support providing essentials to families in need
- Community beautification and garden projects
- Supporting local organizations' Halloween festivities
- A baby shower for local veteran moms
- Assembling care kits for individuals experiencing homelessness
- Assisting teachers at the Red Apple Store
- Hosting bike safety events with free helmets
- Celebrating music and culture with local organizations
- Supporting the 5000 Role Models Police & Youth Conference
- Volunteering at Special Olympics Florida's regional fall event
The Dolphins will celebrate this month of service at the Ravens vs. Dolphins game at Hard Rock Stadium on October 30. For the first time, fans attending the game will be invited to participate in a volunteering effort on the South Plaza ahead of kickoff. Jenkins and his family will also be recognized during the game.
Last year, nearly 650 volunteers dedicated 1,600 service hours across more than 25 community projects, impacting more than 22,000 South Florida residents. This year, the Dolphins organization is building on that success, expanding its reach and deepening its local impact.
Jenkins joined the Dolphins in 2009 and spent 14 years serving the organization and South Florida community. As senior vice president of communications and community affairs, he led the organization's communications and community programs, spearheading initiatives like the Junior Dolphins, Football UNITES™ and the Dolphins Cancer Challenge – programs that became models for the NFL. Jenkins passed away unexpectedly in August 2022, leaving a legacy of lasting impact, and the Dolphins continue to honor that through the Football UNITES™ Jason Jenkins Days of Service held each year in October.
The Dolphins encourage members of the community to get involved throughout October by giving their time, skills or resources to improve South Florida. For more information on the Football UNITES™ Jason Jenkins Days of Service initiative and to learn how to get involved, visit www.miamidolphins.com/remembering-jason-jenkins/.
