MILWAUKEE, WI – It has been over four years since the legendary quarterback Bart Starr passed at the age of 85. His wife, Cherry Starr, continues to honor his tradition of writing “kick off” notes to the starting NFL quarterbacks. In the notes, she wished the starters good luck, and in response, all 32 quarterbacks contributed their autographed helmets to be auctioned off in the Starr Children’s Fund Helmets for Heroes online auction during Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month in September.
The Helmets for Heroes auction opens Wednesday, Sept. 6 and will run through Sept. 13 on starrchildrensfund.org. Proceeds benefit Starr Children’s Fund, which supports research efforts that impact the lives of pediatric cancer patients.
“Pediatric cancer research is still immensely underfunded,” said Cherry. “I appreciate all 32 quarterbacks and the retired legends who help raise money to fund pediatric cancer research through Helmets for Heroes. Bart would be so happy to know this fundraiser is still helping children with cancer every year.”
One of Bart’s, and now Cherry’s, favorite “kick off” notes to write is to previous Green Bay Packers quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, who was traded to the New York Jets this year. Rodgers played for the Packers for 18 seasons, so the Starrs and Rodgers grew a friendship over this time.
“I am going to miss you, Aaron. Bart loved you so much and so do I. I will always treasure our special friendship. Wishing you much success in the coming season. Thank you for all the thrills you gave us,” Cherry wrote.
Jordan Love, who served as backup to Rodgers for the last three years, is now starting quarterback for the Packers.
“Thank you, Jordan and best wishes for a successful season,” was Cherry’s kick off message to him.
For more information on how to bid on the autographed helmets from Rodgers, Love and the other 30 quarterbacks, visit starrchildrensfund.org.
About Starr Children’s Fund
Bart Starr’s legacy on the football field matched his charitable legacy. After Coach Vince Lombardi passed away from colon cancer in 1970, Bart and Cherry Starr graciously accepted the role of honorary chairpersons of the first annual Vince Lombardi Memorial Golf Classic and served the foundation for 44 years. They contributed to raising more than $16 million to help fight cancer. In 2017, in collaboration with the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation, they introduced the Starr Children’s Fund, which is dedicated to raising funds to support pediatric cancer research and treatment.
