Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Launched Annual Pushupathon
The Jacksonville-based foundation has initiated a week-long fundraiser to celebrate its 31st anniversary.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Philanthropy
Live Poll
Would you participate in a fitness-based challenge to help raise money for a local charity?
The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund has launched its Pushupathon event to mark 31 years of supporting families battling cancer. Participants are aiming to complete 310 pushups and raise $310 each during the week-long fundraiser.
Why it matters
The foundation provides essential financial support to families facing the stresses of a cancer diagnosis. Celebrating its milestone anniversary, the organization continues a legacy rooted in community-led assistance for those in need.
The foundation has distributed over $39 million in aid to nearly 7,000 families since it began operations. The new initiative tasks each supporter with reaching a goal of 310 pushups and $310 in donations.
The players
Tom Coughlin
He is the founder of the Jay Fund and a former professional football coach.
Jay McGillis
He was a Boston College football player whose struggle with leukemia inspired the foundation.
Boston College
This university served as the origin site for the fundraising concept in 1991.
The details
Founded by Tom Coughlin following the 1992 death of Jay McGillis, the organization has grown from a celebrity golf classic in 1996 to a major support network. Supporters can now track their physical progress and fundraising totals through an online leaderboard during the week of the event.
Timeline
In 1991, Boston College players raised $50,000 for the McGillis family.
Jay McGillis passed away on July 3, 1992.
Tom Coughlin started the Jay Fund in 1996.
The Pushupathon began on September 28, 2026.
The fundraiser concludes on October 4, 2026.
Market Landscape
The Pushupathon follows the precedent set by the 1991 Boston College fundraiser for Jay McGillis, which first established the model of athletic-based community support. This initiative signals a strategic push to modernize donor engagement through gamified, health-focused challenges.
Residents can support the foundation by registering for the event and soliciting $310 in donations from their personal networks. Supporters should track their pushup progress through the digital leaderboard to meet the event's specific goals.
The takeaway
Engaging in fitness challenges provides a unique pathway for non-profits to reach new demographic audiences while raising essential funds. Potential donors can contribute at any level to help sustain the long-term support provided to families in crisis.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts by visiting the Jacksonville Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News 4 Jax.
Live Poll
Would you participate in a fitness-based challenge to help raise money for a local charity?
