Young 9 Foundation to Host Sneaker Ball December 15
The annual charity event in Charlotte supports mental wellness efforts for youth.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The Young 9 Foundation will host its second annual Sneaker Ball on December 15 in Charlotte. The gala aims to raise support for mental health programs through the foundation.
Why it matters
Founder Bryce Young aims to destigmatize mental health challenges and promote wellness among young athletes. The foundation utilizes events to build resources that encourage youth support systems.
The Young 9 Foundation was established in 2024 and serves children starting at a minimum age of 5. This event marks the second iteration of the foundation's annual Sneaker Ball.
The players
Bryce Young
He is the founder of the Young 9 Foundation and a professional football player who majored in psychology at Alabama.
Young 9 Foundation
This organization was established in 2024 to promote mental wellness and provide resources for youth through initiatives like football camps.
HopeWay
This is a mental health care facility that will serve as the beneficiary of the Sneaker Ball proceeds.
The details
The upcoming event at The Revelry features a four-course seated dinner and celebrity servers to benefit HopeWay. The initiative draws on Bryce Young's personal background in psychology and his parents' professional history in therapy and special education.
Timeline
December 15, 2026: Young 9 Foundation Sneaker Ball.
Market Landscape
The foundation's focus on destigmatizing mental health follows the established pattern of athlete-led advocacy initiatives by leveraging a public platform to fund clinical resources. This project positions the foundation within a growing sector of player-driven philanthropy focused on community health infrastructure.
Residents of Charlotte can participate in the gala to support local mental health services provided by HopeWay. Ticket purchases and attendance directly contribute to the resource pool for youth-focused wellness programs.
The takeaway
The foundation combines professional athletic outreach with a focus on psychological well-being to address youth mental health. Supporters can look for future updates through the foundation website to engage with long-term program development.
Further reading
For more information on regional charitable initiatives, visit the Charlotte Philanthropy section.
More information
Find complete details on the gala schedule and mission at the Young 9 Foundation event information page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Charlotte Observer.
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Do you believe social media is having a negative impact on the mental health of youth?
