Hall of Fame. Hometown Generosity.

We want to take a moment to celebrate Larry Fitzgerald Jr. and congratulate him on his Hall of Fame honor.

From the outside, it is easy to measure greatness by what happens on game day. But what we have seen over the years is something just as meaningful: a steady commitment to kids and families right here in our neighborhood.

Larry has supported Urban Ventures in practical, specific ways that have mattered to real people.

He has helped send UV students in our summer programs to Valleyfair year after year. For our students, that day is a highlight. They talk about it for weeks. They count down. And it becomes motivation. It is one more reason to stay engaged, keep showing up, and keep working hard in their studies because they know someone is paying attention and cheering them on.

He has helped make Christmas meaningful for kids, not only through gifts, but through gift cards that let young people choose something for a parent or sibling. That matters. It treats them with dignity and gives them the chance to be generous too.

He has supported school supply drives so families can start the year with what they need, without the added stress of wondering how they will afford it.

And he has invested in our students’ learning and creativity through technology support, including iPads for young people connected to our Innovation Center.

He doesn’t do it to be flashy, he does it because it’s the kind of support that strengthens a neighborhood from the inside out.

Larry, congratulations. We are grateful for your example and even more grateful for the way you have used your platform to show up for kids and families in South Minneapolis.

Thank you for believing in our students.

Thank you for backing families in practical ways.

Thank you for being part of the story here.