Brotherhood of Giving

John Plattenburg – #24 – Safety
Chris Willson – #87 – Tight End
Zach Banner – #73 – Offensive Line
Jordan Austin – #56 – Offensive Line

These names have now entered a hall greater than fame. They've become members of an elite group of USC Football Student-Athletes who are forever members of the "Hall of Service" fraternity.

However, before they can enter such an honorable hall, it must be built.

For Jon and Karen Jaffe, hearing about a senseless act of violence that took the life of their son's high school football teammate hit too close to home. So, in 2015, the Jaffe Family Foundation wanted to not only serve the Los Angeles community, but build a platform for those with great influence to create social change.

Trojan Outreach and the Jaffe Family Foundation enters its fourth season of celebrating the dedication of USC Football Student-Athletes. Every year, Trojan Outreach provides numerous opportunities to serve the Los Angeles area, and student-athletes volunteer their time to those in need. However, there are always a few student-athletes from the football program who go above the call, and make them instead. Those football student-athletes who go above and beyond the call of duty are nominated for the "Community Service Award" and the winner is announced at the annual USC Football Awards Banquet.

While a trophy is nice, additional resources to serve become the biggest reward. Each year, the winner is given the opportunity to select and organize a project with the financial support of the Jaffe Family Foundation.

Since the inception, USC Football Community Service Award winners have completed community park beatifications inside of a housing project complex in Watts, CA. In addition, they've hosted homeless children living on Los Angeles' notorious "Skid Row" for a day of therapeutic yoga and life skill exercises. This year's award winner, Jordan Austin, will lead the charge by hosting 100 foster youth for the "Embrace Your Inner Hero" program where they will be treated to a motivational panel, exclusive screening of Black Panther and will leave with the one item many foster youth don't have; Their own piece of luggage.

At this point, one should realize that these events improve every year. The Jaffe's contribution is great, and the added beauty of this program is rooted in the commitment to serve after the student-athletes graduate and go onto professional careers. They come back to offer support to their newest brother.

Last year, Chris Willson provided meals to the youth from his meal preparation company. This year, current player for the Carolina Panthers, Zach Banner, will purchase toiletry items to go into each bag for the foster youth.

This award is bigger than a trophy. This award birthed a lifelong brotherhood.

University Southern California Trojans

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