Home/Gymnastics

via Imago

via Imago

An athlete is a citizen, and patriotism is one of the key factors in shaping an individual’s contribution towards his nation. In such a heartwarming display of support, Olivia Dunne‘s boyfriend Paul Skenes has initiated a fundraiser aimed at providing aid to military personnel and those in need. This gesture of honoring USA veterans highlights the significance of recognizing and appreciating their sacrifices. 

Paul Skenes recently made it to the Big Leagues, but has been donating ever since he joined LSU. Skenes has become a legend on and off the bullpen. This campaign seeks to rally individuals behind the noble cause of assisting the nation’s heroes, veterans, their families and the ones who really need the money. How exactly does his jingoistic fervor come in clutch here?

Olivia Dunne’s boyfriend’s philanthropic clarion call for the win

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Paul Skenes shared about this fundraiser through his Instagram account where the caption read, Join me this season as I support the Gary Sinise Foundation in raising funds for our nation’s veterans and first responders”. The baseball pitcher continued expressing his jingoism. He continued, We owe a debt to those who protect our freedom and families.” With noble veterans in his own family and having dedicated two years to the Air Force Academy, his mission is clear: to support these heroes and their families wholeheartedly.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Paul Skenes (@paulskenes)

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Furthermore, he shared that he would be donating $100 for every strikeout he records this season. The fundraiser also received support from Katherine Dunne, Olivia Dunne’s mother, as she also shared this news on her Instagram story. Skenes is on the hook for $2,000 from his strikeouts alone, but his contribution has not been added to the total raised yet. Now that the 21-year-old has moved to the Big Leagues, he is using the increased outreach to raise awareness about the challenges faced by the nation’s heroes. 

The patriotism has always permeated 

This is not the first fundraiser raised by Paul Skenes. Being an LSU Tiger, he supported the education of military personnels and the disabled. He did so by being a part of the Folds of Honor organisation, donating $10 for every strikeout. His goal was to raise $20,000 for the organization. Paul said, “I wanted to give back because the military has been such a big piece for me”. Skenes is the third Tiger to announce he will donate his NIL money after Tommy White and Thatcher Hurd both did as well.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

That season he gave a record-breaking performance, where he amassed 200 strikeouts, raising a huge portion of the donation scheme on his own. Thanks to his LSU fanbase, the organisation collected around $25K through the season. Paul Skenes’ dedication to the spirit of unity and gratitude displays the power of collective action in impacting society in a positive way. 

Read More: Olivia Dunne Finally Together With Boyfriend Paul Skenes After Being Apart for Several Weeks