During the 2018 year, the 17 Strong foundation headlined many accomplishments. The foundation was created by Arroyo Grande’s Ryan Teixeira before he passed away from cancer.
Teixeira’s passion to provide encouragement and inspiration for others became a reality with the creation of 17 Strong. The non-profit focuses on funding Victory Trips to young adults battling life-threatening diseases.
In 2018, 13 people were awarded a Victory Trip that included destinations like Thailand, Hawaii, and Washington D.C. There was even a Victory Trip engagement.
In November, 17 Strong held its first dinner and auction fundraiser where more than $150,000 was raised. Big name athletes also attended the event, including Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner, Robin Ventura, and Nipomo grad turned New York Met, Jeff McNeil.
The foundation has also been traveling around the Central Coast to read, ‘The Toad’s Code’ at local schools. The children’s book was written by Teixeira and Nicole Pitman.
Lastly, 17 Strong is starting a new podcast that will talk about real stories from its Victory Trips recipients.
More on the foundation can be found here.
