Lone Star Leader

​Texan Will Lourcey aims to recruit sports fans and athletes to fund-raise and fight hunger

Will Lourcey was seven years old when he saw a homeless man with a sign reading NEED A MEAL. The native of Fort Worth, Texas, has been helping fight hunger ever since. "I didn't like learning that some people in my community don't have enough food to eat," recalls Will, now 13.

That summer six years ago, with help from his parents, friends, and the director of a local food bank, Will started FROGS (Friends Reaching Our Goals). He chose the name because he wanted to get his friends, who are fans of the TCU Horned Frogs, excited about the organization. Through FROGS, Will and the other young people he recruited have provided more than 250,000 meals for Dallas--Fort Worth families in need. Besides serving meals, a large part of the work for Will is asking businesses and community members for donations and partnerships. He also tries to spread the word through social media.

Will's latest fund-raiser is called Score on Hunger, which encourages a $1 donation for each point scored at a sporting event at any level. Fans, players, teams, leagues, schools, and parents can participate by selecting an event and pledging to donate to the hunger charity of their choosing.

Will, who hopes to raise $50,000, is encouraging donors to share their impact on social media. He made the final round of the Jefferson Awards Foundation Lead360 contest, an initiative that encourages young Americans to make an impact through public service. "Look around the community," urges Will. "Is there a wrong that maybe you could help turn into a right? A simple act of kindness can mean the world to someone in need."

Photo: J. Lourcey