With rumors circulating around his possible Week 9 return, Chargers running back Ryan Mathews was focused on something more important.
On Tuesday at The Rancho Bernardo Inn, Mathews hosted a fundraiser that was very near to his heart.
The Trish and Ryan Mathews Door of Hope Chest Foundation raises money for homeless mothers and their children. The non-profit charity organization provides job counseling and parenting classes. As well as assisting in supplying housewares such as bedding, towels and cooking utensils.
Selling out in its inaugural year of 2013, The golf-charity event provided participants and donors with breakfast, lunch and dinner along with special contests, donations and raffles.
“It’s basically helping homeless mothers get back on their feet,” Mathews said. “That was a big part of my life growing up. So being able to help those homeless mothers, like I helped my mom, is great.” (Williams)
For Mathews, The fundraiser is a tribute to his mother Tricia, who became a parent at 16 years old. With her own mother battling drug addiction, Tricia searched for help from her relatives to find a place to raise her son.
Out of options, Tricia found shelter in the backseat of a 1969 Cutlass Supreme. Following several months of living in a car, feeding her son at a soup kitchen in Riverside, CA. and bathing and washing Ryan’s clothes at public parks, Tricia was able to find a stable home in Tehchapi, moving in with her Grandmother.
With her grandmother looking after Ryan, Tricia worked three jobs a day in order to support her son. When Tricia had saved up enough money, she and Ryan moved to Bakersfield. Tricia had created a new life for herself and her son, eventually enrolling Ryan into West High School, providing the opportunity to play football and receive a good education.
It was a beginning of a career path in football that took Mathews from Bakersfield to Fresno State and ultimately paved his way to become the 12th overall draft pick to The San Diego Chargers in 2010. Mathews even registered for early eligibility in order to give back to his mother for the many sacrifices she made when he was young.
Having first hand experience with being homeless and witnessing how hard it is for mothers with no support, Mathews is always looking to assist the cause that his mother once lived.
“It’s real important. She’s the main symbol for the organization. She’s worked hard all of her life to get to where she’s at. And she helped to create a lot of beneficial things for me” (Williams)
Partnering with The Salvation Army, young mothers come to this organization to forge a new future. Upon graduation of their courses, The Ryan Mathews Door of Hope Chest foundation provides them with some necessities for their new homes.
Providing additional support for other events such as an Ambassador for The Chargers-Keiser Permanente Bolts to the Q 5K run, Mathews hopes that the charitable foundation he opened in honor of his mother as well as his continued contribution to the city of San Diego will continue to grow.
“It’s humbling, being able to give back. There’s a lot of people that are in need. And I’m going to do my part, whether it’s going to an event like this and shaking some hands, taking a picture or signing an autograph or whatnot. It’s something.” (Williams)
