CINCINNATI, Ohio – Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates held his 3rd annual Single Mother’s Initiative last weekend, where he partnered with Bigger Than Sneakers, Inc. to treat single moms and their kids in the Cincinnati area to a few days of festivities, according to SI.com.
“Every year we have been able to make an impact, and this year we’ve got some extra events planned to make it even bigger. It’s something that is incredibly important to me,” he said.
Having grown up in a single mother household with his older sister, younger brother, and step siblings in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Bates has been passionate in his support of single moms over the years. Much of it comes from having seen the sacrifices his mother, Theresa, made, like working two jobs to support his family.
His Single Mother’s Initiative is his way of giving back to those who have experiences similar situations to those he has growing up.
The event began with a Christmas shopping spree for the children. The event was followed on Friday with a trip to the movie theater for the kids, while the mothers had dinner out together. Saturday involved haircuts and miniature golfing at TopGolf, where ‘Who Dey,’ the Bengals’ mascot, joined them too.
On Sunday, the group attended the Bengals-Browns game in a private suite, had an in-game visit from the Ben-Gal cheerleaders, and later granted post-game field access to meet Bates after the game.
The group cheered as they saw the Bengals secure their fifth-straight win and Bates grab a pivotal 4th quarter interception. Bates received a game ball for his performance.
To cap the event, Bates provided limousine transportation for the children and mothers to take them around town.
