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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Thursday, July 22, 2004

Jones to head charity group

By Ferd Lewis
Advertiser Staff Writer

University of Hawai'i football coach June Jones has begun a nonprofit, tax-exempt foundation, "the June Jones Foundation."

Jones
The foundation's Web site, www.junejonesfoundation.org, says it is, "dedicated to improving the quality of life for needy families of children with life-threatening illnesses as well as other charitable causes."

The foundation's first event, the June Jones Foundation 5K Run & Walk, is scheduled for Aug. 28 at Les Murakami Stadium as a benefit for HUGS (Help, Understanding & Group Support for Hawai'i's seriously ill children and their families). A golf tournament is planned for June 19-20, 2005 at Hokuli'a Golf Course on the Big Island.

Jones, who became the highest-paid state employee when he signed a contract for $800,016 a season last year, said he and some individuals began raising money for the foundation with a kickoff event last week.

JUNE JONES FOUNDATION

WHAT: Nonprofit foundation to improve the quality of life for needy families of children with life-threatening illnesses as well as other charitable causes

Web site: www.junejonesfoundation.org

Jones said the foundation, "is something (agent Leigh) Steinberg and I have talked about since I came here but didn't really get around to (right away)."

The foundation is operated by Coaching Charities, a New Mexico-based management company that administers foundations for several other coaches, including Fisher DeBerry of the Air Force Academy.

Jones is chairman of the five-member board of directors that oversees his foundation.

Jones said he chose HUGS as the first recipient, "having been through a cancer situation in the family, the approach and the way parents and families needs (were met), it was a very touching organization."

Jones said while some contributions to the foundation will come from out of state, he expects the benefits to be distributed in Hawai'i. "A lot of people have been stepping up to help out," Jones said.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.