The Foundation at Work!
Each quarter my foundation will highlight an individual or organization in need. We will provide unique assistance to each case base on their specific situation.
AZTEC ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
CORONA DEL SOL WRESTLING SCHOLARSHIP.
CORONA DEL SOL WRESTLING SCHOLARSHIP.
We are very proud of our partnership with Corona Del Sol Wrestling Program. With hard work, dedication, and accountability they help young men and women not only become great athletes but great people.
Each season we are sponsoring a wrestler with the help of assistant Coach Pablo De Leon. In order to be the best you have to compete against the best. These tournaments allow top wrestlers from across the country to go head to head during the offseason.
CORONA DEL SOL WRESTLING SCHOLARSHIP.
CORONA DEL SOL WRESTLING SCHOLARSHIP.
CORONA DEL SOL WRESTLING SCHOLARSHIP.
Congratulations to our 2021 recipient of the Aztec assistance scholarship, Uriah Smith. His heart and determination to be the best is truly inspiring. Thank you Coach Pablo for nominating Uriah.
This year we were able to provide Uriah was a $500 scholarship. Giving him access to camps and coaching this summer
A life of Joy
Nash Tillman Ferguson
Nash left us on January 1st, 2022. Though his time here on earth was brief, Nash was busy during his 3 months. He created memories, spread joy, and will be missed dearly each and everyday by his family and friends.
Nash accomplished more in his life time than most of us ever will. His heart and two other organs were donated to other children in critical need. Turning these families hopes and prayers into a real life miracle and providing a future full of endless possibilities for these three children.
Aztec Asstistance Program
Congratulations to Brayden Johnson Brown on winning the 2022 Corona Del Sol wrestling scholarship. This year Brayden posted a 14 - 15 record on Varsity wrestling at 130 pounds. He was able to qualify for the State tournament and finished 6th this year. An impressive accomplishment for any FRESHMAN!
Brayden, our latest recipient of the Aztec assistance program wrote us a very touching letter thanking us for the scholarship money. He says in the letter
" I am humbled to know my teammates see me in the same characteristics and leadership skills as Derek Felton" Brayden Brown
Thank you Coach Pablo for all you do! Pablo wrestled with Derek and is instrumental to Aztec Assistance. He puts in the day to day work with the team and throughout the season looks for individuals with the characteristics that qualify for our annual scholarship. These are personal traits like leadership, heart, and determination.
This year with so many generous donations we were able to award Brayden with $500. This money will be used to further his wrestling career over the summer and off season. He was very excited to be this year's winner and we are looking forward to following his career throughout High School.
HAPPY 31ST BIRTHDAY DEREK
Stories and Slices was a hit! Thank you to everyone who took time out of there busy schedules to support the foundation and more importantly celebrate Derek’s 31st birthday. This was the first party we put on through DFF and couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. There was a great mix of family and friends. We received donations, hand written stories about Derek that we will convert into memories we can all enjoy forever, great food, and a $500 gift was given out to an amazing family.
This years stories and slices event was to celebrate Derek’s Birthday and to lend a helping hand to someone struggling with prescription drugs. Addiction is scary because it wears many faces. The person often feels ashamed or embarrassed they have a problem and sweep it under the rug until it becomes so bad it affects jobs, relationships, and more. We were able to provide $500 of financial assistance to a family currently trying to better themselves.
Huge shout out to Buono’s Pizza for closing their doors, hosting our private event and donating all the food to our foundation. They catered the entire party with several different types of authentic New York style pizza and Italian desserts.The reason we reached out to them first was the connection we have with the Pante family. Derek went to school with his son James and played Pop Warner football on the same team. Their generosity and willingness to help is unmatched and we extremely grateful to have them as friends. They have a location in Gilbert and Mesa. We highly recommend you stop by for lunch or dinner.
One of the best surprises of the event was my Cousin Kala bringing her delicious cake pops! If you have a party or an event and need dessert she has you covered. These themed treats are perfect for any occasion and can be completed customizable to your needs. @kalascakepops.
Ladies and Gentlemen get your tickets out and cross those fingers.. The winning ticket number for the 50 50 raffle is : 6705389. Thank you to everyone for participating. Total amount raised through the raffle was $80. The winner will receive $40. Please contact us to claim your prize.
The main goal of the foundation is to help a wide variety of people struggling and provide a platform along with the tools to allow these recipients to overcome their unique struggles. I am proud to say we received $530 in donations this past Sunday. The money will be used to fund our next event. Bubba's day will consist of donating toys, blankets, and supplies to local animal shelters. Please reach out if you want to contribute with the above mentioned items or you time. Any great shelter recommendations is always welcome.
BUbba's DAy 2022!
Bubba's Buddy
We are so excited for our first annual Bubba's day! Dog's are man's best friend and Derek and Bubba were no different. Bubba had an adventurous life and was surrounded by love. He was a good boy and I miss him everyday.
Huge thanks Kota's Coffee House in Munds Park Arizona for hosting this fabulous event. Every dog is current on all their shots, neutered, and have a microchip giving each dog the best chance for adoption. On the other side of the coin Kota's does a great job bringing in tons of loving families and individuals seeking a four legged friend.
This year the Derek Felton Foundation was able to donate $250 toward one special dog named Carter. My mom liked him the most and with our donation we were able to provide all the shots, and treatment required for Carter to be ready for his new family.
D.A.R.E. Toy Drive Support
Id like to introduce Milek! This young man was volunteering his time to the D.A.R.E. program to help out with the toy drive. He was so shocked and happy when we had $300 for HIM, not the program. Good things happen when you seek nothing in return. It was the right thing to do and he should be rewarded for it.
The toy drive was in December right before Christmas. The goal was to get toys for less fortunate kids in the community. What a right thing to be apart of.
Organizations like D.A.R.E and the Derek Felton Foundation would not operate without the hard working volunteers who donate there time and resources.
Happy Holidays from the Derek Felton Foundation
christmas wishes coming true
Meet Alex! He is one of the funniest and most outgoing kids Ive ever met. He was introduced to flag football and loved it!
The next season was approaching and Alex wanted to play again! We thought it was a great idea and perfect opportunity to help.
With the financial assistance needed Alex was enrolled and can be seen here on the left enjoying one of the games.
He really enjoyed playing receiver and defense. Youth sports are a great way to make friends and learn some valuable life skills. Like accountability and teamwork.
AZTEC ASSTISTANCE PROGRAM
Tradition has a starting place
This is our third year of the highlighting an aztec wrestler for there excellence on and off the mat.
Meet Aiden Odom! The 215 pound sophomore from Corona Del Sol. Aiden finished 5th in state this past year. Even though being one of the younger members of the team his presents and leadership are unmatched in the wrestling room.
We are excited to have a sophomore win the award this year. He will be able to lead by example the next two years showing future Corona wrestlers what it looks like to be a champion. In life and athletics.
Through hard work and team work anything is possible.
Aiden received $500 this year from the foundation.
It takes courage to be your best
Derek was a great wrestler but also a great person. The day you win your big match is just a work out and an award ceremony. You became that champion little by little every day by doing the right things when no one was looking. The right thing to do and the easy thing are rarely the same thing.
The truest test of character is when faced with adversity. What kind of man are you when your backs against the wall and you have to dig deep? Do you quit because its to hard or do you improvise,. adapt. And overcome.
"If it was easy. Everyone would do it"
Building a Legacy
Year 4 of the Derek Felton scholarship award
This years winner is Sebastian Martinez . Sebastian is a 16 year old Sophomore who wrestled 144 pounds this year. He was voted by his teammates because of he's character and heart he displayed this season. He was awarded $500, a Derek Felton Foundation lanyard, and keychain. The goal is to spotlight and reward hard working athletes. We look forward to Sebastians next two years at Corona.
Our Past Winners!
DONATED
From Left to Right: Coach Pablo, Uriah Smith, Brayden Brown, Aiden Odom, Sebastian Martinez.
Here is a look at all our recipients since we started in 2020. I would like to thank Pablo for making this possible each year. You are a great person and friend to Derek & I.
This year Uriah who already graduated came back for the banquet to be apart of announcing this years winner. We did not ask him to do this. He did it because winning the award was special to him. He wanted to be there to share the moment o adding another member. A small group of warriors. Champions on and off the mat.
Each winner receives $500, a lanyard, and keychain. In addition to a plaque to take home, each winners name is added to the DFF plaque that reminders in the wrestling room. A consist reminder of the impact Derek has made on the program and these kids lives.
2024 Fargo
Fargo NAtionals
Derek Felton Foundation is back at Fargo! We are honored to support and sponsor an amazing young man. Joel! Joel is a Corona Del Sol wrestler and has a passion for the sport. It was a dream of Joels to go to Fargo North Dakota and compete in the greco and freestyle tournament. This is not your ordinary tournament. It's largely considered the biggest of the year with all the best kids from across the country. Placing at Fargo is a huge deal and winning makes you a national champ for 16U.
We were able to step in and provide financial assistance to help with air fair and hotel expenses. Joel won one match in freestyle and two in greco. Being able to compete on this stage will no doubt help Joel learn and gain valuable experience he will be able to use throughout his career.