As football enthusiasts eagerly tune in to watch the 2020 NFL Draft, they'll have a unique opportunity to support communities around the country affected by coronavirus. Kicking off on Thursday, April 23, at 8 p.m. ET, the virtual event will introduce "Draft-A-Thon"— a three-day fundraising campaign. Fans everywhere can get involved by donating during "Draft-A-Thon" to one central fund. Resources collected through the initiative will benefit COVID-19 relief efforts for six national nonprofits, including American Red Cross, Feeding America, Meals on Wheels, Salvation Army, United Way and the CDC Foundation. A portion of the proceeds will also be allocated to the nonprofits' corresponding local chapters, as selected by each team.
In Western New York, the Bills have elected to distribute their portion of the local funding to the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County to support the WNY COVID-19 Community Response Fund. A collaborative effort, which supports the region's eight counties, the WNY COVID-19 Community Response Fund is intended to address the area's most critical needs by providing resources to essential organizations such as health, human services, food, childcare and frontline responders.
Integrated across draft coverage on ABC, ESPN, ESPN Deportes and NFL Network from April 23-25, "Draft-A-Thon" will also be live streamed on NFL social and digital platforms. The one-of-a-kind fundraiser will be hosted by NFL Network's Rich Eisen and Deion Sanders and will feature special guests such as comedian Kevin Hart, musicians Quavo and Kane Brown, gaming icon "Ninja," NFL players and Legends like Tyrann Mathieu, Devin McCourty, Torrey Smith, Rod Woodson and many more.
To highlight their famed pride – and showcase their appreciation for individuals working tirelessly to combat coronavirus – Buffalo's faithful can participate in "Draft-A-Thon" when the Bills are on the clock by visiting NFL.com/relief or by utilizing the text-to-donate option during the live stream. Those who wish to contribute ahead of the draft, can do so at the dedicated webpage.
"As we face this global health crisis together, we are filled with gratitude for the extraordinary work of first responders, healthcare workers and many others who are helping those in need," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. "The Draft-A-Thon will deliver much-needed funding to many who are suffering as well as those on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Conducting this event virtually, and taking all necessary precautions while doing so, underscores the importance of staying home and staying strong during this unprecedented moment in our history."
For more information on "Draft-A-Thon" or to donate now, please visit NFL.com/relief.
Bills fans can stay up to date on the latest draft happenings on buffalobills.com/draft, the Bills Mobile app, presented by M&T Bank, and the team's social media accounts. Bills draft coverage is presented by ECMC.
Scroll through to view photos of prospects that some mock draft experts have Buffalo selecting in the second or third round of the 2020 NFL Draft.