BUFFALO, N.Y. — Hayley Beane is no stranger to giving back to Western New York, but on Sunday morning, the wife of Bills general manager, Brandon, announced a matching gift to benefit Damar Hamlin's charity.
When the Bills score a touchdown at home, an animal at the Erie County SPCA is “drafted” to become a part of the “Bills Muttfia,” and the Beanes cover the cost the adoption fee.
Hayley Beane announced on Twitter that in addition to the adoption fee, they will match the donation and give the money to Hamin's Chasing M's foundation for every six-point score at home against the Patriots, the final regular season game of the year.
Photos of the draft picks are posted to social media the day after the game to let the public know how many animals are available for adoption, free of charge, thanks to the Beanes (and the players who scored a TD!)
Within an hour of Hamlin collapsing on the field during the Monday Night Football game between the Bills and Bengals, fans began donating to Hamlin's charity in droves.
As of Sunday morning, more than $8 million dollars was raised. Some NFL teams and players made significant donations to the fundraising drive that Hamlin set up in December 2020 with hopes of having his foundation provide toys for needy children.
The following message was posted on the GoFundMe:
This fundraiser was initially established to support a toy drive for Damar’s community, sponsored by the Chasing M’s Foundation. However, it has received renewed support in light of Damar’s current battle and we can’t thank all of you enough. Your generosity and compassion mean the world to us.