GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Dozens in Grand Rapids laced up their cleats to help people in need. On Wednesday, the fourth annual Icy Flag Football Fundraiser was held at Michigan Sports Academies’ Woodland facility.

In 2018, Grand Rapids native Taylor Foster created Wolf Talk, an effort that aims to promote leadership and create genuine connections in the community.

“Our diversity, our love, our unity, we just try to reflect God and love as best as possible because in this human being experience, you need each other to survive and thrive,” Foster said.

Foster started the Icy Flag Football Fundraiser as part of his work. It’s an event around Thanksgiving that brings athletes in the area together to compete in a tournament.

The idea stemmed from Foster and his grandfather’s love for the game.

“He (his grandfather) helped a lot of individuals in this community through the game of football, and I played football and was a good athlete myself,” Foster said.

It’s not just about scoring touchdowns. Proceeds from the fundraiser will assist people in need through the Heart of West Michigan United Way.

“I come from a single mother. So I know how it is to survive,” Foster said.

Michelle Van Dyke, president and CEO of Heart of West Michigan United Way, said events that give back like the flag football tournament are crucial, especially around the holidays.

“There are thousands of families today who are at risk of becoming homeless, and we’re working with them through our eviction prevention program to get them the help that they need,” Van Dyke said.

She said food insecurity near Thanksgiving is another big concern.

“There’s so many people who don’t know where that meal is going to come from, and United Way is here to help them,” Van Dyke said.

Gourney Sloan, who plays in the Indoor Football League and participated in the fundraiser, said it feels good to help others.

“You’re around guys you grew up with, and just to bring us all together and do it for the community, or for a better cause, it’s fun.”

As of Wednesday afternoon, more than $1,000 has been raised.