Lynch Family Foundation Welcomes Tim Tebow at Annual Banquet – Donates $25,000 to Chris Norton Foundation

Tim Tebow and Lynch Family

Decorah, Iowa (June 1, 2023) - The Lynch Family Foundation donated $25,000 on Thursday, June 1 to the Chris Norton Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping people with spinal cord and neuromuscular disabilities live their best lives.

The donation was presented during Lynch’s annual fundraising event held on June 1, 2023. This two-day event, which included a golf outing on Friday, June 2, welcomed Lynch Family Company partners, customers, supporters and community members for an enjoyable evening of connection, dinner, music, auction and fun.

This year’s guest of honor was Tim Tebow, a former NFL quarterback and college football analyst. Tebow won the Heisman Trophy in 2007 with the Florida Gators and was a first-round selection in the 2010 NFL draft. After three seasons in the NFL, Tebow pivoted to professional baseball. In addition to his various sports accomplishments, Tebow is heavily involved in philanthropy and seeks to use his platform to better the lives of others.

From the very beginning, the Lynch family and the Foundation have been dedicated supporters of Chris Norton and his nonprofit organization. Norton, an Iowa native, suffered a devastating spinal cord injury while playing football for Luther College in 2010, resulting in the loss of sensation from his neck down. Despite being given a mere 3% chance of walking again, Norton defied the odds and not only walked across the stage for his graduation but also down the aisle on his wedding day. His remarkable story has served as an inspiration to millions nationwide, including Tebow.

Tebow has become a devoted loyal friend and supporter, even penning the forward of Norton’s book, “The Seven Longest Yards: Our Love Story of Pushing Limits.” In honor of their friendship and to honor the impactful work of the Chris Norton Foundation, Lynch Family Foundation was pleased to present a donation to the Chris Norton Foundation of $25,000. The Chris Norton Foundation provides life-changing opportunities from wheelchair camps to essential resources such as therapists and research, improving the lives of individuals affected by spinal cord and neuromuscular disabilities.

“I’m honored to attend this year’s event to support Lynch Family Foundation’s mission of giving back to local communities,” said Tebow. “Their nonprofit has done some amazing work over the years including their support of Chris Norton and helping his foundation take flight many years ago. It was great being here tonight for many reasons, but it was uniquely special to see how supportive the Lynch family and this community is of both Chris and his foundation.”

“Our Foundation is proud to make this donation to the Chris Norton Foundation,” said Gary Lynch, chairman of Lynch Family Companies. “Chris’s story has deeply moved us, and we are grateful for the invaluable work his foundation carries out to empower individuals with spinal cord and neuromuscular disabilities. It is an honor for us to support such a worthy cause.”

Proceeds from the evening’s event go to the Lynch Family Foundation, who in turn actively supports local and national nonprofits. In 2022, the Foundation donated funds to over 76 different organizations, bringing its total amount contributed to $6 million since 1996.

Media Contact: Kelsey Ritchey

About Lynch Family Companies

Lynch Family Companies is a family-owned, agriculture-focused organization based out of Waucoma, Iowa. From animal nutrition and pork and beef production to livestock transportation and automotive services, Lynch’s thirteen companies provide services tailored to their respective communities and customers – all bound by Lynch Family Companies’ commitment to feed our communities, region and world.