Harris Barton created Champion Charities, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, in 2004 with his business partner, former teammate and friend, Ronnie Lott, after both of his parents passed away from brain tumors. In Harris’ own words, “My father was first diagnosed while I was in high school and poised to move on to play Division I football. After an all-star career at the University of North Carolina, I was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers and proceeded to win three Super Bowls. As an offensive lineman, I thought I knew what facing tough competition meant, but, like so many other families impacted by this disease, I learned a lot more about the strength of an opponent during my Dad’s battle with a malignant brain tumor. After Dad’s brave fight ended, the unthinkable happened when my Mom, just 9 years later, found herself grappling with the same disease.”
Champion Charities takes the tragedy of Harris’ family and brings something good out of it by helping the community. From their days on the football field, Harris and Ronnie realize the importance of a team. It is with this in mind that Champion Charities invites you to invest in hope and team with us to become a formidable force in the fight to cure brain tumors and helping families and children in need.
Board of Directors & Officers
Harris Barton, Chairman
Harris is the founder and managing director of H. Barton Asset Management. A veteran of 12 NFL seasons, Harris was an All-Pro offensive lineman and helped the 49ers win Super Bowls in 1989, 1990 and 1995. Harris graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1986, where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2021.
Jeff Bloom
Jeff is counsel in the Venture Capital and Growth Equity Fund Group at Gunderson Dettmer. Jeff received his Bachelor of Science degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a JD from New York University School of Law and an L.L.M. in Taxation from the New York University School of Law. He is a member of the State Bars of California and New York.
Craig Johnson
Craig is Vice Chairman of JMP Group, a Citizens Company and Non-Executive Chairman of Omega Venture Partners. He is a partner in GSW Sports LLC (Golden State Warriors) as well ardent supporter of inner city youth programs (Harlem Children’s Zone +) . He holds a BA in Economics from Stanford University, and was a member of two NCAA Championship tennis teams.
Ronnie Lott
Ronnie founded All Stars Helping Kids in 1989, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged youth in the San Francisco Bay area. He helped the 49ers win Super Bowls in 1981, 1984, 1988 and 1989 and was elected to the NFL Hall of Fame in 2000. Ronnie is a graduate of the University of Southern California, where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration.
Staff
Ron Yu
Executive DirectorRon’s professional experience is rooted in the non-profit, education and start-up worlds. Prior to Champion, Ron worked for All Stars Helping Kids, the KIPP Foundation, Deloitte, Teach for America, and NewSchools Venture Fund. Ron holds an AB from Stanford University and an MBA and Masters in Education from the University of Washington.
Amy Moreland
Assistant DirectorAmy’s passion for work in the nonprofit sector and her love of both theatre and football drew her to Champion Charities. She worked previously for Khosla Ventures and HRJ Capital in event planning and Investor Relations. Amy is a University of Southern California Cumme Laude graduate, where she received Bachelor’s Degrees in Broadcast Journalism and Theatre.