School Supply Drive

Each summer, The L.E.A.D. Foundation hosts a School Supply Drive to ensure every child starts the school year prepared and confident. With the help of our community partners and supporters, we collect and distribute backpacks filled with essential school supplies to local students in need. This initiative helps remove barriers to learning and reminds every student that their community believes in their potential.

Winter Coat Drive

The L.E.A.D. Winter Coat Drive provides warmth and comfort to children and families across the Capital Region during the colder months. Through community donations and partnerships, we collect new and gently used coats, hats, and gloves, ensuring that no child has to face the winter without the essentials. Each coat represents more than just warmth, it’s a symbol of care, dignity, and belonging.

Dare to Donate

Our annual Dare to Donate campaign combines fitness, community, and giving. Hosted at Aspire Athletic Club, this two-week food and essentials drive supports the South End Children’s Café, an Albany-based nonprofit dedicated to fighting food insecurity and empowering youth through nutrition, enrichment, and the arts. The fundraiser concludes with a celebration at the Café, where kids can kick off the holiday season with sports, dance, free haircuts, and a good meal! Proving that when a community comes together, small acts of kindness can create a big impact.

Holiday Sporting Goods Drive

The L.E.A.D. Holiday Sporting Goods Drive helps spread joy and opportunity during the holiday season by collecting new and gently used sports equipment for children and families in need. From basketballs and soccer balls to sneakers and training gear, each donation helps spark a child’s interest in fitness, teamwork, and healthy activity. This annual event ensures that every child regardless of circumstance, can experience the excitement of play, movement, and belonging.

The Gardy Classic Powerlifting Meet

Hosted annually at Aspire Athletic Club, The Gardy Classic Powerlifting Meet brings together athletes, families, and spectators for an inspiring day of strength, competition, and community. Founded by Jack and Bridget Gardy of JAKed Barbell Club, the event celebrates the spirit of powerlifting while serving as a fundraiser for The L.E.A.D. Foundation. Proceeds from the meet directly support youth wellness initiatives, after-school programs, and community outreach across the Capital Region. The Gardy Classic represents more than a meet, it’s a movement that turns passion for strength into purpose for others.