Off the field, Eagles Safety Malcolm Jenkins is nationally known for his very public work on criminal reform issues (which he chronicles every week for The Citizen). Less known, perhaps, is the local grassroots work of The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation, which works to help underserved children in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Louisiana and Ohio.

In Philly, that means several different programs, including a food drive and the Young Dragons Summer STEAM program, in association with Drexel University, that provides free science-based summer classes for elementary and middle school children from the Promise Zone in West Philly, which has a 57 percent poverty rate. 

On October 16th, Jenkins and several teammates will host the 4th Annual Blitz, Bow-Ties & Bourbon Fundraiser to help raise money for the Young Dragons program. The event, at Union Trust at 7th and Chestnut, will boast notable chef tastings, live entertainment, a live and silent auction to benefit The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation’s youth programming and, of course, bourbon. Last year, over 200 people attended and the event raised more than $90,000 to expand TMJF’s Philadelphia-based youth programs. Plus, it will offer the chance to mingle with former and current NFL greats such as Harry Carmichael, Mike Quick, Rodney McLeod—as well as, of course, Jenkins himself.

This year, Jenkins is also hosting a V-VIP event the night before the gala, at his mens clothing store Damari Savile.

“This is a very special event to me that we’ve hosted four years here in the heart of Philadelphia,” says Jenkins. “It gives others the opportunity to join us in our mission to make a positive difference in the lives of youth.”

The event relies on the support of different corporate and community partners—including Fulton Bank—as well as Philadelphia citizens who are working to make a difference for youth in the city. This kind of support is what Jenkins and his foundation need “in order to offer free programs and initiatives aimed to help these young people realize a brighter future,” Jenkins says.

See below for a glimpse of what to expect at the event.

Monday October 16th, 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m., VIP reception 6:30 p.m., $150 to $200, Union Trust, 717 Chestnut Street. V-VIP reception on Sunday October 15th 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., $250, Damari Savile, 709 Walnut Street. Purchase tickets here.