3 Former Seahawks Launch 'Champions Of Change'

SEATTLE — Former Seattle Seahawks stars Doug Baldwin, Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett have joined forces once again to launch the Champions of Change, a new organization envisioned to help raise funds for local non-profits through a series of annual events.

The trio unveiled the new philanthropic undertaking Friday, starting with three events planned in late June to kick off its inaugural year. This year's events include an auction and draft party, where donors can snag tickets to play games with Seattle sports stars, a day of service, and a celebrity basketball game scheduled for June 26 at Climate Pledge Arena. The team hopes to make all three events annual traditions.

"As players, we came together in a brotherhood that set aside individual priorities for the benefit of the team," Baldwin said in a statement. "That effort was celebrated, in unity, by this city and region. Our goal is to take what we learned during our championship chapter to build a new team, and once again bring this city and region together, but this time to support the organizations that make our families and communities stronger."

While the final details are still being hammered out for exactly who will be on the court in June, Seattleites can expect a roster of Seattle sports greats, including players and coaches.

"We have a lot of friends in the sports community," Avril said. "While I don't want to ruin the surprises, we are working toward the game featuring well-known players from our team, and former or current stars from the Mariners, Storm, Sonics, Sounders, Kraken, Reign, Huskies, Cougars, as well as NBA, MLB, and NFL players raised in this area. What I will tell you is this: fans are going to enjoy the game."

Tickets for the game went on sale Friday, and more details about all three events will be shared as the dates draw nearer.

Money raised from this year's efforts will benefit:

• The Odessa Brown Children's Clinic
• DADS
• Women United Seattle
• Humble Design Seattle
• Dignity for Divas