A fantasy football league founded in the Upper Cumberland is transforming a popular hobby into a significant source of funding for local non-profits.
Founder and Commissioner Shaun Scantland said the league allows the annual winner to select which regional charity receives the collective pool of donation money. Scantland said the organization requires the chosen recipient to be a non-political and non-religious nonprofit that specifically serves the Upper Cumberland area.
“We’ve got Republicans, Democrats, atheists, agnostics, Christians, you know, we’ve got all sorts of people but we all care about coming together to help the people here that are doing the hard work at these charities and nonprofits,” Scantland said.
Scantland said the league was inspired by the “Scott Fish Bowl,” a national charity tournament that raises money to purchase Christmas gifts for underprivileged children. Scantland said he adapted that model to focus exclusively on local needs, ensuring that every dollar raised stays within the community.
“When you take out the fact that you don’t get the money but you get to decide where it goes, all of a sudden like everyone’s still involved and everyone’s still excited at the end of the season,” Scantland said. “It just seemed to make sense, let these people find something that they’re passionate about.”
Previous winners have directed funds to organizations including the Child Advocacy Center for the Upper Cumberland, the Putnam County Animal Shelter, and the Cookeville Regional Medical Foundation. Scantland said Mike Franklin, a former winner from Aspire Barber and Beauty, donated approximately $2,000 to Genesis House.
“Nothing feels better than giving back other than beating your friend in fantasy football,” Scantland said. “I would love to have a rival league out there that’s you know, when I’m bragging about hey going into our sixth or seventh league we’ve put $15,000 back into the hands of charities and nonprofits, I’d love for someone to pop up and be like, well I just put $20,000 in.”
The league has grown from 10 original founders to 32 members for the upcoming season. Scantland said the group uses social media to raise awareness for the charities and hosts an annual draft party at the home of Costa Yepifantsev to build community interest.
“You help somebody you can help change the world because you’re impacting someone’s world,” Scantland said. “So don’t be intimidated by the size and scope, just get out there and help somebody.”
Scantland said he is willing to meet with anyone interested in starting a similar charity-focused league to help expand the impact across the region.
