The Harrington Family Foundation

Working together to serve the community has long been a part of the Harrington family tradition. Beginning with holiday volunteering for Meals on Wheels and St. Vincent de Paul when the boys were growing up in the Laurelhurst neighborhood of Portland, Oregon, the family has always looked for ways to make a difference - inspired by Joey's grandparents, "to do well by doing good".

Brothers Joey, Michael and Nick have much in common. They attended the same Catholic grade and high schools, received leadership and scholar athlete awards, and earned a college scholarship. Despite the demands of athletics, they also found time to be active in their church and school community.

John, a retired high school principal who was selected Oregon High School Principal of the Year in 2000 and was a finalist for National Principal of the Year, shared his love of athletics by volunteering as head football and basketball coach with the Catholic Youth Organization for 10 years. He has coached all three sons and now oversees the activities of the Harrington Family Foundation.

For Valerie, the foundation is an extension of what she has always done. In addition to running her own architectural practice from home and raising three boys, she has served on numerous boards and committees in the church and school community. She now divides her time between her practice and heading the day-to-day operation of the foundation.

Whether on or off the football field, NFL quarterback Joey Harrington believes that leadership, hard work and a positive attitude can make a big difference in life. "I play football because I love the game," he says. "It also allows me to make a difference in the communities that have been so supportive of me and my family."

Before turning professional, Joey honed his quarterback skills as a three-year starter for the University of Oregon Ducks, leading them to a #2 national ranking his senior season and earning his place as a Heisman Trophy finalist. Hard work, he says, has been the major ingredient of his success: "I am not the fastest or strongest guy out on the field, but I worked harder than the guys across from me."

Today, Joey and his family want to use that same work ethic to make a difference for kids in need. In addition to lending his energy and financial support to the Harrington Family Foundation, Joey also contributes his musical talents as an accomplished jazz pianist to an annual summer benefit concert to support the foundation's work.

"My grandparents taught us that in order to do well in life we must do good, and this has always been a guiding principle for our family. The foundation offers us the perfect opportunity to give back."