The D.R.I.P. Way Foundation, Inc., is the dream and passion of John Franklin III, a Sickle Cell trait carrier, current wide receiver with the Memphis Showboats of the USFL, and a Superbowl LV champion who played with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He is a native Floridian, who graduated from South Plantation High School and desires to serve the community by giving back, increasing awareness, providing knowledge resources, and support for Sickle Cell Anemia.
On Wednesday, August 16, 2023, The D.R.I.P. Way Foundation, Inc. along with Sickle Cell Disease Association of Broward County Inc. partnered with Tarshé Freeman, Proud Principal of Broward Estates Elementary School and other community organizations in their 1st annual resource back to school fair. John Franklin III, president of the foundation, greeted the students, parents and community stakeholders. He shared that he was a student at Broward Estates Elementary and wanted to give back to his elementary school. He encouraged the students of the importance of doing their best in school, and never to give up on their dreams. He urged parents to be supportive to their students because their presence is critical in their child’s life. He informed the group of the foundation’s partnership with Karen Smith and the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Broward County Inc. giving voice to the importance of bringing attention to this disease that impact our community. Resources were provided for the stakeholders present.
The D.R.I.P. Way Foundation, Inc presented the school with School Headphones for all students, Safety Identification Color Coded Bag Tags for students in all grade levels, and raffled of some Book Bags at the end of the fair.