Bart and Cherry Starr
In the seventeenth round of the NFL Draft in 1956, the Green Bay Packers drafted Bart Starr out of the University of Alabama. His playing time was limited during his first few years on the team, but the arrival of Vince Lombardi as the Packers coach in 1959, changed Starr’s football career forever. Starr led the Green Bay Packers to five NFL titles and two Super Bowl Championships. Starr played for 15 years as quarterback and rose to become one the greatest players the NFL has ever seen. He was named the Most Valuable Player of the first two Super Bowls and during his career earned four Pro Bowl selections. Starr's number, 15, was retired by the Packers in 1973. Starr was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Packers Hall of Fame in 1977.
The Athletes in Action Bart Starr Award is given annually to an NFL player who "best exemplifies outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field, and in the community." The award, bearing Starr’s name, honors his lifelong commitment to serving as a positive role model to his family, teammates, and community.
Bart Starr married his high school sweetheart, Cherry, in May of 1954. Their love spanned more than six decades, and the couple dedicated countless hours furthering the mission of the VLCF. After Vince Lombardi passed away from colon cancer in 1970, Bart and Cherry Starr graciously accepted the role of Honorary Chairpersons of the first annual Vince Lombardi Memorial Golf Classic. They tirelessly served as Honorary Chairpersons of the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation for 44 years and contributed to raising more than $16 million to help fight cancer. In 2017, Bart and Cherry Starr introduced the Starr Children's Fund, which is dedicated to raising funds to support pediatric cancer research and treatments.
“Childhood cancer is very badly underfunded. Bart and I decided that our future efforts would be to work with children with cancer and raise the money they so badly need.”
In May 2019, Starr passed away. His legacy on and off the field will always be remembered and certainly missed. His commitment and passion for supporting cancer research will continue to drive efforts through the Starr Children’s Fund and the mission of the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation. Cherry remains passionate for fundraising and is a key ambassador for VLCF. The Starr Children’s Fund has raised over $XXX for innovation pediatric cancer research and treatments.