KENTUCKY NEWS HEADLINES: Mark Pope and Wife Lee Anne Donate $2.5M, Bonuses, and Endorsements to Charity Supporting Homeless Youths and Children in Kentucky…
Lexington, KY — May 19, 2025
In a heartfelt and transformative gesture that is resonating across the Bluegrass State, University of Kentucky head basketball coach Mark Pope and his wife, Lee Anne Pope, have announced a groundbreaking donation of $2.5 million to charities focused on supporting homeless youths and vulnerable children in Kentucky. In addition to the monetary donation, the couple has pledged coaching bonuses, endorsement income, and future fundraising efforts to sustain the long-term impact of the initiative.
The announcement is being hailed as one of the most powerful philanthropic statements in Kentucky sports history. It showcases not just the Popes’ devotion to the game, but their unwavering belief in community, compassion, and giving back.
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A Mission Rooted in Compassion
Standing before a crowd of nonprofit leaders, university representatives, student-athletes, and local families at the HopeBridge Youth Shelter in Lexington, Coach Pope took the stage with his wife to deliver an emotional message.
> “This is bigger than basketball,” said Mark Pope, voice thick with emotion. “It’s about doing right by the children in our communities who’ve been left behind—those without homes, without families, and without the safety every child deserves.”
Lee Anne Pope, a former healthcare executive and longtime advocate for children’s welfare, echoed her husband’s sentiments.
> “You can’t walk through the streets of Lexington, Louisville, or Bowling Green without seeing the need. These children are not invisible—they are Kentucky’s future, and they deserve every opportunity to succeed.”
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Breakdown of the $2.5 Million Gift
The Popes’ $2.5 million donation will be distributed among five key organizations that directly serve homeless and at-risk youth across Kentucky:
1. HopeBridge Youth Shelter – Lexington
2. Louisville Kids First Initiative
3. Safe Haven Outreach – Bowling Green
4. Northern Kentucky Children’s Alliance
5. Eastern Kentucky Families United
Each organization will receive funding to expand housing, improve mental health services, enhance education access, and develop mentorship programs.
In addition, the Popes announced:
The creation of the “Pope Promise Grant” — a scholarship program to support formerly homeless teens in pursuing higher education or vocational training.
A commitment to donate all postseason coaching bonuses from the next two years (an estimated $1.2 million) to children’s shelters and education initiatives.
A pledge to contribute a portion of endorsement revenue and media appearances to a new trust fund specifically for homeless youth services, estimated at over $800,000 over the next five years.
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“This Is a Legacy Moment” – UK Athletics Applauds the Move
UK Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart praised the couple’s action as a defining moment in Kentucky basketball history—not for the trophies or banners, but for the heart behind the jersey.
> “Mark and Lee Anne have done something truly remarkable. They’ve turned their influence into impact. This is a legacy moment that will echo for generations.”
Coach Pope, who returned to Kentucky to lead the Wildcats with great fanfare, has already rekindled excitement in Big Blue Nation with his coaching energy and recruiting momentum. But this move has won him even deeper admiration—beyond the court.
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Kentucky Student-Athletes Step Up
Inspired by their coach’s example, several University of Kentucky basketball players have announced their intentions to get involved. Players like Reed Sheppard, Zvonimir Ivisic, and DJ Wagner shared on social media that they plan to donate a portion of their NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) earnings and spend time volunteering at shelters and schools.
Senior forward Adou Thiero remarked:
> “Coach Pope is always telling us to be leaders not just on the court but in life. This shows us what that looks like.”
The Wildcats’ women’s basketball and football teams have also pledged to organize community outreach drives and awareness events to support the same cause.
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Lee Anne Pope: The Quiet Champion Behind the Scenes
Though Mark Pope is a public figure in Kentucky, Lee Anne Pope has been equally influential behind the scenes. A fierce advocate for youth empowerment, she has served on the boards of national children’s health and education nonprofits. Since moving to Lexington, she has become deeply involved with shelters and transitional programs for displaced families.
> “When you look into the eyes of a child who’s been through trauma, you don’t forget it,” she said at the event. “You either walk away or step up. We chose to step up.”
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Long-Term Vision: “Hoops for Hope” Initiative
As part of their broader mission, the Popes are launching a statewide campaign called “Hoops for Hope”, aimed at using the power of sports to uplift Kentucky’s most vulnerable kids.
The initiative includes:
A mobile basketball outreach tour to rural shelters and youth centers
Free summer basketball camps for homeless and low-income youth
Mental health therapy partnerships with UK’s Psychology Department
Mentorship from college athletes to high school students at risk of dropping out
Creation of “Second Chance Scholarships” funded by fan donations and local sponsors
The Popes are also engaging corporate partners, including Kroger, UK Healthcare, and Lexmark, to expand the initiative’s reach and build a $10 million support endowment over the next decade.
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A Roaring Response from Big Blue Nation
The Kentucky fanbase—one of the most passionate in the nation—has responded with a groundswell of pride. Social media flooded with hashtags like #PopePurpose, #BigBlueGives, and #HoopsForHope.
UK alumnus and NBA legend Anthony Davis posted:
> “Proud to see Coach Pope leading with heart. Kentucky isn’t just about winning games—it’s about winning lives.”
Coach John Calipari, Pope’s former mentor, tweeted:
> “Couldn’t be prouder of Mark and Lee Anne. They’re the embodiment of servant leadership. Big Blue Nation is blessed to have them.”
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A Message of Hope for Every Child in Kentucky
In his closing remarks at the announcement, Mark Pope summed up the entire mission with clarity and conviction:
> “To every kid in Kentucky who’s ever felt forgotten or hopeless—we see you, we hear you, and we believe in you. This is your home. And we will fight for you—every single day.”
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Conclusion: Beyond the Buzzer
In a season already full of anticipation and promise on the court, Mark and Lee Anne Pope have delivered the ultimate win—a victory of humanity, humility, and heart.
With their donation, leadership, and unwavering commitment to Kentucky’s youth, the Popes are building something far greater than a basketball dynasty.
They’re building a legacy of love. One child at a time.
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