Offspring of former Rams proprietors, Chip and Lucia Rosenbloom, have established the Georgia Frontiere/Rosenbloom Family Assistance Fund, inaugurating it with a substantial initial contribution. During Georgia Frontiere’s ownership of the Rams, spanning Los Angeles and St. Louis, she prioritized comprehensive player well-being, incorporating yoga instructors, financial advisors, nutritionists, and psychiatrists. Before her passing in 2008, her aspiration was to construct a retirement home for ex-players, akin to those in the entertainment industry.
On Friday, Chip and Lucia Rosenbloom established the fund to aid Hall of Fame enshrinees and their families during challenging times. Administered by the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the fund aims to address immediate needs, surpassing the scale of a previous “dire needs fund.” The Rosenblooms, having divested their Rams stake post their mother’s demise, aspire for the fund to serve as a catalyst, encouraging contributions from other stakeholders, including owners and current players. The notion of a retirement home, a dream Frontiere had documented, further fuels their vision.
Recognizing a substantial need, especially among players from the 1960s and 1970s lacking contemporary financial benefits, the fund addresses urgent requirements. Frontiere and her late husband quietly supported former Rams players, yet some enshrinees, particularly the older ones, exhibit ongoing needs with a hesitancy to seek assistance. The Hall of Fame receives appeals from wives or widows, seeking aid for bills, as some players refrain from reaching out. Grants cover diverse expenses, including housing, medical, and utility bills. The fund, arising from Frontiere’s legacy, signifies a pivotal step in supporting Hall of Famers immediately, with hopes of expanding assistance further in the future.
Grants will be case-specific, with the Hall having a history of not rejecting reasonable requests. Opportunities for additional contributions will arise through events like a golf fundraiser and a “rounding up” program for fans. The fund, a testament to Frontiere’s legacy, marks the commencement of a broader initiative to address the most pressing needs of Hall of Famers, fulfilling Frontiere’s dream for comprehensive player care.
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