About Us

At the Craig A. Bixler HERO Foundation, we ensure all children can play sports, no matter their financial situation. Inspired by Craig A. Bixler’s legacy, we are dedicated to removing barriers and fostering a lifelong passion for sports among young athletes.

Our Story

Thank you for visiting our website and support of The Craig A. Bixler HERO Foundation.  We’re a non-profit organization dedicated to removing the financial barriers that prevent children from participating in sports.  Founded in loving memory of our father, Craig A. Bixler, a celebrated football star from John Harris High School in Harrisburg, PA, the foundation is committed to carrying forward his legacy of inclusivity and opportunity for all, and giving the joy of playing sports to any child who wishes to compete.

Dad was not only a formidable athlete but also a deeply compassionate man who firmly believed that every child should have the chance to benefit from sports, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.  We, too, firmly believe sports plays a vital role in a child’s physical, emotional, and social development.  Participation in sports not only fosters teamwork, discipline, and leadership skills but also promotes a healthy and active lifestyle.  And we don’t think financial challenges should be a roadblock.

We rely on the generosity of individuals, businesses, and community organizations to fund our efforts. Through their contributions, we can cover registration fees and other associated costs, freeing up these great kids to just have fun on the field.

Together, let us continue our father’s extraordinary legacy of compassion, inclusion, and dedication, and create a brighter future for children by providing them with the tools to succeed both in sports and in life.

Thanks so much,

Janelle Browand & Kiley Bixler

Janelle Browand

Founder

Janelle Browand is a passionate advocate for children’s sports, dedicated to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to participate in athletics.  As the founder of the CAB Hero Foundation, she leads initiatives aimed at breaking down barriers to sports participation, providing resources, and fostering an inclusive environment where all children can thrive and develop their athletic skills.

 

 With a commitment to empowering youth through sports, Janelle believes in the transformative power of athletics in building confidence, teamwork and resilience.  Under her leadership, the CAB Hero Foundation has successfully impacted countless young lives, advocating the equitable access to sports programs.

 

When she’s not working on behalf of children, Janelle enjoys spending time with her amazing children, husband, friends and family.  These moments of connection and joy inspire her to continue her mission of championing youth sports for all.


What is the CAB Hero Foundation and who does it serve?

The CAB Hero Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that all children—especially those ages 12 and under—have access to organized sports, regardless of financial barriers. We support families in Central Pennsylvania by offering scholarships, hosting community fundraisers, and creating inclusive sports opportunities.

Families can apply for assistance by visiting our Scholarship Application Page. The application is simple and designed to help families who need financial support to cover sports fees, uniforms, or equipment.

You can get involved in several ways:

  • Make a donation

  • Sponsor an athlete or event

  • Volunteer at fundraisers or community events

Share our mission on social media
 Visit cabhero.org/get-involved for details.

Every dollar supports our four pillars: accessibility to sports, community engagement, youth empowerment, and inclusivity. Your contribution helps cover costs for young athletes, fund local events, and expand outreach efforts to ensure no child misses out on the benefits of being part of a team.

Yes! We host several community events throughout the year, including our annual charity golf tournament, holiday drives like Livvy’s Christmas, fundraisers, and family-friendly activities. Check out our Events Page to see what’s coming up.

Who We Help


We currently focus on ensuring access to organized sports for children in various communities, with plans to expand our support in the future.

  • Cental Pennsylvania
  • Any organized sport
  • All kids ages 12 and under

These kids need your help!

DONATE