DraftKings has announced details of a new charity initiative, #DKRally, to mobilize sports fans to band together in support of communities during the COVID-19 health emergency. In the spirit of triumphing over adversity, the #DKRally initiative is committing up to $1m to health charity organization United Way, with an initial donation of $500,000. 

It calls on fans worldwide to join them in sharing their rally cap photos while cheering on local community heroes working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“The rally cap uniquely embodies the American spirit and our hope in the face of adversity, no matter the challenge ahead,” said the firm’s President Matt Kalish. “It represents the come-back attitude we have at DraftKings as we work with our communities to face down COVID-19. 

“Our player community over the years has shown a steadfast commitment to social good in times of need through many charitable programs on our platform. We are confident America will now rally for those in need to help ignite this important comeback.” 

DraftKings will donate $1, up to a total contribution of $1m, to United Way for every person who shares their rally cap on social media using the official hashtag #DKRally. 

“United Way fights for every person in every community and has long been at the forefront of disaster and crisis recovery efforts in communities around the world,” said Larissa Rydin, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at the charity. “Our response to the COVID-19 pandemic is no different. 

“United Way continues to leverage its extensive convening power and resources, in partnership with the 2-1-1 network, crisis relief non-profits, and federal agencies, to lead a targeted and coordinated response to the pandemic.

“Each day, thousands of people are losing their jobs, out of school children are not receiving food, and the virus is straining the capacity of our healthcare system. We are grateful to partners like DraftKings for joining us during this time of crisis.” 

To learn more and support DK Rally as well as United Way’s COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund, please visit: https://www.draftkings.com/dkrally.