Benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project: The San Diego Charger Girls' Calendar Unveiled

Back when I was just an average sports fan my impression of NFL cheerleaders was like most. Pretty faces and pom-poms used to add excitement during the game, ... especially if your team was behind.

Then I had the honor of being asked to work with the San Diego Charger Girls by Joyce, a good friend from Toastmasters.  I quickly realized I was wrong.

Apparently, volunteers from Toastmasters worked with them the last few years helping them refine their natural abilities, and confidence. Many of them are already experienced performers as dancers or gymnasts, but media interviews and public speaking, that's a whole new arena.

That year they needed one more volunteer, and seven years later, I still return every year. Wouldn't think otherwise. The team is lead by accomplished speaker and professional speech trainer Sheryl Roush of Sparkle Presentations.  Together, we've developed a very unique, customized public speaking program.

One of the layers of the Charger Girls that I didn't understand is that they are one of San Diego's most organized and accomplished charitable fundraising teams. They not only raise funds for charities themselves, they help other organizations raise money for their favored charities.  They also serve by giving their very valuable time.

2011-2012 San Diego Charger
Girls Swimsuit Calendar

In the past I blogged about how the Charger Girls helped us at Farmers Insurance raise money for the March of Dimes (our primary charity to support as a corporation) on two different occasions.  Click HERE for a second article.

The Junior Charger Girls program which allows local girls to practice with the squad and perform at a real game raises money every year for Make-A-Wish. Not only does this help the young ladies develop their dance skills and confidence, they learn the importance of helping others through their charitable works.

Every year members of the squad visit hospitals and local military facilities to lend their moral support and brighten their day.

2011-12 Charger Girls Calendar unveiling

The examples could go on, but one last way in which the CG's support the San Diego Community, as San Diego's Ambassadors, is through their annual swimsuit calendar.

You can always buy a copy at the Chargers' store, or through Chargers.com, but when you buy one from a Charger Girl directly, they not only sign it for you, a donation is made to charity. Each year the 28 CG's vote on who the calendar will benefit. This year they chose the Wounded Warrior Project. 


Click HERE to see the video coverage of the event from LivingFitMagazine.com.

The CG's are available to sign calendars for you before games at Qualcomm Stadium and often at signings at sports bars, restaurants, and shopping malls, especially as we approach the holidays.

Helping our veteran community, benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project is a perfect fit for the San Diego Charger Girls.

On Thursday evening, September 15th, the Chargers Girls and their directors, welcomed their VIP guests to Donovan's Prime Seafood for the calendar's unveiling.  The event was attended by the media, sponsors, Charger executives, trainers & photographers, hair, make-up, & swimsuit professionals, and with much appreciation, the team of volunteer speech & media coaches.  I never miss this event.

The 2011-2012 San Diego Charger Girls

The San Diego Chargers Girls is a true organization all onto it's own beyond what is seen on the field. Whether its as a job, or as a volunteer, everyone involved with them do it for something bigger than gameday routines.  Sometimes its out of love for the community, for the team, for charity, or for the "Girls" who put in so much hard work and devotion into what they do, but it's definitely a team effort.

Naturally, the Charger Girls do the bulk of the work.  All of them have "day jobs" or are full time students.  The CG's is a "part time job, but a full time commitment".  They too are driven by something deeper.  To do that much hard work and practice, it's not just a seasonal job.

As the evening went on, the Charger Girls  spent hours personally signing calendars for all the VIP's, and their friends and family in attendance as their way of saying thanks for the varied support. 

Often while signing, they also had a camera on them interviewing them for the media. They did great.

Working with the veterans for a few years and the rookies just since May everyone who works with them has seen them grow in skills and confidence and are in awe of all they accomplish. Now that they've performed at the first game of the season (a win) and the calendars are published, the fruits of their hard work is becoming apparent.


Thank you for all your hard work for San Diego.

Photo courtesy Kathy Sterling.

Director Lisa Simmons with the Speech and Media Team.
Photo Courtesy Kathy Sterling.

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