Fowling, Football and Philanthropy
When you combine the power of sports with the heart of community service, you get something special. That’s exactly what Cincinnatians will experience on Thursday, May 15 at Fowling Warehouse Cincinnati, where the Sam Hubbard Foundation is hosting its annual Fowling Tournament. It’s not just a charity event; it’s a high-energy, high-impact celebration that puts the “fun” in fundraising—and it just happens to be the largest fowling tournament in the country.
For the uninitiated, fowling (pronounced foh-ling) is the genius mashup of football and bowling. Picture this: players line up with a football and try to knock down bowling pins on the opposite side of the lane. It’s unpredictable, competitive, and absolutely addictive. Now, mix in the star power of Bengals players, legends, coaches, and hundreds of community teams, and you’ve got a uniquely Cincinnati spectacle.
This year’s event at 2940 Highland Avenue is once again sold out, with a staggering 240 teams taking part. The roster of expected celebrity participants reads like a who’s who of Bengals lore and leadership: Sam Hubbard, Zac Taylor, Anthony Muñoz, Ted Karras, Jake Browning, Trey Hendrickson, and many more. Media outlets will get their moment with Sam himself at 4:30 p.m., but for fans, this is more than a chance to see athletes off the field—it’s a rare opportunity to witness philanthropy in action.
The Heart Behind the Hype
Launched in 2020 by Cincinnati Bengals defensive end (and hometown hero) Sam Hubbard, the Sam Hubbard Foundation is more than a vanity project. It was born from real urgency: during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hubbard led a GoFundMe drive that raised over $85,000 and provided more than 250,000 meals through the Freestore Foodbank. The spark of that effort has since ignited a movement dedicated to equitable access to food, education, and health resources for Greater Cincinnati families.
The Foundation’s flagship initiative, Hubbard’s Cupboard, now operates in over 21 schools, supporting more than 11,700 local students. These in-school pantries are filled with school supplies, hygiene items, and healthy snacks—essentials that level the playing field for kids in need. It's not a one-time donation drive; these cupboards are restocked throughout the school year to ensure consistent support.
And the work doesn’t stop there. The Foundation organizes an impressive array of programs:
Youth Football Camp: Free clinics teaching football fundamentals and life skills to local kids.
Shop with Sam Night: Partnering with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati to give children a holiday shopping spree they'll never forget.
Thanksgiving Meal Distributions: Working with The Christ Hospital Health Network to provide holiday meals for local families.
Food Is Medicine: A powerful collaboration with UC Health and the Freestore Foodbank to address food insecurity directly in primary care settings.
Since its inception, the Foundation has raised over $750,000 and provided more than 300,000 meals, establishing Sam as a back-to-back nominee for the Bengals' Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.
How to Get Involved
You don’t have to be a Bengals player or a fowling champion to make an impact. The Sam Hubbard Foundation thrives because of everyday people who care. Whether it’s donating school supplies, sponsoring a cupboard, volunteering at one of the Foundation’s signature events, or contributing financially, there’s a way for everyone to be part of this mission.
Visit samhubbardfoundation.com to learn more about ongoing programs and upcoming events. You’ll find a wealth of ways to plug in, from youth mentorship to event support. Your contribution, large or small, helps ensure that no child in Cincinnati has to go without basic necessities.
The Fowling Tournament is a perfect symbol of what the Sam Hubbard Foundation stands for: teamwork, community, and fun with a purpose. It’s an event where the lines between sports and service blur, and everyone walks away a winner—especially the students, families, and communities who benefit most.
In a world that often feels divided, it’s refreshing to see a local organization harness the collective spirit of Cincinnati for good. As Sam Hubbard himself says, “It’s about giving back to the community that gave so much to me.” And thanks to his vision, that giving back looks a lot like fun.