BYU alumnus launches first World Jersey Day to fight hunger

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Provo Beach Resort is hosting a launch party for the first annual World Jersey Day to fight world hunger on Wednesday, Sept. 30.

BYU alumnus Kib Jensen is the founder of World Jersey Day Foundation. He said he combined his two biggest passions — sports and service — to make World Jersey Day a fun way of bringing people together and making a difference.

World Jersey Day Foundation founder Kib Jensen shows off the jersey he will be wearing on September 30. (Allie Hamilton)
World Jersey Day Foundation founder Kib Jensen shows off the jersey he will be wearing on Sept. 30. (Allie Arnell)

Given the heated political climate of the times, there are few issues that people from all backgrounds can get behind. Ending hunger is one of them.

“There’s not a lot of events other than holidays that bring us all together,” Jensen said. He said World Jersey Day is a day for the world to unite as one.

People can celebrate by giving, serving and spreading the word. Jensen said their goal is for 6 million people to donate $5 each, totaling $30 million to be donated to 12 charities in various parts of the world.

Then on Sept. 30, people wear the jersey of their favorite athlete or team and share pictures on social media with the hashtag #worldjerseyday.

Intern for World Jersey Day Foundation Rachelle Halterman was adopted from Ethiopia and feels especially close to the cause.

“It’s crazy to think in 2015 there is still world hunger going on,” Halterman said. “But I know what it’s like to go without food.”

Jensen works in real estate when he’s not busy with his nonprofit. He said he took on the project because he felt he wanted to make the world a better place for his children and his grandchildren.

The main event will be at Provo Beach from 7 to 9 p.m., but people are encouraged to host their own World Jersey Day parties all over the world. Jensen said their goal is to be in as many countries as possible.

Those who donate can vote for their favorite players or teams, making World Jersey Day a fun competition too. The results on the World Jersey Day website, worldjerseyday.org, show that so far, donors’ favorite athlete is soccer player Ronaldo Cristiano and their favorite team is FC Barcelona.

Provo Beach Event Coordinator Kara Jenkins said they are happy to host World Jersey Day.

“It seemed like a cause that was good to be a part of,” Jenkins said.

Provo Beach will have special deals during the event for attendees, including buy-one-get-one for a dollar activities. There will be live music and and Provo mayor John R. Curtis will make an appearance at the event.

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