Utah’s new fundraising effort, Utah Youth Sports Giving Day, kicked off Friday at the Ballpark at America First Square in South Jordan. The campaign, announced by executives from Miller Sports + Entertainment, the Larry H. Miller & Gail Miller Family Foundation and the Daniels Fund, will run from September 12 to September 26 with a goal of raisng $3 million for youth sports nonprofits. The event features youth baseball and softball players participating in Major League Baseball’s Play Ball Weekend , and already several organizations have committed to matching $1.5 million.

Miller Sports Leads the $3 Million Push

Miller Sports + Entertainment president Michelle Smith said the campaign is driven by her own experience watching her children thrive in sports. According to Smith,participation helps build character, resilience and confidence, and gives kids a sense of belonging. Smith’s leadership is backed by a pledge from the Larry H. miller & Gail Miller Family Foundation, which has already matched a portion of the fundraising target.

Governor Cox and the Junior Jazz Connection

Utah Governor Spencer Cox and his wife Abby Cox, both former participants in the Junior Jazz youth sports program, publicly endorsed the drive. As reported, the governor said youth sports are essential for children’s development and that the campaign will help increase access for those who cannot afford it. The Coxes’ involvement highlights the program’s reach beyond high‑profile athletes to everyday families.

Olympian Kaysha Love’s Story of Discovery

Two‑time Olympic bobsledder Kaysha Love, who also played in Junior Jazz, shared how the program opened doors to gymnastics and eventually led her to bobsledding and a partnership with fellow athlete Hunter Powell. Love’s testimony, cited in the announcement, illustrates how community sports can spark unexpected career paths.

Matching Donations From Corporate Partners

The campaign is a collaborative effort that includes America First Credit Union, SME Industries Inc., Mountainland Supply, the Forever Young Foundation and the Huntsman Family Foundation. These partners have collectively pledged to match $1.5 million, bringing the total fundraising goal to $3 million . The matching commitment, as noted in the report, is a key incentive for donors to contribute during the two‑week window.

Key Questions About Reach and Impact

While the campaign’s financial targets are clear, the source does not specify which nonprofits will receive the funds or how the money will be allocated across sports. It also leaves unanswered how the campaign plans to measure increased access or track long‑term benefits for participating children. These gaps will need to be addressed as the drive progresses.