National Quarterback Club hosts ceremony in Scottsdale

The National Quarterback Club welcomed nearly 300 guests to its annual Awards Dinner and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Feb. 23 at the Scottsdale Resort and Spa, 7700 E. McCormick Parkway.

The event drew a number of high-profile former NFL quarterbacks and current award winners who, in turn, “threw passes” to esteemed guests, helping to raise more than $80,000 for the National Quarterback Club.

"We were thrilled to see the overwhelming support for the National Quarterback Club's mission and charitable endeavors at this year's Awards Dinner and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony,” said Dr. Mark Clifford, president of the National Quarterback Club. “The presence of prestigious former NFL quarterbacks, current award winners and inductees, and our inaugural partnership with the DREAM Foundation underscores our commitment to recognizing excellence and fostering diversity within the sports industry. We are excited to continue this journey of honoring outstanding quarterbacks while expanding opportunities for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds through the DREAM Foundation.”

Former NFL quarterbacks Donovan McNabb, Warren Moon, Jim McMahon and Josh Booty joined inductees Ken Anderson and Rodney Peete, along with award winners Michael Penix Jr. (College Quarterback of the Year) and DJ Lagway (High School Quarterback of the Year), at the fundraising event. Bernie Kosar (inductee) and Brock Purdy (Pro Quarterback of the Year) were unable to attend.

“What an honor it is to be associated with Mark Clifford and the National Quarterback Club and all the charitable work you do across the country,” said Purdy in a video statement. “Thank you guys for selecting me this year. What an honor and blessing it is.”

This event marked the inaugural partnership between the NQBC and the DREAM Foundation, a 501c3 organization that was created to support students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities who are interested in a career in the sports industry. In the partnership, the DREAM Foundation now oversees the operations and management of the NQBC and is one of the main beneficiaries of the evening.

The event was sponsored by Crescent Crown Distributing, Copa  Health, Alliance Healthcare Partners, and ServerRx. Jill Kimmel, sister of comedian Jimmy Kimmel, served as emcee.

Visit nationalqbclub.com and ​dreamfoundationaz.org for more information.