Newfront and the San Francisco 49ers Team Up Again to Inspire the Next Generation Through Reading
Published October 20, 2025
San Francisco – Oct. 20, 2025 – At Newfront, we believe that meaningful partnerships can create lasting impact—and our ongoing collaboration with the San Francisco 49ers on their Read for Justice program is a shining example. Earlier this month, we joined the 49ers for this year’s annual Read for Justice event, continuing a shared mission to empower young minds through stories of inclusion, empathy, and belonging.
Celebrating Differences Through Reading
This year’s event brought 49ers players to local elementary classrooms for a special reading and discussion centered around Everyone Belongs by Heather Avis, a heartfelt story about embracing our differences and celebrating what makes each of us unique. After the reading, students participated in an interactive activity designed to reinforce the book’s message, reminding everyone that kindness and understanding are what truly build community.
“We read them a book today and asked them questions on what it means and what it feels like to be included or include someone that you don't know," said Defensive Lineman Alfred Collins. "Because, you know, at the end of the day, we're all different. Nobody's the same, and starting young right now, that's going to help them in the long run. And we were making book cards about what makes us unique as individuals for the kids.”
Offensive Lineman Ben Bartch also spoke about the power of literacy, saying, “The importance of reading really comes down to having and developing a lust for learning, I think, and having kids fall in love with the book, and it kind of opens up the rest of school to them. I think the passion of learning is the biggest thing with reading.”
49ers Offensive Lineman Domnick Puni shared what the day meant to him personally. "When you get around these kids, it just reminds you that life is more fun and more imaginative than serious," he said. "Doing these events makes it a lot better for me personally. I love seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces, seeing the impact we as an organization are having on everybody, and being able to help.”
Newfront’s Executive Vice President Renee Polk, who attended the event, said, “It was amazing to see the joy of the kids being able to meet the players and pick out three books.”
As the program’s proud sponsor, Newfront is honored to help bring this experience to life. Each year, the event provides an opportunity for students to connect with role models, spark curiosity, and reflect on how they can make their own positive mark on the world.
Continuing a Tradition of Impact
Our partnership with the 49ers on Read for Justice spans several years, with each event highlighting the power of stories to create change. Last year’s program featured readings of I Can Be All Three by Salima Alikhan at Kathryn Hughes Elementary School in Santa Clara, where 49ers stars, including Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and Curtis Robinson, shared inspiring messages about individuality and inclusion.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Through initiatives like Read for Justice, Newfront is proud to invest in the communities where we live and work, supporting programs that teach empathy, promote literacy, and empower the next generation of leaders.
The 49ers are also a valued Newfront client, and our partnership extends beyond community events to supporting their team off the field. Learn how Newfront helps the 49ers elevate their employee experience through our work as their employee benefits broker in our recent case study.
