FanDuel Enters the Ring to Support Missouri First Responders

What’s better than a little friendly competition between first responders?

At the upcoming Guns ’N Hoses event on Nov. 26, at the Enterprise Arena in Downtown St.Louis, local cops and firefighters will channel their inner St. Louis Blues personas to box each other to raise money for The BackStoppers.

The BackStoppers provides immediate and ongoing support to families of fallen or critically injured first responders in 18 counties throughout Missouri and Illinois. The nonprofit is a local area favorite, and recently scored a big donation.

On Wednesday, FanDuel revealed donation to Guns ‘N Hoses to support The Backstoppers organization.

“Once the team heard about the event and everything it represents for St. Louis, everyone knew right away that this was something FanDuel wanted to support,” Jay Atkins, FanDuel’s Director of Government Relations, said in a prepared statement announcing the donation. “We are thrilled to be part of this trusted, community-driven event that truly embodies local spirit, and we are honored to recognize the sacrifices and courage of the first responder communities here in St. Louis.”

Atkins, a Missouri native who worked in the state’s Attorney General’s office for years, presented the check to Guns ‘N Hoses ahead of the Nov. 26 main event.

“The need to support our first responders isn’t going away, but with sponsors stepping up, that financial burden becomes easier to bear,” Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway said. “FanDuel’s partnership demonstrates the power of national companies investing in local heroes, proof that when communities and businesses unite behind a cause, everyone benefits.”

FanDuel is gearing up for its official entrance into Missouri. On Dec. 1, Show Me State residents will be able to use its online sportsbook for the first time following the passage of Amendment 2 in November 2024.

“We’re excited to see how sports fans across the state engage with us, and we’re proud to offer those fans a platform that features industry-leading customer protections and resources that only a licensed and regulated market can provide,” said Atkins.