Featured Image: Tonya Johnson, co-founder of the Michael Ann & Saquon Barkley Hope Foundation, stands with her son Saquon Barkley at the sold-out “Hurdles for Hope” Gala, which raised critical support for underserved families across Pennsylvania. (Photo Credit – Pel Productions)
PHILADELPHIA and ALLENTOWN, Pa., Nov. 11, 2025 – The Michael Ann & Saquon Barkley Hope Foundation (MASBH) recently celebrated its sold-out inaugural Hurdles for Hope Black-Tie Gala at the Philadelphia Art Museum, where more than 450 guests gathered to raise funds for underserved youth, women, and families throughout Pennsylvania, including the Lehigh Valley, where the Barkley family’s roots run deep.
The gala brought together fellow NFL Philadelphia Eagles players, Fox’s Good Day Philadelphia hosts, A-list celebrity guests, culinary partners, spirits sponsors, dynamic speakers, live performances, and a robust live auction to spotlight the Foundation’s commitment to pairing athletic excellence with educational preparedness, strengthening family stability, and advancing opportunities for underserved communities.
“Giving back to the places and people that lifted my own family is everything to me,” said Saquon Barkley. “When we invest in young people, particularly in their education, their dreams, and their safety, we change the trajectory of entire families and neighborhoods. That’s what our MASB Hope Foundation looks like in action.”
MASBH co-founder Tonya Johnson, Saquon’s mother and lifelong advocate for underserved communities, echoed the Foundation’s commitment to ensuring that the youth and families they serve have access to both opportunity and stability.
“We know what it’s like to do without,” Johnson shared. “If we can help families stay together, provide a safe place to live, and keep food on the table, we will. For the athletes we support, we want them to be educationally sound and supported on and off the field. It’s all about preparing young people and families for life.”
Founded in 2020 and named in honor of Saquon Barkley’s late grandmother, the Michael Ann & Saquon Barkley Hope Foundation supports underserved youth and families through:
- Scholarships & grants for student-athletes
- Academic and athletic programming support
- Back-to-school backpack and school supply drives
- Holiday outreach, food distribution, and community support programs
- Family assistance initiatives focused on housing stability and essential resources
- Future development of housing solutions, such as child safety and bedding drives, and multi-sport community centers
In the Lehigh Valley, the Foundation recently served as the premier sponsor of the YWCA Allentown’s Perfect Fit: Outfit to Empower event, expanding its support for women preparing to enter or re-enter the workforce. The Salvation Army of the Lehigh Valley also receives annual support from MASBH, helping local families experience a brighter holiday season.
Building on this regional momentum, Tonya Johnson is deepening the family’s footprint by reopening Mama B Resale Boutique in the heart of Allentown. Led by Johnson, affectionately known as “Mama B,” the boutique has long been a trusted community hub for families seeking affordable essentials, including clothing, shoes, and accessories, as well as encouragement and compassionate support. Its new Hamilton Street location marks an exciting next chapter, offering an updated space designed not only to meet retail needs but also to be more accessible for hands-on support and a closer connection to local families.
Mama B Resale Boutique will reopen on Saturday, November 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., at 107 N. 7th Street, Allentown, PA 18101. For updated hours and available retail, follow @mamabretailboutique on social media.
Information provided to TVL by:
–ts Brand Elevation
