Notre Dame football raises money for local organizations with Cleats for a Cause

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. - Notre Dame football is partnering with Under Armour to raise money for four local organizations through their event, "Cleats for a Cause".

You don’t have to venture to far from campus to find the most die-hard Notre Dame fans!

The Irish players are making dreams come true for local kids in the community who bleed the blue, green and gold.

During Saturday’s game against UNLV, custom cleats will be worn and then auctioned off.

All the funds will be donated to four Michiana charity organizations: the YMCA of Greater Michiana, Cultivate Food Rescue, the South Bend Center for the Homeless, and the Boys and Girls Club of St. Joseph County.

Each of the custom cleats were airbrushed and painted.

The cleats are the custom work of business partners Mohammed Gafar and David Zambrano of Dez Customz, who live in Maryland and whose work has been worn by major stars in the NFL and NBA.

But when Under Armour approached the two about this big project for Notre Dame, there was little hesitation because of who they were impacting.

"Moe has a tie because he played football at the Boys and Girls Club. I have a tie because I learned swimming at the YMCA Center low-key where I am," said Zambrano. "So these were things that went back to our youth. The icing on the cake is Notre Dame. One of the most historic programs in the country. You put these two together and it’s a culmination of what you dream about as an artist.”

“They brought the cleats, they brought some Notre Dame swag to share and those kids couldn’t be more excited. The smiles were a mile wide with them,” said Maycie Wise, Youth Development Coordinator for the YMCA O'Brien Center.

One by one, Notre Dame’s biggest stars were out in the community, shining the light on local organizations making a difference every day.

“Just to be a part of it and put their logos on shoes, and highlight them in an artistic way, and be the artist showcasing them, that’s ultimately the best feeling to do your art," said Gafar. "When you are actually doing your art - but there is a purpose behind it.”

“I’m just so thankful to be a part of the YMCA, Cultivate and other organizations that were able to help," said quarterback Drew Pyne. "It really helps us in the same part. We’ll be wearing those cleats with pride knowing those people have our back and just so thankful we’re here.”