CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. — Mickey Minnich’s story began in 1963 after becoming the coach of the John Harris High School football team.
From there, his career continued to grow and eventually led to him meeting football legends like Joe Paterno. As the years carried over, Minnich became one the most accomplished members of the Big 33 before retiring in 2007 after 22 years.
During halftime of his last game, former Pennsylvania governor Ed Rendell proclaimed June 16th as Mickey Minnich Day in honor of his commitment to the Big 33.
“I’m honored here with ‘Mickey Minnich Day,’ but I want to turn that into a positive and to raise money for those in need,” said Minnich, founder of Vickie’s Angel Foundation.
But in 2003, Minnich’s wife Vickie died of cancer, and changed the trajectory of his career. Within the same year, Vickie’s Angel Foundation was formed.
After struggling to manage both his football career and non-profit foundation, Minnich chose to devote all his time and energy to helping other families battling cancer, honoring his wife’s memory in the process.
“What I’m going to do is showcase Vickie, by helping others, and she’ll be with me all the time. We found our mission, and so from that time on, all the money we make from the events goes to help families,” Minnich said.
For more than 20 years, Minnich and his team of volunteers have donated thousands of dollars to families struggling to pay basic living costs, such as rent or vehicle payments. Minnich and team currently assist over 70 families as of 2023. Minnich told FOX43 his foundation relies on sponsorship and the generosity of others.
But it has not been easy.
“This year is a challenge. We got to raise five-hundred thousand. No ifs, ands, or buts,” Minnich said.
Minnich told FOX43 that to be considered for financial support, a family must complete a series of preliminary interviews and provide sufficient information that shows the family is struggling financially.
If a family qualifies, they could receive assistance within that week of being accepted. If a family does not qualify, Minnich and the team still provide them with alternative resources.
On the field or off, Minnich has never backed down from adversity. He uses “love, faith, and hope,” to keep himself afloat.
“That’s our secret, nothing is easy, it’s how you look at it and count your blessings,” Minnich said.
While Minnich values his time in the Big 33, he says he wants his day (June 16th) to reflect something more, and hopefully inspire others to think selflessly.
“Have Mickey Minnich Day be an example to other people; I’m just one guy making it, a common guy working hard,” Minnich said.
Vickie’s Angel Foundation has several fundraising events throughout the year, with its largest fundraiser scheduled for Oct. 14, 2023.