Inside The Giving Tree: 100 Kids, New Gear, and A Whole Lot of Joy

 

Inside The Giving Tree: 100 Kids, New Gear, and A Whole Lot of Joy

Yesterday, Grammy-nominated artist Brent Faiyaz and NFL Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil turned a stretch of Hunter Place SE into a full day of celebration for 100 foster and at-risk youth, ages 6–18, at The Giving Tree, presented by the Faiyaz Freedom to Breathe Foundation and Divine Tree Foundation, in partnership with BEST Kids and Horton's Kids.

From the moment doors opened, the energy was unmistakable. Kids moved from station to station, sneakers being airbrushed to their exact specifications, backpacks embroidered and patched into something entirely their own, giddy with the kind of joy that comes from being handed a choice instead of a hand me down. The Washington Commanders Cheerleaders were on hand throughout the day as well, helping bring extra energy and spirit to the celebration and making the moment feel even more special for the kids.

Participants also had the chance to visit a styling suite, where they picked out and put together their own looks for the new school year, before heading over to Brent and Laremy for photos and high-fives. The room felt less like an event and more like a celebration thrown entirely in their honor.

The day's beauty and grooming experience was elevated by DMV-based influencer barbers Kentwion Rawlings and Thai Nguyen, who donated their time and talent to give kids fresh haircuts and styles, sending them into the new school year looking, and feeling, like their best selves. Local beauticians were also in attendance rounding out a glam experience for every kid at the celebration.

"This Back-to-School Drive is personal because it is about making sure young people feel seen before they ever step into the classroom. Every student deserves to start the year with confidence, support, and the essentials they need to focus on becoming who they are. Partnering with Laremy Tunsil, Divine Tree and the Faiyaz Freedom to Breathe Foundation allows us to show up for youth and underserved families in a real way. This is bigger than supplies, it's about community, possibility and reminding young people that their dreams are worth investing in."

— Brent Faiyaz

"As Brent's mother, I have always believed in the power of creativity, confidence and community to shape a young person's future. As Executive Director of the Faiyaz Freedom to Breathe Foundation, I am proud that we can help create spaces where youth have the freedom to breathe, dream and thrive. This partnership with Brent, Laremy Tunsil, and Divine Tree reflects our commitment to providing essential resources while celebrating each young person's individuality, self-discovery, and potential."

— Jeanette Wood, Executive Director, Faiyaz Freedom to Breathe Foundation

"Growing up, the people who showed up for me outside of football are the reason I know what's possible when a community invests in its kids. The Giving Tree isn't just about new sneakers or backpacks, it's about telling every kid in that room that somebody sees them and believes in where they're headed."

— Laremy Tunsil

L: Laolu Sanni, Laremy Tunsil, Jeanette Wood, Brent Faiyaz, Alex Webber, Hermez Sanni

Both the Faiyaz Freedom to Breathe Foundation and Divine Tree Foundation regularly activate for charitable moments like this one throughout the year, each rooted in a shared belief that community investment should be hands-on, not just financial. Divine Tree, in particular, has built a reputation for being active, present participants in the communities where its clients live and work, rather than a name attached to a check from a distance.

The Giving Tree marks another chapter in that ongoing commitment, one The Giving Tree, and the organizations behind it, plan to build on in the years ahead.

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About Divine Tree

Divine Tree is a next-generation management company focused on brand growth, wealth building, and long-term ownership for its clients. Operating across five core pillars, concierge and lifestyle management, media production, branding and corporate partnerships, philanthropy and community impact, and wealth strategy, the company provides a comprehensive infrastructure designed to support both career and legacy.

Beyond client representation, Divine Tree partners directly with global brands to create strategic opportunities, produce original content, and bring together athletes and influential figures in ways that drive cultural and commercial impact. With an in-house production arm, Divine Tree is equally focused on storytelling, using media as a tool to shape narrative, expand visibility, and build enduring platforms.

About Faiyaz Freedom to Breathe Foundation

The Faiyaz Freedom to Breathe Foundation (FFBF) is committed to creating communities where youth have the freedom to breathe, dream, and thrive. Through programs that champion self-discovery, artistic expression, entrepreneurship, and equitable access to resources, FFBF plants seeds of hope that ignite creativity and empower the next generation to redefine what is possible. The foundation focuses on helping young people discover their gifts while also supporting women entrepreneurs as they establish and grow small businesses.

A signature initiative of FFBF is the annual "Show U Off" grant, which provides women entrepreneurs with funding, training, and mentorship to help them overcome barriers, build confidence, and create sustainable pathways to success.

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Follow Faiyaz Freedom to Breathe Foundation on Instagram @faiyazfreedomtobreathe or visit www.faiyazfreedomtobreathe.org.

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