RANCEOLISONFOUNDATION
"If you want to be a Gainer, you must first be a Giver."
ABOUT RANCE OLISON
Rance Olison was a man of extraordinary character — a former NFL player who wore the jerseys of the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers, and later shaped champions as a coach with the Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots.
Beyond the gridiron, Rance dedicated himself to education and community as a football coach and educator in the San Antonio School District until his retirement in 2009. He served as President of the NFLPA San Antonio/Austin Chapter, advocating tirelessly for players.
In 2017, he was inducted into the American Football League and received a Proclamation from the Mayor of El Dorado, Arkansas — proclaiming March 10th as Rance Olison Day.
On March 11, 2018, Rance passed away while undergoing a heart transplant. His foundation continues his life's work: giving back, feeding families, and building futures.
NFL Player — Kansas City Chiefs & San Francisco 49ers
Hawaiians (World League) & U.S. Football League
NFL Coach — Dallas Cowboys & New England Patriots
Educator & Football Coach, San Antonio School District
Retirement after decades of service
Founded annual food giveaway in honor of his mother
Inducted to AFL · March 10th proclaimed Rance Olison Day
Passed away March 11, 2018 — his legacy lives on
No one should go hungry.
— Mrs. Carrie Kendrix Buggs, Rance's Mother
A CHAMPION'S LEGACY
Rance Olison's football career spanned decades — from the playing fields of the NFL to the coaching sidelines of America's most storied franchises. His journey as a player and coach shaped his deep understanding of teamwork, discipline, and giving back.
GO AZTECS
The Rance Olison Foundation proudly honors the legacy of San Diego State University Aztecs football — where champions are built on discipline, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Rance carried those values from the gridiron into every community he served.
Press play to hear the Aztecs fight song
OUR MISSION
The Rance Olison Foundation addresses the importance of a Healthy Heart through food, education, and community support — carrying forward Rance's lifelong commitment to giving.
Heart Health
Providing healthy food to local organizations, food pantries, and senior citizens. Cardiologist-led seminars on keeping your heart healthy.
Food Giveaway
Annual food giveaway started in honor of Rance's mother, Mrs. Carrie Kendrix Buggs. Now feeding over 1,400 families in El Dorado, AR and San Antonio, TX.
Scholarships
Over 50 scholarships awarded to high school seniors passionate about furthering their education and attending college.
Educational Resources
Providing computers, laptops, office equipment, and educational software to children with heart conditions in local hospitals.
Children's Gifts
Bicycles, hoodies, footballs, and stuffed animals for children with heart conditions who are unable to attend traditional classrooms.
Community Legacy
Honoring Rance's motto: 'If you want to be a Gainer, you must first be a Giver.' Building a healthier, stronger community.
RANCE OLISON WORKOUT GUIDE
Download Rance's alternative sample workout plan — a fitness resource designed to support heart health and overall wellness for the community.
MOMENTS & MEMORIES
MOMENTS IN TIME
A rotating tribute to Rance Olison's legacy — from the NFL sidelines to the heart of the community.
In Memory of Rance "Coach" Olison — July 18, 1952 – March 11, 2018
Legacy · 1 / 27
GET TO KNOW US
Watch our featured story and explore news segments highlighting the Rance Olison Foundation's impact across communities in Texas and Arkansas.
The Rance Olison Foundation — Our Story
Watch this feature segment to learn about the Rance Olison Foundation's mission, the people behind it, and the communities we serve across Texas and Arkansas.
Food Giveaway: 1,400+ Families Fed
The annual food giveaway — started in honor of Rance's mother, Mrs. Carrie Kendrix Buggs — feeds over 1,400 families in El Dorado, AR and San Antonio, TX.
Heart Health Seminar Series
Cardiologist-led seminars educating the community on heart disease prevention, healthy eating, and maintaining cardiovascular wellness.
50+ Scholarships Awarded to High School Seniors
The Rance Olison Foundation has awarded over 50 scholarships to high school seniors passionate about furthering their education and attending college.
NFL Alumni Community Service Initiative
Former NFL players unite to give back — Rance Olison leads the charge connecting professional athletes with underserved communities through mentorship and resources.
Computers & Laptops for Children with Heart Conditions
The foundation provides computers, laptops, and educational software to children with heart conditions in local hospitals who are unable to attend traditional classrooms.
March 10th Proclamation: Rance Olison Day
The City of San Antonio officially proclaimed March 10th as Rance Olison Day in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the community and his legacy of giving.
EVENTS CALENDAR
Annual Spring Food Giveaway — San Antonio
Our annual spring food giveaway feeding hundreds of families in the San Antonio area. In honor of Mrs. Carrie Kendrix Buggs. Volunteers welcome!
Heart Health Seminar — Cardiologist Panel
Join our board of cardiologists for a free seminar on heart disease prevention, healthy eating, and cardiovascular wellness. Open to the public.
Scholarship Application Deadline
Deadline to submit scholarship applications for the 2026–2027 academic year. High school seniors passionate about higher education are encouraged to apply.
NFL Alumni Community Day
Former NFL players join Rance Olison Jr. for a day of mentorship, flag football, and community engagement for youth ages 8–18.
Annual Food Giveaway — El Dorado
The annual El Dorado food giveaway — a cornerstone event feeding over 1,400 families in the Arkansas community. Volunteers and sponsors needed.
Computers for Kids Hospital Visit
Foundation volunteers deliver laptops, tablets, and educational software to children with heart conditions who are unable to attend traditional classrooms.
Scholarship Awards Ceremony
Celebrate the 2026 scholarship recipients at our annual awards ceremony. Join us in honoring the next generation of leaders.
Heart Walk & Health Fair
A 5K walk benefiting heart health awareness, followed by a health fair with free blood pressure screenings, nutrition counseling, and fitness demos.
Rance Olison Sr. Memorial Gala
The annual celebrity gala honoring the legacy of Rance "Coach" Olison Sr. Featuring former NFL, MLB, and NBA players. Black tie optional.
Holiday Toy & Bicycle Drive
Annual holiday gift drive delivering bicycles, footballs, hoodies, and stuffed animals to children with heart conditions in local hospitals.
FOUNDATION VIDEOS
Foundation Event Coverage
Full coverage of a Rance Olison Foundation community event.
Community Outreach Footage
Behind-the-scenes footage from foundation outreach activities.
Food Giveaway Highlights
Highlights from the annual food giveaway serving families in need.
Community Service Moments
Capturing the spirit of giving in action across our communities.
Foundation Highlights Reel
A highlight reel showcasing the foundation's impact and programs.
Impact Stories
Stories of lives changed through the Rance Olison Foundation.
NEWS & UPDATES
2024 Annual Food Giveaway — Record Turnout
The Rance Olison Foundation's annual food giveaway served over 1,400 families across El Dorado, AR and San Antonio, TX. Volunteers distributed healthy food boxes, produce, and hygiene kits to community members in need.
Heart Health Seminar Series Launching Spring 2025
Our Board of Cardiologists will host a series of free heart health seminars open to the public. Topics include nutrition, exercise, and early warning signs of heart disease. Dates and locations to be announced.
New Laptop Donations Delivered to Children's Hospital
The Foundation delivered 15 laptops and educational software packages to children with heart conditions at a local San Antonio hospital, enabling them to continue their education from their hospital rooms.
Scholarship Applications Now Open for 2025
High school seniors passionate about furthering their education are encouraged to apply for the Rance Olison Foundation Scholarship. Applications are reviewed by our board and awards are announced in May.
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PHOTO & VIDEO UPLOAD
Share your photos and videos from foundation events, food giveaways, and community activities. Your memories help us tell Rance's story.
- Photos from annual food giveaway events
- Scholarship ceremony and award photos
- Community service and volunteer activities
- Heart health seminar and education events
- Youth football and mentorship programs
- Tribute photos honoring Rance Olison's legacy
- By submitting, you grant the Rance Olison Foundation permission to use your media on our website and social channels
- Please ensure all individuals in photos have consented to being photographed
- Supported formats: JPG, PNG, GIF, MP4, MOV, AVI
- Maximum file size: 500MB per video, 20MB per photo
- Our team reviews all submissions before publishing
OUR IMPACT
Numbers that represent real lives changed, real families fed, and real futures built through the power of giving.
"IF YOU WANT TO BE A GAINER,
YOU MUST FIRST BE A GIVER."
— Rance Olison
MAKE A DONATION
Your donation directly supports families in need, funds scholarships for deserving students, and continues Rance Olison's legacy of giving. Every dollar makes a real difference in our community.
The Rance Olison Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.
CONTACT US
Have questions about our programs, want to volunteer, or interested in partnering with us? We'd love to hear from you. Reach out and join us in continuing Rance's legacy.
Your donations are tax-deductible. EIN available upon request. Serving El Dorado, Arkansas and San Antonio, Texas since 2012.