The mission of the Michael G. Bloom Foundation is to bring the joy of soccer to underprivileged children, delivering hope to hopeless places. We strive to create a refuge from challenges and an outlet for cultivating joy.
We partner with communities around the world to develop safe, sustainable soccer fields and support the physical, mental, and emotional development of teams. We aim to foster fellowship, empower the marginalized, and encourage leadership on and off the field.
The Michael G. Bloom Foundation is partnering with Northbound Foundation to bring intentional impact to communities in need. Northbound beautifully believes that recreation isn’t a luxury, it’s a fundamental right. Just like access to food, shelter and healthcare, playtime fuels well-being for people of all ages, especially in vulnerable communities.
Security: In communities where children are exposed to harassment or violence, secure recreational facilities keep them safe, and provide reassurance to mothers who need to work to support their families and who cannot watch their children otherwise.
Physical and mental health: Play reduces stress, promotes physical activity and boosts mood.
Social development: Through play, children learn to cooperate, problem-solve, and navigate social interactions.
Resilience: Playtime helps people cope with trauma, build self-confidence, and develop coping mechanisms.
Confidence: Women and girls who are allowed to play sports are statistically more likely to achieve economic betterment and less likely to stay with a domestic abuser.
The Foundation was begun in 2023 in memory of Michael Graham Bloom, who wanted to send “a million soccer balls” to kids in need. He was on his way to doing so, through generous donations to children in Haiti, before his passing. Now, his wife Madeleine is honoring Michael’s legacy by bringing the joy of soccer to underserved communities.
Michael Graham Bloom passed away on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at the age of 30. He grew up in Falmouth, Maine and attended the Falmouth schools and the Phillips Academy. He then attended Lafayette College, where he played Division 1 soccer and met the love of his life, Madeleine. Together they graduated in 2016 and married in 2021. Michael worked in Manhattan in Investment Banking at RBC, having previously worked in Corporate Banking at Citi.
Michael enjoyed fly fishing, wakeboarding, frisbee-throwing, hiking, diving off high rocks, playing tennis, bicycle riding, watching the Premier League and Formula 1, playing in his bowling and soccer leagues, whitewater kayaking, and snowboarding. He could skip a rock impressively far, make a mean ragu, build a beautiful campfire, and ignite infectious laughter. He was known for being incredibly thoughtful, generous, patient, and loyal. Michael would be the first to lend a hand, was an adoring uncle, and was a spark of joy amongst his many friends. Michael's fun-spirited personality and smile so genuine you could see it in his eyes will be remembered fondly by all.
Michael is survived by his wife, Madeleine Bloom; parents, Barri and George Bloom; brother, Josh Bloom; maternal grandmother, Corinne Futterman, mother and father in law, Eileen and William Hart, brother and sisters in-law, Catalina Bloom, Julia and Josh Zilke, Caroline Hart and Molly Hart. He especially loved his nieces Minerva, Natalie, Evelyn, and Claire, and nephew Martin. Michael also loved his large extended Bloom and Hart family members - too many to mention.
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