Philly Baird is the Change
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Philly Baird is the Change
  • Home
  • About
  • Philly's Voice
  • PROJECTS
  • DONATE
  • Sponsors
  • SCHOLARSHIPS

About philly baird

Man showing patriotic tattoo with American flag and 'We the People' text.

Philly Baird

Philly Baird is the Change Foundation

Philly Baird truly lived the belief: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”


Born Robert Joseph Baird, Philly grew up in the foster care system from age four through adulthood, facing challenges and hardships no child should endure. Despite a difficult childhood marked by instability and abuse, Philly chose a different path—one defined by resilience, compassion, and purpose. He often said he felt the city of Philadelphia raised him, which is why he proudly took the name “Philly" and had his name officially changed as an adult.


What got him through those early years—basketball, mentors, and hope—became the foundation of how he lived his life.


Philly dedicated himself to helping others, especially children. As a coach, mentor, and role model, he believed being an athlete meant being a student and a leader first. He didn’t just coach sports—he taught life. He invested in kids who needed it most, often paying fees, buying equipment, team pictures, and making sure no child was left out.


Philly’s impact went far beyond the court. He lived with intention—helping the homeless, supporting single mothers, lifting up strangers, and always looking for ways to make someone’s day better. His acts of kindness, big and small, created a ripple effect that touched countless lives.


Even in his final days, Philly used his voice to help others—encouraging people to protect themselves and think about those around them. His message reached and influenced many.


Above all, Philly loved deeply—especially his children, who meant everything to him even though they lived 1000's of miles apart.


🌍 His Legacy Lives On

The Philly Baird is the Change Foundation was created to carry forward his mission:


To inspire others to give back, lift others up, and make a difference—no matter how big or small.


Philly believed:

  • “It’s not what you have, it’s what you do with what you have.” 
  • “Small acts, when multiplied by many, can transform the world.” 


We invite you to be part of that movement.

Because real change starts with each of us.

Coaching Basketball

Coaching Football

Gold basketball medal with a star design and a silhouette of a player.
Philadelphia Eagles flag football medal with green and white ribbon.

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About the foundation

Philly Baird Is The Change Foundation

 

✨ ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

 

✨ ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

The Philly Baird Is The Change Foundation was created to carry forward the values that mattered most to Philly.


  • Philly had a unique gift—bringing people together to help others. Whether it was connecting someone in need with furniture, clothing, food, or even a job, he made things happen. He created groups and opportunities for people to come together with one purpose: to make a difference.
  • Some acts were planned, many were spontaneous—but all were rooted in kindness. If Philly asked, “What are you doing tomorrow?” it usually meant you were about to help change someone’s life.
  • Philly was especially passionate about supporting single mothers, children, and those experiencing homelessness. He volunteered through Big Brother programs and spent years coaching youth sports, particularly basketball. While he loved coaching teams, he also believed deeply in one-on-one mentorship—helping young people rise above their circumstances and believe in a better future.

🌍 OUR MISSION

The mission of the Philly Baird Is The Change Foundation is to 

  • Continue and expand the impact Philly made—encouraging others to give back, lift others up, and Be the Change in their own communities.
  • We are committed to operating with integrity, transparency, and purpose—honoring Philly’s legacy and supporting what mattered most to him, including his children.


 

🌟 CURRENT PROJECTS & IMPACT


Now in our fourth year, the Philly Baird is the Change Foundation continues to grow its impact—thanks to supporters like you.


Your donations directly fund:


  • Youth Sports Access
    Helping cover registration fees, equipment, and supplies so every child has the opportunity to play, grow, and belong 
  • Community & Homeless Outreach
    Providing support, essentials, and assistance to individuals and families in need within our local communities 
  • “Be the Change” Scholarships
    Awarding scholarships to high school seniors who are already making a meaningful difference and leading with compassion in their communities 
  • Philly’s Memorial Bench Project
    Bringing to life Philly’s personal wish—a place of reflection, inspiration, and a lasting reminder to live with purpose and give back 


❤️ HOW YOU CAN HELP

Every dollar makes an impact.

Your support allows us to:

  • Sponsor a child who otherwise couldn’t participate in sports, provide practice equipment, team pictures etc, team sponsorships
  • Provide real help to someone facing hardship 
  • Reward and encourage young leaders making a difference 
  • Keep Philly’s legacy alive in meaningful, visible ways 


👉 Donate today and be part of the ripple effect.


🎓 SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

“Be the Change” Scholarship

We recognize and support high school seniors who embody Philly’s values through action, leadership, and service.

Eligibility:

  • High school senior 
  • Demonstrates community involvement and service 
  • Leads by example through kindness, initiative, and impact 

Selection Criteria:

  • Proven commitment to helping others 
  • Leadership and initiative 
  • Personal story and alignment with the mission 
  • Positive influence within their community 

Award:

Scholarship amounts vary based on available funding and number of applicants.

👉 Apply or nominate a student



📅 EVENTS & COMMUNITY

Throughout the year, we host and support events that:


  • Honor Philly’s life and legacy 
  • Bring communities together 
  • Encourage giving back and making a difference 


These events are more than gatherings—they are opportunities to create real impact and inspire others to take action.


🌍 OUR MISSION IN ACTION

Everything we do is rooted in Philly’s belief:


“It’s not what you have, it’s what you do with what you have.”
“Small acts, when multiplied by many, can transform the world.”


We invite you to join us.

Be the Change. Create the ripple.



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We are focused solely on making a difference by Being the Change we all wish to see in the world.  


Thank you for joining the movement Philly started for us all.

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