Who We Are

Established in 2016 by 8 year NFL veteran Nathan & Marissa Stupar

My name is Nathan, and I am best known for my eight-year NFL football career with the New Orleans Saints and New York Giants. Born and raised in State College, Pennsylvania, I know firsthand the opportunities available for youth in Centre County. But during my time playing football at Penn State, I also witnessed the needs of disadvantaged youth in our community.


So in 2016, my wife, Marissa, my life-long friend, Joe Gazza, and I started the State of Hope Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides necessities and positive experiences for youth with adverse childhood experiences as well as low-income families and single parents. As a family of faith, we believe in teaching our daughters, Mya, Maddison, Ella, and Annie, how to care for their neighbors.


In “Happy Valley,” it can be easy to overlook the brokenness that surrounds us. The State of Hope Foundation asks Centre County to take account of our blessings, lend a helping hand, and spread hope.

My name is Nathan, and I am best known for my eight-year NFL football career with the New Orleans Saints and New York Giants. Born and raised in State College, Pennsylvania, I know firsthand the opportunities available for youth in Centre County. But during my time playing football at Penn State, I also witnessed the needs of disadvantaged youth in our community.


So in 2016, my wife, Marissa, my life-long friend, Joe Gazza, and I started the State of Hope Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides necessities and positive experiences for youth with adverse childhood experiences as well as low-income families and single parents. As a family of faith, we believe in teaching our daughters, Mya, Maddison, Ella, and Annie, how to care for their neighbors.


In “Happy Valley,” it can be easy to overlook the brokenness around surrounds us. The State of Hope Foundation asks Centre County to take account of our blessings, lend a helping hand, and spread hope.

Our Record of Giving

$65k +

Average annual donations received through celebrity golf tournament.

70

Average number of backpacks donated each year to children in Centre County's foster system.

75

Number of foster care members who benefited from our Christmas shopping spree in 2025.

Need help today?

If you, your family, or someone you know would benefit from a helping hand today, we would love to hear from you. Let us know what you need when you need it.

Submit a Request

Need help today?

If you, your family, or someone you know would benefit from a helping hand today, we would love to hear from you. Let us know what you need when you need it.

Submit a Request