Congratulations to Love Columbia on their ribbon cutting today! GP M.A.D.E. Foundation was happy to underwrite the Children’s Room at Love Columbia and also to provide funding to turn the room into “THE ZOU” complete with a jungle mural and stuffed animals.
Love Columbia is a non-profit organization that helps people and families with socioeconomic challenges find the resources they need to love people forward. GP M.A.D.E is proud to partner with Love Columbia and hopes THE ZOU will bring cheer and comfort to children who may be experiencing uncertainty.
For more info about love Columbia go to lovecolumbiamo.org



Coach Pinkel had no idea that he would receive proclamations from the Missouri House and Senate honoring his Hall of Fame induction. And he also had NO idea that after the ceremonies, he would also be attending a surprise birthday party!
Friends, family, colleagues and former players gathered at Madison’s restaurant in downtown Jefferson City to share a meal and wish Coach Pinkel a happy birthday. The highlight of the event was the video of funny and heartwarming birthday and congratulatory wishes compiled from all over the country. You can watch the video below and check out photos from the birthday party here.
On April 27, 2022, Coach Pinkel had the tremendous honor of receiving proclamations from both the Missouri House and the Missouri Senate recognizing his successful coaching career and his impending induction into the National Collegiate Football Hall of Fame. Friends, family, colleagues, several former players, and members of the media watched from the galleries as the representatives and senators celebrated his contributions to the State of Missouri. Following the formal proclamations, Coach Pinkel greeted many friends and fans, posing for photos and signing autographs.
View photos from the House and Senate proclamations here.
Additionally, April 27 was Coach Pinkel’s 70th birthday. Check out our post about his surprise party at Madison’s, complete with a heartwarming video featuring birthday and congratulatory messages from all over the country.
GP M.A.D.E. Foundation was proud today to formally present a $30,000 contribution to the United Community Builders Capital Campaign.
United Community Builders is a 501(c)3 faith-based organization that primarily serves the Boone County and Central Missouri region. Founded 12 years ago, UCB’s mission is to build and release capable people through community-wide programs that focus on education, mentor-ships, job-readiness training and the performing arts.
The United Community Builders Capital Campaign will fund their new Beacon Community Center in Northeast Columbia, MO. This new center will serve low-income area residents and will expand group’s ability to serve the community.



Guess what? The GP M.A.D.E. Foundation came to visit and celebrate with ME! Blaze, the Facility Wonder Dog. That’s right! Gary and Missy Pinkel came to my 3rd birthday party. I was so excited to see them. The GP M.A.D.E. Foundation helps take care of me so that I can take care of my favorite people in the world – my kiddos at the hospital.
What are some of the ways I take care of my kiddos? Ok, I’ll tell you:
- I help children work on brushing teeth by letting them brush mine.
- I help children learn how to dress with buttons, zippers, and shirts.
- I help children walk. I tell them good job and walk along side for support.
- I help children pick out orthotics to walk more easily.
- I help keep kids entertained when they have to wait on things that take a long time, like ordering a new wheelchair.
- I let children scratch my belly, rub my ears and touch my nose for different sensory experiences.
- I act as a visual stimuli for kids to work on localizing to objects. (especially my tail!)
- I help children practice walking up and down stairs. I help keep them safe.
- I help children learn and identify different body parts.
- I help children work on standing, strength, and balance.
- Most importantly, I give the BEST snuggles and kisses!!!
I LOVE my job and I take it very seriously. Nothing makes me happier than helping my kiddos. Thanks, Coach and Missy, for coming to my birthday party. Come back and visit me soon – and don’t forget to bring treats!
Love,
Blaze
Through a grant from GP M.A.D.E. Foundation, MU Health Care is able to care for Blaze so that he can bring joy and support to pediatric patients. We are proud to make a difference in the lives of local children every day.









Today was an exciting day at GP M.A.D.E. Foundation as we celebrated the big announcement — our founder Coach Gary Pinkel has been selected as an inductee to the National Football Foundation College Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2022. Check out the full announcement from the University of Missouri here.
Coach Pinkel holds the title of the winningest football coach in Mizzou history. Coach Pinkel is one of only three coaches in history to be the winningest coach of two Division 1 college football programs: the University of Missouri (2001-2015) and the University of Toledo (1991-2000).
From Hall of Fame football coach to champion for local youth in need, Coach Pinkel is honored to serve children through the GP M.A.D.E. Foundation. Over the past four years, the GP M.A.D.E. Foundation has raised over $10 million to support children battling childhood cancer, children fighting physical disabilities, and children living with economic challenges. Learn more about the foundation here.
Join us in sending Coach Pinkel a big congratulations for this well-deserved honor!
𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒔, 𝑪𝒐𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝑷𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒆𝒍.#MIZ 🐯🏈 pic.twitter.com/o2iWj9D5jR
Photo credit: Cal Sport Media
Coach was back on campus at the University of Toledo this week, the first stop on his 100-Yard Journey book signing tour. GP was also recognized at halftime of Toledo’s 54-51 win over Tulsa as a part of the program’s centennial anniversary.
Pinkel coached at UT from 1991-2000 winning 73 games, most all time.
Toledo greats honored at Toledo football centennial anniversary; Former UT Head Coach Jack Murphy (left) , Pinkel (middle) and Tom Amstutz (right).
Pinkel hanging at the Gateway at Barnes & Nobel in Toledo, Ohio.
Pinkel featured on Jerry Anderson’s ‘Leading Edge’ on WTOL-TV 11 in Toledo.
Next stop on the tour is the Mizzou Store on September 27 @ 1 p.m.
COLUMBIA– Upon the release of his new book ‘The 100-Yard Journey’, Coach Pinkel will make appearances at the following locations. Click here to purchase your copy.
September 16, 2:00pm – 4:00pm @ Barnes and Noble – University of Toledo
Septemer 20, 6:30pm – 8:30 pm @ Barnes and Noble – Columbia Mall (with Dave Matter)
September 27, 1:00pm @ The Mizzou Store
November 15, 1:00pm @ Mizzou Store (Holiday Author Fair)
*list to be updated with more appearances
COLUMBIA – Coach Pinkel and the 2007 Mizzou Football team were honored at halftime of Missouri v. Missouri State Saturday, in recognition of the team’s 10-year anniversary. The 2007 squad finished 12-2, winning the Big 12 North and defeating Arkansas in the Cotton Bowl. Missouri reached its first ever Big 12 Championship game and #1 BCS ranking thanks to a 36-28 victory over Kansas at Arrowhead Stadium. Quarterback Chase Daniel, who finished 4th in Heisman voting in 2007, missed the ceremony due to the birth of his son.

Coach Pinkel joined by 2007 team and family at the Clinton Club for a private dinner on Friday, September 1, 2017.