Motiv8 Foundation’s Marcus Mariota (right) with Oregon alum and Eugene local, Justin Herbet (left), and Mark Herbert (middle). Marcus Mariota was the first Oregon Duck and Hawaii-born athlete to win the Heisman Trophy in 2014 and Justin Herbert was named 2020 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Ohana means Family

The 2021 Motiv8 Foundation event at Sweet Cheeks Winery took place on Father’s Day. It’s an important date for the Mariota family as they always try to be together on that Sunday.

The inagural event attendance was kept to a minimum, but The Motiv8 Foundation plans to expand attendance for future events.

  • Sushi Pure
  • MBOSQ tacos
  • Lani Moku Grill
  • Sweet Bay Shaved Ice
Guests of the 2021 Event were treated to a few of Marcus’ Eugene favorites.

Wine & Dine

With the 2021 ticket, guests enjoyed bites from a few of Marcus’ Eugene favorites. Sushi Pure crafted a range of fresh bites on site. If you haven’t tried MBOSQ tacos, it’s a must next time you are in Eugene! Lani Moku is not just a favorite for the Motiv8 Foundation, but it’s often voted the Register Guard’s Readers’ Choice Favorite Food Truck. To finish off the culinary adventure, guests were able to create their own Sweet Bay Shaved Ice.

Obviously a large focus of the event was the wine! The 2021 Edition of the Motiv8 wines were the 2020 Pinot Gris and 2019 Pinot Noir. The label was inspired by the Oregon hats worn by Toa Mariota – the texture and visual appeal of the label is anchored by Marcus’ handwritten “8”.

Fundraising Elements

Not only did the wines raise money for the Motiv8 Foundation, but a fully stocked silent auction allowed attendees to continue the support.

Signed jerseys by Marcus Mariota, Sabrina Ionescu and Justin Herbert were up for auction. Other auction items included signed footballs, golf items, posters, hats and Southwest Airlines vouchers. Between the event and the wine sales of 2020 and 2021, the Motiv8 Foundation has raised over $100,000 through the partnership with Sweet Cheeks Winery.

Marcus Mariota signed “2014 Heisman” and Justin Herbert signed “2020 NFL Offensive Player of the Year” – both spent time in the Barrel Hall of Sweet Cheeks Winery prior to the event to make sure plenty of items were signed for the auction.

About the Motiv8 Foundation

The Motiv8 Foundation plans to use a portion of the funds to take 400 kids with the help of the Boys and Girls Club of Emerald Valley to the Oregon vs Stony Brook football game on September 18, 2021.

Stay up to date or learn more about the Motiv8 Foundation.