CARY, N.C. –

Russell Wilson’s nimble, fleet-footed quarterbacking of the Seattle Seahawks has earned him legions of fans through the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

And a new partnership with Lithia Motors is likely to earn him a few more.

The dealership group tweeted Thursday afternoon that it will be teaming with the all-pro quarterback to help aid a program that mentors youth in Oregon.

“We're thrilled to announce a new partnership with Russell Wilson to support long-term mentorship for Portland youth,” Lithia said in the tweet. “Over the next 9 months, our Drive for Kids campaign will raise money for Friends of the Children — Portland.”

More specifically, the retailer’s Lithia for Kids community impact foundation has launched Drive for Kids, where Lithia will donate to Friends of the Children any time a vehicle is sold or serviced at its Mercedes-Benz of Portland or Mercedes-Benz of Beaverton. Donations can also be made at Lithia.com.

According to its website, the mission for Friends of the Children Portland is “to provide our most vulnerable children a nurturing and sustained relationship with a professional mentor who teaches positive values and has attainable expectations for each child to become a healthy, productive member of the community.”

More information can be found at www.lithia4kids.com/driveforkids/. 

Full disclosure: The author of this story is a long-suffering fan of N.C. State, where Wilson played the majority of his college football career.