As ProLink Sports approaches the three-year mark in its evolution there is news to share. Effective Feb. 28, partner Paul Kirk will assume the role of Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. While this will mark a change for the company, ProLink will continue its Denver-based operations to serve clients in their support of the community.
When we began this partnership our goal was to develop a unique agency model that drew upon both our unique and shared backgrounds in sports business, to effectively adjust to the changing landscape of sports PR and marketing.
As new opportunities arise, a strength of ProLink Sports has been its ability to adapt and meet the distinctive needs of our clients in this ever-changing world. Having built the relationships we have been fortunate to build, and put in place the programs around them, there is an exciting future for ProLink Sports as it continues to grow and evolve.
--Judianne Atencio, ProLink Sports
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Friday, December 17, 2010
Dawkins Brings Message of Hope and Awareness for Children in Foster Care
Brian Dawkins will never forget the Jacksonville, Fla., neighborhood where he was raised. What drives him, though, is how far he’s come from there.
When Dawkins threw a Christmas party Tuesday for 75 foster children from Arapahoe and Jefferson Counties, he shared with them a message of hope and empowerment.
“Don’t let where you are affect your future,” Dawkins told the kids from the Arapahoe-Jefferson Counties Collaborative Program for Foster Care and Adoption. “It’s about where you’re going to finish.”
With the help of Mile High United Way and ProLink Sports, Dawkins brought this group of children together to share some of his blessings this holiday season. The Denver Broncos’ all-pro safety welcomed them to the place where he does his work, the Broncos’ training facility, and gave them a meal, gifts, a photo with Santa Claus and him, and a personal message.
“This is something I truly live by,” Dawkins said. “I never let someone’s opinion of me define me. They don’t control the pencil in my hand. There have been some bad circumstances in my life. When I was younger I lost two of my best friends to violence. But other people don’t have the last say-so. You have the last say-so. Always remember that.”
Feeling the passion behind the words Dawkins spoke was truly inspirational. He held the kids’ attention with his personal testimony.
“Surround yourself with the right people,” Dawkins continued. “Believe me when I say you are cared about. You always hear about how there are stars up there and you have to reach for them. Put your own star up there and reach for that. Don’t reach for the stars that are already up there. You put a star up there and say, ‘I want to be such-and-such.’ That’s your star, and then you reach for that. On a daily basis, you reach for THAT star. Decide along the way on the decisions that you have to make in order for that star to be reached, that goal to be achieved.”
Through his program, Dawkins generously blessed children in need with Christmas presents they would not have otherwise received. From Lego sets and books, to dolls, clothing and remote-control cars, the gifts brought smiles to their faces as they opened them before the party concluded. But they also left with a message of hope on their hearts, and a game plan for how to fulfill that hope.
“When you leave here,” Dawkins concluded, “make sure you have your star that you reach for. Don’t let anybody define you, and it’s not where you start, it’s where you end.”
Brian Dawkins and ProLink Sports would like to thank Mile High United Way for coordinating with Arapahoe County to arrange for this group of children to receive these blessings. The efforts of Mark Taylor, Director of Donor Relations for Mile High United Way, and Kippi Clausen, Director of Policy and Population Based Strategies, were instrumental in making this possible.
The Arapahoe-Jefferson Counties Collaborative Program for Foster Care and Adoption recruits, trains and supports foster and kinship families throughout the metro-Denver area to provide temporary care for children who cannot safely remain in their homes. They are always seeking individuals and couples in the community who can care for foster children until they can return home, be adopted or live independently.
There are presently more than 900 children in the foster care program in Arapahoe and Jefferson counties. To learn more about how you can help these children, visit http://www.collaborativefostercare.com/
--Paul Kirk/ProLink Sports
www.prolinksports.net
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When Dawkins threw a Christmas party Tuesday for 75 foster children from Arapahoe and Jefferson Counties, he shared with them a message of hope and empowerment.
“Don’t let where you are affect your future,” Dawkins told the kids from the Arapahoe-Jefferson Counties Collaborative Program for Foster Care and Adoption. “It’s about where you’re going to finish.”
With the help of Mile High United Way and ProLink Sports, Dawkins brought this group of children together to share some of his blessings this holiday season. The Denver Broncos’ all-pro safety welcomed them to the place where he does his work, the Broncos’ training facility, and gave them a meal, gifts, a photo with Santa Claus and him, and a personal message.
“This is something I truly live by,” Dawkins said. “I never let someone’s opinion of me define me. They don’t control the pencil in my hand. There have been some bad circumstances in my life. When I was younger I lost two of my best friends to violence. But other people don’t have the last say-so. You have the last say-so. Always remember that.”
Feeling the passion behind the words Dawkins spoke was truly inspirational. He held the kids’ attention with his personal testimony.
“Surround yourself with the right people,” Dawkins continued. “Believe me when I say you are cared about. You always hear about how there are stars up there and you have to reach for them. Put your own star up there and reach for that. Don’t reach for the stars that are already up there. You put a star up there and say, ‘I want to be such-and-such.’ That’s your star, and then you reach for that. On a daily basis, you reach for THAT star. Decide along the way on the decisions that you have to make in order for that star to be reached, that goal to be achieved.”
Through his program, Dawkins generously blessed children in need with Christmas presents they would not have otherwise received. From Lego sets and books, to dolls, clothing and remote-control cars, the gifts brought smiles to their faces as they opened them before the party concluded. But they also left with a message of hope on their hearts, and a game plan for how to fulfill that hope.
“When you leave here,” Dawkins concluded, “make sure you have your star that you reach for. Don’t let anybody define you, and it’s not where you start, it’s where you end.”
Brian Dawkins and ProLink Sports would like to thank Mile High United Way for coordinating with Arapahoe County to arrange for this group of children to receive these blessings. The efforts of Mark Taylor, Director of Donor Relations for Mile High United Way, and Kippi Clausen, Director of Policy and Population Based Strategies, were instrumental in making this possible.
The Arapahoe-Jefferson Counties Collaborative Program for Foster Care and Adoption recruits, trains and supports foster and kinship families throughout the metro-Denver area to provide temporary care for children who cannot safely remain in their homes. They are always seeking individuals and couples in the community who can care for foster children until they can return home, be adopted or live independently.
There are presently more than 900 children in the foster care program in Arapahoe and Jefferson counties. To learn more about how you can help these children, visit http://www.collaborativefostercare.com/
--Paul Kirk/ProLink Sports
www.prolinksports.net
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Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Decker and Thomas Bring Holiday Cheer to Kids
The holiday spirit was alive and well on Monday night, Dec. 6, as Denver Broncos players Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas helped 25 members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver enjoy the gift of giving. The rookie wide receivers gave their time and personal attention to the kids to help them purchase Christmas gifts for members of their family at SuperTarget in Lone Tree, Colo.The children were selected by the Boys & Girls Clubs for their outstanding participation in their after-school program. They had prepared detailed shopping lists of items to purchase, and were allowed a generous budget to find gifts to bring cheer to as many family members as possible this holiday season.
Lists in hand and smiles on their faces, the kids lined up their carts and set out with Decker, Thomas, volunteers and store associates to find just the right gifts for the special people in their lives.Decker and two young shoppers made their first stop in the toy department, looking over the array of Nerf guns and Lego sets, very popular for the boys on their lists. He helped the boys sort out which items fit together before it was time to move onto taking care of other family members.
Thomas and his troops covered a lot of ground throughout the store and assessed the scene before their carts began to fill up. First up was a plush, pink bathrobe and centerpiece with candles for mom, followed by a collection of Hot Wheels cars for a nephew.
“I’m happy that I can actually buy my family presents,” remarked one young shopper. “My Mom is going to be happy and my brother, he usually doesn’t get anything for Christmas from me. It’s just heartwarming…there’s no way to explain it.”Offensive lineman Zane Beadles joined his fellow rookie teammates on this night and shared his wisdom on everything from clothing to toys for the kids.
As the children reached their budget limit and made sure they had covered everyone on their list, they moved to the gift-wrapping stage. Decker, Thomas and Beadles also proved to be quite capable in that arena. They stayed until the last packages were wrapped and then bid farewell to their new friends and fellow shoppers.
Each was extremely generous with his time and helped make a special night even more meaningful for the children, who spoke of their appreciation.
“It’s really nice of them,” said one child. “They’re helping you and walking you all around the store, helping you find things for your family, just having fun.”
Several others spoke of the joy it gave them to be able to have gifts for the other members of their families, who often might not receive a gift at all. These are lasting impressions that will make an impact not only on the children, but on their new football-playing friends as well.The evening was made possible by a generous grant from Doug Morton and Marilyn Brown.
Special thanks to Sandi Loveland and the team at the SuperTarget store in Lone Tree, Colo., store for being such a terrific partner in this program.
--Paul Kirk/ProLink Sports
www.prolinksports.net
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Friday, December 3, 2010
Denver Broncos Rookie WRs Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas To Bring Cheer to Kids
MEDIA ADVISORY: Friday, Dec. 3, 2010
CONTACT: ProLink Sports
Paul Kirk, 303-929-4686 / pkirk@prolinksports.net
Judianne Atencio, 303-886-3950 / jatencio@prolinksports.net
DENVER BRONCOS WRs ERIC DECKER AND DEMARYIUS THOMAS LEND A HAND TO CHILDREN WITH HOLIDAY SHOPPING TRIP
Rookie wide receivers will be joined by teammates Monday, Dec. 6 to shop with children from Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver
WHO:
Denver Broncos wide receivers Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas reach out to help children in their community by hosting a holiday shopping trip. They will be joined by a number of their teammates for this festive evening to bring cheer to children in need this holiday season.
WHAT:
Twenty-five children, ranging in age from 8 to 14, are being rewarded for their outstanding participation in their after-school program with a trip to buy holiday presents. They have been encouraged to write up their “Holiday Wish Lists” in preparation for this exciting evening. Each child will be given a budget to shop for gifts for other members of his or her family.
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver is to inspire and enable young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.
WHEN:
Monday, December 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
WHERE:
SuperTarget – 10001 Commons Street, Lone Tree, CO, 80124 (Yosemite & Lincoln, just west of I-25 & Lincoln).
**GREAT VISUALS; MEDIA WELCOME TO ATTEND**
# # #
CONTACT: ProLink Sports
Paul Kirk, 303-929-4686 / pkirk@prolinksports.net
Judianne Atencio, 303-886-3950 / jatencio@prolinksports.net
DENVER BRONCOS WRs ERIC DECKER AND DEMARYIUS THOMAS LEND A HAND TO CHILDREN WITH HOLIDAY SHOPPING TRIP
Rookie wide receivers will be joined by teammates Monday, Dec. 6 to shop with children from Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver
WHO:
Denver Broncos wide receivers Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas reach out to help children in their community by hosting a holiday shopping trip. They will be joined by a number of their teammates for this festive evening to bring cheer to children in need this holiday season.
WHAT:
Twenty-five children, ranging in age from 8 to 14, are being rewarded for their outstanding participation in their after-school program with a trip to buy holiday presents. They have been encouraged to write up their “Holiday Wish Lists” in preparation for this exciting evening. Each child will be given a budget to shop for gifts for other members of his or her family.
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver is to inspire and enable young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.
WHEN:
Monday, December 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
WHERE:
SuperTarget – 10001 Commons Street, Lone Tree, CO, 80124 (Yosemite & Lincoln, just west of I-25 & Lincoln).
**GREAT VISUALS; MEDIA WELCOME TO ATTEND**
# # #
Brian Dawkins Continues Tradition of Giving
For the second year in a row, Denver Broncos All Pro safety Brian Dawkins teamed up with King Soopers and Meadow Gold Dairies to provide complete Thanksgiving dinners to families throughout Colorado served by The Salvation Army.
The meals were distributed through The Salvation Army to families in need in Denver, Fort Collins, Greeley, Colorado Springs, Pueblo and Grand Junction.
Dawkins understands the great need that exists for families to receive assistance in these tough economic times, and embraces his role as a leader who can improve the lives of people in his community. He reached out to partners King Soopers and Meadow Gold Dairies to ensure families the opportunity to gather in their own homes to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal.
“The Lord has blessed me and I know how important it is to give a hand up to our neighbors who may need it during these tough times,” said Dawkins. “I am grateful that the folks at King Soopers and Meadow Gold Dairies joined me in providing these meals, once again.”
“King Soopers is pleased to once again partner with Brian Dawkins, Meadow Gold and The Salvation Army to provide a Thanksgiving dinner to Colorado families in need,” said Kelli McGannon, King Soopers Marketing and Community Relations Director.
“We salute Brian’s leadership and we are proud to partner with him to support The Salvation Army’s great work in our communities,” said Scott Barnard, General Sales Manager, Meadow Gold Dairies.
“Thanksgiving is a time for family. We really appreciate this partnership in helping us to help others,” said Major Victor Doughty, Intermountain Divisional Commander. “This statewide initiative with our Corps will aid hundreds of families that have come to us for help this holiday season.”
The meals were distributed through The Salvation Army to families in need in Denver, Fort Collins, Greeley, Colorado Springs, Pueblo and Grand Junction.
Dawkins understands the great need that exists for families to receive assistance in these tough economic times, and embraces his role as a leader who can improve the lives of people in his community. He reached out to partners King Soopers and Meadow Gold Dairies to ensure families the opportunity to gather in their own homes to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal.“The Lord has blessed me and I know how important it is to give a hand up to our neighbors who may need it during these tough times,” said Dawkins. “I am grateful that the folks at King Soopers and Meadow Gold Dairies joined me in providing these meals, once again.”
“King Soopers is pleased to once again partner with Brian Dawkins, Meadow Gold and The Salvation Army to provide a Thanksgiving dinner to Colorado families in need,” said Kelli McGannon, King Soopers Marketing and Community Relations Director.“We salute Brian’s leadership and we are proud to partner with him to support The Salvation Army’s great work in our communities,” said Scott Barnard, General Sales Manager, Meadow Gold Dairies.
“Thanksgiving is a time for family. We really appreciate this partnership in helping us to help others,” said Major Victor Doughty, Intermountain Divisional Commander. “This statewide initiative with our Corps will aid hundreds of families that have come to us for help this holiday season.”
Monday, October 11, 2010
Paxton Serves Up Best Shot with Active Force Foundation Fundraiser
The Active Force Foundation is rapidly expanding its reach and impact in Colorado, a year-and-a-half after vice president Lonie Paxton’s signing with the Denver Broncos. After the success of April’s NFL Draft Party and Bowling Bash, AFF took another huge step forward on Sept. 28, 2010 with the inaugural Lonie Paxton Celebrity Sporting Clays Challenge at Kiowa Creek Sporting Club near Bennett, Colo.
Different from the usual golf events, it was Paxton’s vision to bring to Colorado a unique and different form of fundraiser that gave people the chance to come out and compete with one another on Kiowa Creek’s professionally-designed clays course. The day included a pre-event barbecue lunch, courtesy of Leevers Supermarkets, the 12-station clays competition, post-event awards ceremony, dinner courtesy of Angie’s Restaurant, and both silent and live auctions.Clear blue Colorado skies and a record temperature of 92 degrees greeted the nearly 120 participants in this inaugural event. For AFF’s first sporting clays event, those who signed up and came out to compete in the event came away incredibly impressed. The show put on by AFF and the effort by Paxton to welcome everyone and ensure they enjoyed their day made a tremendous impact.
Active Force Foundation president/founder Brook Duquesnel, mechanic/engineer Brandon Duquesnel and operations assistant Boyd Livesey were on hand to display AFF’s unique four-wheel mountain bikes, and “fly the flag” of the foundation to give participants a better idea of how their support of this event impacts the lives of disabled athletes through the foundation’s programs.
Paxton’s Denver Broncos teammates showed their support of AFF by coming out and shooting alongside the competitors, while waging their own battle for top score among the players. Quarterbacks Kyle Orton and Brady Quinn; offensive linemen Russ Hochstein, Zane Beadles and J.D. Walton; defensive tackle Justin Bannan and punter Britton Colquitt were joined by Denver Broncos VP of Security Dave Abrams on the course and showed there is a wide range of ability on that Broncos roster.
There’s no question Lonie Paxton is appreciated and respected in that Broncos locker room. He not only gets his teammates out to his events, but he designs fundraisers with competitions that appeal to his teammates. It’s worth noting that when Orton attended AFF’s Bowling Bash he brought his own ball, and Quinn arrived Tuesday at the sporting clays competition with his own shotgun. These guys are serious about making their support count!Our most special guests were the U.S. Army wounded warriors from the Warrior Transition Battalion at Fort Carson, Colo. It was our honor to have a group of soldiers attend the event and enjoy the company of so many who appreciate their valiant service to our country.
“When service men and women return from war or duty, AFF strives to create an experience that temporarily releases them from the constant mental and physical stresses they’re eduring,” Paxton said. “For AFF to have an impact on soldiers’ lives when they come back is the entire reason we do what we do. Our camps really show what the fundraising and our team can accomplish, but the events themselves are a way to involve teammates, the community, sponsors, servicemen and women, and the Active Force team in a fun environment that reiterates the purpose, but also have a fun time doing it.”
AFF’s programs are designed to give those wounded soldiers a physical outlet to enhance both their physical and mental recovery, and events like today’s allow us to expand that reach and show our appreciation by giving them a day out to enjoy a good time and some quality competition (please see below for comments by soldiers about how they enjoyed their time at the event).
The players’ and soldiers’ attendance added to what was already a festive atmosphere. Following the competition everybody gathered back at the main tent to listen to the Fabulous Parker Brothers Band, bid on the outstanding silent auction items and enjoy a delicious dinner provided by Angie’s Restaurant while they awaited the final scores to be tallied.
The team from Ultra Petroleum took home the top prize with a collective score of 339, followed by Bank of Colorado (266) and Sturgeon Electric (254). The Broncos competition was hotly contested, with Abrams scoring a 56, and among players Quinn led the way with a score of 51, narrowly edging Colquitt (48).
The event closed with an outstanding live auction, which included a cow elk hunt, dinner with Paxton & Bannan at The Union restaurant, a suite at the Pepsi Center for a Denver Nuggets game and a “Broncos Experience” including tickets, and pre- and postgame passes.
ProLink Sports would like to thank all those who came together to make this event happen, including Kiowa Creek Sporting Club and their phenomenal staff for providing a first-class venue for this inaugural event. We would also like to thank Keith Dailey & Jim Mundle of Douglas County Living magazine; James Kelly and Red Bull; our MC Sam Adams; Leevers Supermarkets, Angie’s Restaurant and event sponsors Steve Evans and the Elk Ranch, Fred Aesquival, Bank of Colorado, The E Company, Billy Halax, Innovative Interiors, Intermountain Rural Electric Association, Phil Long Ford, Retirement Strategies, Speed Raceway, StarTek, Sturgeon Electric, Ultra Petroleum and Water Extraction Team.
It was an honor to have the soldiers from the WTU at Fort Carson as Active Force Foundation's guests at the event, and an additional honor to receive such kind comments afterwards:
"Today I was like anyone else. I was part of society. I wasn't an Army misfit. I had the freedom to do things here today just like everyone else. My mind was totally off what's going on in my life. I wasn't thinking about the pain. I wasn't thinking about the next doctor's appointment. I was back to being a person. Not a WT.”
"I know it's going to hurt. But some things are just worth it. Today was one of those days. I probably won't be able to walk tomorrow, but for today, I enjoyed it and it was worth it."
Links to media coverage of the event:
Denver Post (Wed., Sept. 29, 2010) "Broncos' Paxton takes best shot at helping disabled"
DenverBroncos.com (Fri., Oct. 1, 2010) "Paxton's Sporting Clays Challenge for a Cause"
CBS4 Denver, Countdown to Kickoff (Sun., Oct. 3, 2010) "Get to Know: Broncos' Paxton and Active Force Foundation"
--Paul Kirk/ProLink Sports
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Saturday, September 18, 2010
"Savor the Grape 2010" Just Two Days Away
The visibility of high-profile athletes always lends star power to charitable fundraising events.
When those high-profile athletes are raising money for a well-known entity in the name of a teammate who was gunned down by gang violence, the combination touches everybody in an emotional and powerful way.
Denver Broncos all-pro cornerback Champ Bailey and retired all-pro safety John Lynch, now an NFL game analyst for FOX, were teammates with Darrent Williams in 2005-06 after the young Oklahoma State product was drafted by the Denver Broncos. Williams became a starter at cornerback in his rookie season, and made enough big plays to serve notice he had a bright future ahead of him on the gridiron.
Williams also made an impact on teammates with his perpetually positive attitude, permanent smile and his patented phrase "All Ready," which personified his eagerness to give his all in any situation--practice, games, you name it, he was ready.
When that bright future was snuffed out by a gangster's bullet in the early hours of New Year's Day 2007 in downtown Denver, it stunned the Denver community and the Broncos family, and left a void they knew they would never fill. As media relations director for that Broncos team, I can affirm that Darrent Williams was special. I had the good fortune to work with a great collection of first-class guys and team players in my 13 years with the team, and "D-Will" was unique in his ability to pick guys up with that extra spark he provided. Small in stature but big in spirit, he played the game with confidence, desire and talent that overcame his measurables.
Three-plus years after Darrent's death, some measure of closure was achieved with the March 2010 trial and conviction of Willie Clark. Nothing will bring Darrent back, but I can still remember in those solemn, painful days after the murder, the biggest questions on players' minds were "do they have any leads," and "do they have a suspect." Finally, justice was served.
Against that backdrop, Bailey and Lynch were steadfast in their desire to "get back to talking about how Darrent lived, not how he died." The 2010 Savor the Grape fundraiser was the product of that desire, and they both were certain--as they were for the first such event in 2008--that raising money for Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver was the right way to honor their friend and former teammate. Providing a positive place for kids was the way to work to prevent the very type of gang violence that claimed their friend's life.
Particular meaningful was the fact that Darrent grew up attending Boys & Girls Clubs in Fort Worth, Texas, and was a regular visitor to mentor kids at three different branches of the Clubs in metro Denver: Owens, Johnson and the Denver Broncos branch. In addition, Lynch was a participant in Boys & Girls Clubs programs in the San Diego area in his youth.
This is a cause and an event that is special not only to those players who were fortunate to be teammates of Darrent Williams, but Broncos players past and present. From those 2005-06 teams, Rod Smith, Al Wilson, Ebenezer Ekuban and Charlie Adams are among those expected to attend Monday night's event. A number of current players, as well as some from previous Broncos teams--Alfred Williams and Mark Schlereth--are expected to attend.
Far and away the most special guest of the night will be Darrent's mother, Rosalind Williams, who we are honored to have attend, as we were in 2008.
The event will feature live and silent auctions with a wide array of special sports memorabilia, including some one-of-a-kind auction items and experiences from the Colorado Avalanche, Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets and Colorado Rockies.
More than anything, this event is the living example of Darrent Williams' friends and teammates staying true to the vow they made in those dark days of early 2007 to make sure Darrent Williams' name is not forgotten, and to make an impact on children in his name.
This story is bigger than a sports story, but it's a positive sports story in 2010 that fans, media and the community should embrace to restore their faith in professional athletes amidst the litany of negative stories we are bombarded with each day.
Here's a big salute to Champ Bailey, John Lynch, their teammates who support their effort, and the community that has supported this event through their sponsorships and tickets purchased.
The stage is set, the stars are aligned. Now it's time to get back to celebrating the way Darrent lived, not how he died. Bring a smile to someone's face today in his honor.
Here are some links to recent media stories about the event:
Sept. 17, 2010--9News 6 a.m.: Champ Bailey Remembers Darrent Williams
Sept. 16, 2010--Champ Bailey on FM 104.3 The Fan w/Alfred Williams, Mark Schlereth & D-Mac
Sept. 15, 2010--Denver Post column by Dave Krieger
Below is an assortment of recent quotes from Champ Bailey & John Lynch illustrating why this cause and this event are so meaningful to them:
JOHN LYNCH, 9/15/10, courtesy of 87.7 FM The Ticket with Vic Lombardi & Gary Miller:
"It's only right to continue to do something that we all vowed to do when our good friend passed away, and that’s to remember his life."
"People who knew Darrent Williams know he cared a lot about this community. He spent a lot of time at the Boys & Girls Club. Now, down at the Broncos Boys & Girls Club there’s a teen center in his name."
"We lost a good friend and teammate, Darrent Williams, but we can do something positive in his memory, and that’s to help these kids have a positive place. We want to carry on what he started and keep that message alive."
CHAMP BAILEY, 9/17/10, courtesy of 9News:
"At this point, I still can't believe it happened (Darrent's death). It's pretty simple: We had a guy here, Darrent Williams, that we all kind of fell in love with as far as what he did for us and the type of person he was, and to lose him like that at a young age, it's real senseless."
"Darrent was really involved in the Boys & Girls Club, so this is kind of a way of honoring his name, keeping his name and memory alive and making people realize that we can make a difference (helping) these young kids and teenagers."
(regarding the March 2010 trial of Willie Clark, and his conviction)
"That was probably the toughest part of it, because you're looking at another young kid who did what he did. And now, going forward, it's like, 'How can we prevent that? How can we prevent kids from being like the way this guys is.' Definitely justice was served by getting the conviction but we can't bring D-Will back, so obviously the best thing for us to do is try to build better characters in the community."
--Paul Kirk/ProLink Sports
www.prolinksports.net
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When those high-profile athletes are raising money for a well-known entity in the name of a teammate who was gunned down by gang violence, the combination touches everybody in an emotional and powerful way.
Denver Broncos all-pro cornerback Champ Bailey and retired all-pro safety John Lynch, now an NFL game analyst for FOX, were teammates with Darrent Williams in 2005-06 after the young Oklahoma State product was drafted by the Denver Broncos. Williams became a starter at cornerback in his rookie season, and made enough big plays to serve notice he had a bright future ahead of him on the gridiron.
Williams also made an impact on teammates with his perpetually positive attitude, permanent smile and his patented phrase "All Ready," which personified his eagerness to give his all in any situation--practice, games, you name it, he was ready.
When that bright future was snuffed out by a gangster's bullet in the early hours of New Year's Day 2007 in downtown Denver, it stunned the Denver community and the Broncos family, and left a void they knew they would never fill. As media relations director for that Broncos team, I can affirm that Darrent Williams was special. I had the good fortune to work with a great collection of first-class guys and team players in my 13 years with the team, and "D-Will" was unique in his ability to pick guys up with that extra spark he provided. Small in stature but big in spirit, he played the game with confidence, desire and talent that overcame his measurables.
Three-plus years after Darrent's death, some measure of closure was achieved with the March 2010 trial and conviction of Willie Clark. Nothing will bring Darrent back, but I can still remember in those solemn, painful days after the murder, the biggest questions on players' minds were "do they have any leads," and "do they have a suspect." Finally, justice was served.
Against that backdrop, Bailey and Lynch were steadfast in their desire to "get back to talking about how Darrent lived, not how he died." The 2010 Savor the Grape fundraiser was the product of that desire, and they both were certain--as they were for the first such event in 2008--that raising money for Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver was the right way to honor their friend and former teammate. Providing a positive place for kids was the way to work to prevent the very type of gang violence that claimed their friend's life.
Particular meaningful was the fact that Darrent grew up attending Boys & Girls Clubs in Fort Worth, Texas, and was a regular visitor to mentor kids at three different branches of the Clubs in metro Denver: Owens, Johnson and the Denver Broncos branch. In addition, Lynch was a participant in Boys & Girls Clubs programs in the San Diego area in his youth.
This is a cause and an event that is special not only to those players who were fortunate to be teammates of Darrent Williams, but Broncos players past and present. From those 2005-06 teams, Rod Smith, Al Wilson, Ebenezer Ekuban and Charlie Adams are among those expected to attend Monday night's event. A number of current players, as well as some from previous Broncos teams--Alfred Williams and Mark Schlereth--are expected to attend.
Far and away the most special guest of the night will be Darrent's mother, Rosalind Williams, who we are honored to have attend, as we were in 2008.
The event will feature live and silent auctions with a wide array of special sports memorabilia, including some one-of-a-kind auction items and experiences from the Colorado Avalanche, Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets and Colorado Rockies.
More than anything, this event is the living example of Darrent Williams' friends and teammates staying true to the vow they made in those dark days of early 2007 to make sure Darrent Williams' name is not forgotten, and to make an impact on children in his name.
This story is bigger than a sports story, but it's a positive sports story in 2010 that fans, media and the community should embrace to restore their faith in professional athletes amidst the litany of negative stories we are bombarded with each day.
Here's a big salute to Champ Bailey, John Lynch, their teammates who support their effort, and the community that has supported this event through their sponsorships and tickets purchased.
The stage is set, the stars are aligned. Now it's time to get back to celebrating the way Darrent lived, not how he died. Bring a smile to someone's face today in his honor.
Here are some links to recent media stories about the event:
Sept. 17, 2010--9News 6 a.m.: Champ Bailey Remembers Darrent Williams
Sept. 16, 2010--Champ Bailey on FM 104.3 The Fan w/Alfred Williams, Mark Schlereth & D-Mac
Sept. 15, 2010--Denver Post column by Dave Krieger
Below is an assortment of recent quotes from Champ Bailey & John Lynch illustrating why this cause and this event are so meaningful to them:
JOHN LYNCH, 9/15/10, courtesy of 87.7 FM The Ticket with Vic Lombardi & Gary Miller:
"It's only right to continue to do something that we all vowed to do when our good friend passed away, and that’s to remember his life."
"People who knew Darrent Williams know he cared a lot about this community. He spent a lot of time at the Boys & Girls Club. Now, down at the Broncos Boys & Girls Club there’s a teen center in his name."
"We lost a good friend and teammate, Darrent Williams, but we can do something positive in his memory, and that’s to help these kids have a positive place. We want to carry on what he started and keep that message alive."
CHAMP BAILEY, 9/17/10, courtesy of 9News:
"At this point, I still can't believe it happened (Darrent's death). It's pretty simple: We had a guy here, Darrent Williams, that we all kind of fell in love with as far as what he did for us and the type of person he was, and to lose him like that at a young age, it's real senseless."
"Darrent was really involved in the Boys & Girls Club, so this is kind of a way of honoring his name, keeping his name and memory alive and making people realize that we can make a difference (helping) these young kids and teenagers."
(regarding the March 2010 trial of Willie Clark, and his conviction)
"That was probably the toughest part of it, because you're looking at another young kid who did what he did. And now, going forward, it's like, 'How can we prevent that? How can we prevent kids from being like the way this guys is.' Definitely justice was served by getting the conviction but we can't bring D-Will back, so obviously the best thing for us to do is try to build better characters in the community."
--Paul Kirk/ProLink Sports
www.prolinksports.net
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