It is said too often that the public does not hear enough about the good deeds professional athletes perform in their communities. That's part of what we try to overcome at ProLink Sports. Not only publicizing their good deeds, but working with them to create more opportunities for building connections with fans and the general public, and helping those in need.Athletes who recognize the opportunity and forum they have to positively impact their communities often enjoy a more fulfilling career and are rewarded with greater opportunties in retirement.
We're fortunate to see numerous examples of this in Colorado this Holiday season, as members of each professional sports franchise have taken part in numerous events to bring joy to those less fortunate.
In addition to the number of team-organized events that each franchise does a tremendous job putting together, athletes have been all over the city with events of their own.
At ProLink Sports we've been proud to organize Holiday-related outreach for Denver Broncos safety Brian Dawkins and outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil. We kicked things off in November, bringing together King Soopers grocery stores and Meadow Gold Dairies to partner with Brian to provide 250 complete Thanksgiving meals to families in need throughout Colorado. The folks at the Salvation Army stepped up to coordinate the distribution of the meal certificates. Brian also stepped forward in December to help Toys For Tots make up a significant shortfall in toy donations compared to previous years.
We worked with Elvis to organize a Holiday shopping trip for 54 kids between the ages of 11 and 13 from the Rev. Leon Kelly's Open Door Youth Gang Alternatives Program in Denver. The Dec. 7 outing gave these children--chosen for their high achievement and dedication to the program--a chance to shop for gifts for their family members, with special help from Elvis and a few of his friends. He was joined by teammates Champ Bailey, Andra Davis, David Bruton and Darrell Reid; former Bronco Rod Smith and Colorado Rockies second baseman Clint Barmes. We would also like to thank the event's benefactors, Doug Morton and Marilyn Brown, as well as Tom Michals and the fine crew at the Stapleton Walmart store.
Many athletes "give back" to their communities and never wish to publicize their efforts. When appropriate, it's nice to shine a light on some of these good deeds because it not only raises awareness for people and organizations in need, but often serves to motivate others in the community that they too can give of themselves to make an impact. A recognizable athlete has the ability to help directly, but also a forum to rally others and generate a greater impact.
From ProLink Sports, we wish all a Happy Holiday season and thank our clients, partners and friends who help make our work possible.
--Paul Kirk/ProLink Sports
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