Archive for the ‘Features’ Category
Packing A Heart Even Bigger Than His Punch
With the same passion he brings to the octagon, UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture supports veterans with his Xtreme Couture G.I. Foundation
Photo: Xtreme Couture G.I. Foundation
Up until a month ago, all I knew about the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA) fighting was that 1) “tapping out” was the equivalent of “For the love of Pete…Uncle already!”, 2) there was a suspicious-sounding move called a rear-naked choke, and 3) the one fight I’d “seen” on TV had been spent with my eyes buried in a sofa cushion (I know…lightweight). But upon hearing of a certain athlete’s efforts to support U.S. veterans, and having never featured an MMA fighter on Hugbacker, I couldn’t wait to speak with him. I picked up his book (a great, candidly-written account of his life), got a crash course in UFC 101 by a few friends, and was ready for a chat with Randy “The Natural” Couture about his Xtreme Couture G.I. Foundation.
Photo: xtremecouturegifoundation.org
Couture took some time last week to chat with Hugbacker about his foundation, which was formed to “honor the veterans of America’s armed forces” and especially “to raise money and awareness for those wounded in action and their families.”
HB: You were in the military, which must’ve played a role in your wanting to support the troops. But how did the foundation actually start?
RC: I wore the uniform for six years, and although there was no war going on at that time, I obviously learned and experienced a lot, especially in terms of discipline as it translates to fighting and MMA. I also had the opportunity to get involved with some military organizations, and got to visit Walter Reed Hospital in Washington D.C. I saw the wounded soldiers, visited and talked with them. The sacrifices they make are tremendous, and I wanted to address the questions and concerns they have when they come home…like, how are they going to be able to get on their feet? That spawned the idea about raising awareness through a foundation.
HB: How does the foundation go about finding the veterans who need help?
RC: Well, that’s often the challenge. Walter Reed has been helpful in identifying families in need, which has been great. But with patient privacy and other sensitivities, it can be difficult. We just try to reach out with visits and our events to raise as much awareness as possible and also stay aware of opportunities to help out.
Couture and Franklin schooling the troops in MMA
Photo: MMAmania.com
In 2006, Couture and another fighter, Rich Franklin, traveled to Iraq to visit soldiers, escorted by his old unit, the 101st Airborne Division.
HB: What was that trip like for you?
RC: We went to four or five FOBs, [forward operation bases], got to meet a lot of soldiers, put on clinics, seminars, did meet-and-greets. So many of them are UFC fans–they were pretty excited we were there. But even more important, we got to see what they go through every day. They’re over there for us, away from their families. It was an incredible trip.
HB: What are some of the events your foundation has thrown?
Photo: xtremecouturegifoundation.org
RC: We’ve had two poker tournaments. The first was at the Hard Rock, and the most recent one was at the Golden Nugget. Several professional poker players have been extremely supportive and helped us out. We raised almost $40,000–it was fantastic. We also hosted a golf tournament in September that went really, really well. We got a lot of niche support from different MMA organizations for that. One neat thing that happened there was that some disabled vets from the Vietnam era volunteered to step up and work, and they were so appreciative of what we’re trying to do now with the guys coming back from the war. It was such a cool experience to be around them.
HB: Didn’t you also have some kind of paintball event?
Photo: xtremecouturegifoundation.org
RC: Yeah! We did a combat weekend in Mesquite. And it was so interesting because fighting/MMA is kind of this subculture. And so is paintball–it’s very competitive. So we had the experience of seeing these two lifestyles mesh. The G.I. Foundation was a really good fit for their mentality. We raised some money and had a great time.
HB: Any upcoming events?
RC: We’re looking at hopefully doing another poker event in May, here in Vegas. There are other ideas we’re tossing around and are always trying to be creative with it. It’s fun to do these things, and especially fun to be able to give out a big chunk of money.
Vets take part in the Foundation's 5k run in May of 2008
Photo: The Facebook Advertising Guy
Outside of the foundation, the father of three also made a huge show of support to autism awareness this past August, hosting the “Natural Understanding” event in Portland, OR. The event benefited the Autism Socieity of Portland and included a fundraiser right after Couture’s fight against Antoinio Rodrigo Nogueira, as well as a private brunch the next day.
HB: Sounds like you, along with so many others, have been touched by autism.
RC: Definitely. A close family friend of ours has a son with autism. His name is Ladd; he’s a great kid and close friends with my son, Caden. It’s been amazing watching them grow up alongside each other. I just saw Ladd this past weekend. We hung out, took him sledding, had a lot of fun. I’ve seen some of the challenges associated with autism and wanted to help out, so we had the event with dinner, a silent auction, and raised some pretty good money.
With our chat coming to a close, I asked some random questions of the UFC champ.
Slugging it out at UFC 74
Photo: xtremecouturetv.com
HB: Where is one place where you haven’t been that you’d like to go?
RC: Hmm, that’s a tough one. I’ll say China.
HB: I know how committed you are to good nutrition. [Couture leans toward a heavily alkaline-based diet.] But what’s your favorite splurge food?
RC: [Laughing, and with no hesitation.] Chocolate chip cookies.
HB: Favorite music?
RC: I like a lot of different things, but I guess at heart I’m pretty much an ’80’s rock guy.
HB: If you weren’t a fighter and your career could have nothing to do with athletics, what would you do?
RC: I’d probably be teaching German. That was my major. I was originally going to be a high school teacher. [Couture received his degree in German from Oklahoma State University, where he was also an All-American wrestling champ.]
Although the high school teaching gig didn’t quite manifest, it looks like an acting career just might. Couture has a slew of television show and movie appearances to his credit, and can also be seen in an upcoming Sylvester Stallone action flick, The Expendables, due out next summer.
As for fighting, Randy will take to the cage in Las Vegas at UFC 109 with opponent Mark Coleman on Saturday, February 6th, 2010 (Super Bowl Eve). I promised my new friend I would watch the bout–this time with my eyes open.
A big softie out of the octagon
Photo: watchkalibrun.com
Much thanks to Val and Scott at Xtreme Couture for coordinating the interview, as well as to a few people who schooled me on Randy and the UFC: my brother Craig, his wife Loretta, and my all-UFC-knowing pal from Montreal, Danny.
And special thanks to the warm and gracious Mr. Couture for taking time out for a chat, and huge kudos for his awesome efforts in rallying support for our veterans!
By: LBC on December 23rd, 2009, 3 Comments »
NASCAR’S JIMMIE JOHNSON: TRACK LEGEND, COMMUNITY CHAMP
To say that NASCAR Sprint Cup race driver Jimmie Johnson is having a good professional run of late would be an understatement. The man in the #48 Chevrolet recently set a new record at Homestead-Miami Speedway, becoming the first driver to win four consecutive Sprint Cup titles. But his “track record” isn’t the only thing that sets this speed demon apart from the pack…
Since its inception in 2006, the Jimmie Johnson Foundation (JJF) has contributed more than $2 million to a variety of organizations, providing significant educational opportunities, and building places to live and play for children and families through the San Diego Habitat for Humanity. JJF has also supported those with illness through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, granted wishes through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, as well as having added people to the National Marrow Donor Program Registry through the Hendrick Marrow Program.
At this year’s 3rd annual JJF Golf Tournament in October, held just prior to the race at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, CA, more than $500,000 was raised to benefit its Champion Grants program in partnership with Lowe’s Toolbox for Education. The San Diego event welcomed fellow NASCAR drivers Kurt Busch, Brian Vickers, Jamie McMurray, Boris Said and Casey Mears, along with over 130 guests. Johnson was also honored earlier that week by the Junior Seau Foundation at Junior’s annual Teammates Luncheon. At the tournament’s auction, Jimmy’s Helmet of Hope sold for a whopping $27,000. “I rarely give away my helmets,” he said, “…but this one was pretty special to a lot of people with all the charities featured.”
Just yesterday, Jimmie and wife Chandra awarded educational grants at a special ceremony which took place at an appropriate venue–Crest Elementary in El Cajon, CA (Jimmie’s elementary school)–totaling $922,000! The grants were awarded to schools in California, North Carolina (where the Johnsons now live), and Oklahoma (Chandra’s home state). More than 80 applications were received from eligible school districts, with the selection criteria based on basic needs of the school.
With the bevy of recent events and ceremonies, NASCAR celebrations aren’t quite finished for the year! After 28 years of being held in New York City, the Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony will take place in Las Vegas this Friday, with accompanying activities probably well underway as we speak.
Despite major career success and all the glitz and glory that comes with it, Jimmie Johnson is ever recognized as an easy-going, down-to-earth, humble guy–a true class act all the way. Kudos, Mr. Johnson, for your tremendous commitment to helping kids and families in need, not to mention your spectacular 2009 racing season. Best of luck in 2010!
By: LBC on December 1st, 2009, No Comments »
CHOMP! Sharks Give Back With Massive Team Bite
Sometimes it’s an individual player who shines as the charitable beacon of the team. Other times, it’s a larger contingent of the group. When it comes to one NHL team in San Jose, CA, however, the whole school of SHARKS is in on the action.
Photo: Lisa Cecconi
Hugbacker has had the good fortune of interviewing its fair share of hockey players, such as the Athletes Against Autism group, as well as the awesome Rick Nash. Amid all the chats, however, I’d never actually been to a hockey game in my life, professional or otherwise. So imagine the bizarre circumstance of finding myself at not one, but two NHL games in the past six weeks, courtesy of a girlfriend/San Jose Sharks season ticket holder. (Thanks, Mary!) While watching the game against the Minnesota Wild and learning how to do that shark bite thing with my arms whenever the ominous theme from Jaws begins during a power play, (not that I’m 100% sure what a power play is, mind you–still learning!), Mary suggested, “You should interview one of the Sharks for Hugbacker. They do a ton for the community,” and launched into a sampling of said deeds. Unable to escape such rabid enthusiasm–the girl has serious Sharklove–I did as told and contacted the Sharks office. And am very glad I did. These boys are awesome…
A few weeks later I found myself at a Sharks practice, snapping photos, watching drills, and standing in the locker room, waiting to chat with the heavily pad-clad bodies as they filtered in off the ice.
Photo: Lisa Cecconi
By: LBC on November 5th, 2009, 2 Comments »
Gracing San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral, k.d. Lang Brings It To The Bay
A once-in-a-lifetime experience took place this weekend atop the Nob Hill neighborhood of San Francisco as superstar k.d. Lang delivered a performance benefiting Tools For Peace. Leaving jaws dropped, skin goosebumped, and cheeks tear-stained, the crooner helped celebrate an evening layered with peace, positive vibes, kindness, and a voice that could blow the Ghiberti doors right off the cathedral entrance.
Not that the landmark Grace Cathedral isn’t gorgeous on its own merit for countless reasons–merely walking up the steps of the French Gothic masterpiece earlier that day was enough to get my heart racing. But once inside, racing transitioned to pounding as the familiar, velvety sounds of Lang’s voice traveled down the aisles from the altar as the crooner conducted a sound check. A few minutes later I had the awesome fortune of meeting k.d., whose peaceful aura, humble demeanor and rosy cheeks emitted gobs of good energy and (natch), grace. Read the rest of this entry »
Shoes + Love = TOMS
Every once in a while a giving-back story comes along that’s so cool, innovative, and cockles-of-the-heart warming, that ya just gotta say, “Now that’s how it’s done.”
Founder, president, and Chief Shoegiver of TOMS Shoes, Blake Mycoskie
You’ve probably seen the TV commercial for AT&T featuring Blake Mycoskie describing the necessity of reliable cell phone service for running his company, TOMS Shoes, which donates one pair of shoes for each one sold. Speaking of which, we may as well clear something up right off the bat: his name is not Tom, it’s Blake. TOMS is Mycoskie’s derivation of “shoes for tomorrow,” meaning “we sell a pair today, we give one away tomorrow.” Back to our story…
A former contestant on CBS’ The Amazing Race, (placing third with sis Paige), Mycoskie was vacationing in Argentina in 2006 when he met a group of social workers there to do a shoe drive. Mycoskie volunteered to tag along during the last week of his holiday, and was life-alteringly taken with the kids in the village who were in desperate need of good shoes, evidenced by the cuts, sores, and scabs from walking barefoot every day for miles. He then thought about the “it” shoe of the moment in Argentina, the rope-soled, slip-on, canvas alpargata. (Think no-lace espadrille). Mycoskie’s entrepreneurial brain began its natural brew, bubble, and churn process to devise a way to address the situation. Based on the One for One business model–sell one, give one away–TOMS Shoes was born. Check out this video of the Chief Shoegiver himself recounting how it all went down:
So why did the Southern Methodist University dropout decide to start a for-profit business instead of a full-fledged charity? Because he wanted something that would be sustainable; something for which he wouldn’t have to rely upon donations from others. Something that could allow the company to make the donations itself instead of depending on donors who may not be able to do so for whatever reason. (Case in point, the crappy economy took a tragic toll on charitable donations this year, yet TOMS continues to thrive. Woo-hoo!)
The thirty-two-year-old serial entrepreneur–TOMS is something like the fifth company Mycoskie has created–has been featured in everything from the L.A. Times to Huffington Post to Vogue. Not only was he invited to sit on a panel at this year’s Clinton Global Initiative Meeting, Mycoskie was introduced by the former president as “one of the most interesting entrepreneurs I’ve ever met.” Embraced by everyone from bohemians to fashionistas, TOMS Shoes now collaborates with retail giants such as Ralph Lauren (for their rugby line) and Whole Foods (eco-friendly footwear).
Having now given away over 150,000 pairs of shoes in Argentina, South Africa, and Ethiopia, TOMS is on a runaway train to touching lives all over the world. Check out this video of the company’s first-ever shoe drop to Argentina:
So how are they able to turn a profit without advertising? Simple, according to Mycoskie, who declares that everyone who sports a pair of TOMS becomes something of a marketer for the company. TOMS-wearers now have “the story” and are eager to pass it on. Hence, no million-dollar Super Bowl ads are on the horizon, funneling a would-be advertising budget into manufacturing more shoes to give away. (Shoes which, we should point out, are all brand new and correctly sized for the kids, as opposed to previously-loved, four sizes too big hand-me-downs).
Tiny TOMS
In case you’re imagining Mycoskie to live in a splurgiferous Beverly Hills mansion, think again. Although he does live in L.A., it’s hardly a mansion. Nor is it a house. Rather, the St. Nick of shoes makes his home on a boat. “I live a very simple life,” says the low-key, high-energy shoe dude. “After starting TOMS and traveling all over the world and seeing the environments that people are living in, I realized that you don’t need much to be happy. Some of the happiest people I’ve ever met live out in the jungle, in rural Argentina and South Africa. And so it’s really caused me to want to simplify my life. I have a very nice boat but it’s a boat and it’s small and it’s simple and I don’t keep many things on it.”
Mycoskie also notes that when you make a TOMS purchase, you’re not just buying shoes–you’re joining a movement. This highlights one of the supreme genius angles of TOMS: the community factor, which makes it ridiculously easy to help someone. The consumer gets something cool, and a child in need somewhere gets something even cooler. Rock on, TOMS!
Check out the TOMS website for shoes, t-shirts and other awesome goodies: www.tomshoes.com
GUY’S BIG HEART: Fieri Takes Charitable Efforts “Outta Bounds”
One might argue that the sushi portion of the menu at Guy Fieri’s restaurant, Tex Wasabi’s, gives a glimpse into the persona of the celeb chef: the man digs rock music, fast cars, and sports. Hence sushi rolls named Dark Side of the Moon, The Carburetor, and The Philly Eagle Roll. But as I discovered upon chatting up the man beneath the retro bowling shirts, backward sunglasses atop trademark spiked blond hair, and menagerie of tattoos, there are more layers to the Food Network star than to the Vidalia onions used in his Beer-Battered Onion Rings.
- Grand Marshal Guy, at the 2007 Santa Rosa Parade
Photo: Press Democrat
Forget Matt Lauer. The real question is, Where in the world is Guy Fieri? Between his duties as host of four Food Network television shows, appearances at a barrage of festivals and events, co-owning five restaurants, being a husband, father, and active leader in his hometown of Santa Rosa, CA, the 41-year-old Fieri, who rose to media fame via his win on the second season of The Next Food Network Star has no shortage of items on his plate, be they grilled, smoked, sauteed, or flash-fried. Lucky for Hugbacker, though, we were able to snag 30 minutes of his time one morning just before he headed out to tape some voice-overs.
HB: So you’re a tad busy these days. What’s it like when you come home in between gigs?
GF: It’s always great, lots of activity. Being on the road half the year, coming home can be like coming into a NASCAR pit. We have the opportunity for so many things, whether requests for donations, autographs, chefs’ coats to sign, requests that come in through the website. And because I think I’m seen as such an everyday guy, I get invited to a tremendous amount of weddings and birthday parties too. It can get a bit crazy, but I always want to at least correspond in some way.
With a young fan last month at the Great American Music & Food Fest in Mountain View, CA
Photo: Fans of Guy Fieri
HB: You’ve got a ton going on in terms of charitable efforts, and from what I’ve learned, you’ve been big into giving back way before the Food Network thing happened. I read somewhere that you’ve been quietly donating to the community for years.
GF: Well you know what? I love it. If I was to the point where I didn’t have to work, philanthropy would be my biggest interest.
HB: You’re way into it, then.
GF: Oh yeah. I was always raised to share with others. That’s just the way my parents were–you help out. We’ve been going to Mexico as a family for years and there’s an orphanage there that my parents have been helping out for a long time. For the past couple of years I’ve been cooking a benefit dinner down there too at a local restaurant; we raised money for the school system. It’s been awesome to be able to help out.
Benefit dinner at Palapa Joe's Restaurant y Bar
Photo: Fans of Guy Fieri
HB: So it came pretty naturally to do so when you went into business?
GF: I moved up here [to Sonoma County] with five thousand dollars, an old car from college and a pregnant wife. We got the first restaurant going [Johnny Garlic's] and one of the first things we did was make a decision to take a charity organization and give them the night. I met with the executive director of Kid Street Theater and invited them to come in and take the place over. We invited some heavy hitters, executives, chairmen, and asked them to donate eight hours of their time to Kid Street. We’re still doing it to this day. We sponsor baseball teams, soccer teams, and do that kind of night at least once a week now, with the organization keeping 25% of the proceeds. We had a middle school cheerleading team go to the national finals. They needed to raise $14,000 in two weeks, so I told them, look, you’ve got a captive audience here. Let’s do some gift baskets, a raffle. These people are here to support you anyway–let’s make it big. People really do want to help.
Diners, Drive-Ins, Dives…and aircraft carriers? In 2007, the Navy flew Fieri to the Persian Gulf to entertain and cook for troops aboard the USS Enterprise. He even ran an Iron Chef-esque competition between some of the ship’s cooks, as well as a chili cook-off for anyone who wanted in.
Stirrin' it up on the USS Enterprise
When the Next Food Network Star contest had wrapped, but the winner hadn’t yet been announced, Fieri got together with a local DJ, Brent Farris, and organized a dinner where Fieri invited some of his fellow contestants to come out and watch the show, with people paying whatever they wanted to attend. A silent auction was added to the mix, and over $25,000 was raised, and then donated to Valley of the Moon Children’s Foundation, a nonprofit organization in Sonoma County which provides support to neglected and abused children.
It only makes sense that the man who seems to have a built-in micro-chip for crafting unique ways to give back, would come up with a totally new twist when it came to creating a vision for his own foundation. The Guy Fieri Foundation for Inspiration and Imagination is in the initial stages, but with projects tending to flourish when Fieri throws his colossal energy and contagious spirit behind them, no doubt it’ll be a Michelin-starred endeavor.
HB: Tell me about your own foundation. How did you go about creating it?
GF: We were all in Mexico–my wife, parents, sister, the whole fam–and I said, I’ve figured out what I want my foundation to be about. I want to focus on inspiration and the imagination. And I know it might throw people because it’s not your traditional-type foundation that would maybe focus on a disability. But lots of young people, even though they might not have a disability, don’t have any inspiration or imagination. Think about all the kids that just sit at home, and they might have an idea brewing or an passion for something, but for whatever reason aren’t able to explore it. Maybe their parents don’t have the interest or the money to encourage them. So that’s what we want to do–create programs to generate opportunities for them, so they can go after it. We want to empower them, get them thinking outside the box. We’ve got big aspirations for it; we want to target NASCAR and get a lot of others involved.
Speaking of NASCAR, Fieri sponsored the Tommy Baldwin Racing car at Indy last weekend. His "Knuckle Sandwich" brand's logo adorns the hood.
Photo: Brickyard 400
HB: You were involved with the inauguration of Cook With Your Kids Day, [as recognized by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger this past May]. What was that experience like?
GF: Man, it was amazing, and truly a gateway for the foundation. It’s about letting kids make decisions, having them do something with their enthusiasm. It’s a straight-up initiative now, the second Saturday in May is Cook With Your Kids day. Let’s take it national.
HB: Segueing into kids–yours–how do you and your wife balance all the craziness? Your schedule’s insane. [Fieri and wife Lori have two sons; Hunter, 13, and Ryder, 3.]
GF: Well, let’s see. Okay, my analogy of the whole thing would be to compare it to an engine: both take timing, compression, balance…there’s this whole ballet, if you will. This whole thing has been like a synchronized blessing–one I never could’ve planned.
At "We Garden," the first edible garden at a state capitol. The food will be donated to the Sacramento Food Bank.
Photo: Wyatt Buchanan/SF Chronicle
HB: And you’re passing it on to others, which is what it’s all about.
GF: That’s it, you know? There’s nothing greater than to be able to provide. I’m so fortunate–family, career, the best friends in the world–I might as well do everything I can to perpetuate it. Plant some seeds.
It was an absolute pleasure chatting with the larger-than-life chef, not to mention tons of fun. (Fun? Chatting with Guy Fieri? Go figure…) There’s SO much more that the man has brewing–great stuff involving kids, cooking, his foundation, and more. Check back to keep updated on this philanthropic rockstar’s efforts.
Rockstars of kitchen and stage: Fieri with pal Sammy Hagar
Photo: Wireimage
And how better to end than with a clip from Guy’s hit show, Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. For those of you who’ve never seen it, we invite you to climb out from under your rock and watch Guy in action as he rolls into town and shakes up a local eatery.
By: LBC on July 28th, 2009, 1 Comment »
RICK NASH OFF THE ICE: GOOD GUY FEELS “LUCKY TO GIVE”
A while back we posted a story on the three nominees for the 11th annual NHL Foundation Player Award, given in recognition of a player’s commitment and service to their community. Presented on June 18th at the 2009 NHL Awards in Las Vegas, Rick Nash of the Columbus Blue Jackets nabbed the honor, which came with $25,000 to be donated to the charity of his choice.
Photo: Columbus Blue Jackets/Jamie Sabau
Hugbackercaught up with the classy left winger to chat about his many off-the-ice charitable endeavors, and found the 25-year old team captain (who just signed an eight-year contract extension) to be not only a huge contributor to the community, but one who feels fortunate and honored to do so. Humility, generosity, and ridiculous talent all rolled into one…Ontario grows ‘em good!
HB: Hey Rick, congrats on the new contract, not to mention the Foundation Player Award. Growing up, were you raised in an atmosphere of volunteerism and/or community involvement, or did it come about more due to entering into professional sports?
Nash: I didn’t really see it a lot growing up. I came from a family that scratched to get by, so I’ve seen both sides of it. I feel pretty lucky and privileged to be where I am now. I think I’ve surrounded myself with pretty good people who have helped me along the way and made me understand how important it is to give back.
HB: Instead of having your own foundation, as so many athletes do, you choose to support other organizations, at least for now.
Nash: I think I will eventually get there. Everything has been such a roller coaster. I remember coming here and signing my first contract, playing my first game, and next thing you know I’m eight years in the league and probably signing one of my last contracts. I think I will eventually definitely go down that avenue, but right now there are so many good charities and foundations to support, like the Blue Jackets Foundation, and I’m more than happy to donate to them.
Photo: bluejacketsfoundation.org
HB: Can you tell me a little about the “Rick Bands” program? [The program was developed to promote leadership and character among local youth, the proceeds from which benefited the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation for fighting pediatric cancer and promoting education and children's health and safety.]
Nash: Yeah, that was fun. It was inspired by Lance Armstrong’s LIVESTRONG bands. We had the idea for Rick Bands and they said three different things. I think the guys got a kick out of it. My family probably loved it the most. Surprisingly, my mom actually might still wear one.
HB: You donated $100,000 to the Ohio State University Athletics Department. How did that come about?
Nash: The Buckeyes are obviously a huge part of Columbus, but before I got here I didn’t know anything about Ohio State or NCAA football because we don’t hear anything about that in Canada. So to come here and see what the university means to the community was amazing. There are a lot of student-athletes who don’t have full scholarship who want to compete here and I thought it was pretty sad for them not to be able to. For me, to give one kid a scholarship to let him or her do what they love and get a great education at the same time is the least I can do. It’s just very exciting to have someone on your scholarship and know you’re helping put them through school.
HB: Where did the inspiration come from for the #61 Club? [Nash's #61 Club encourages elementary and middle school kids throughout Central Ohio to make good choices and develop healthy habits.]
Nash: My advisors and I thought it would be a great idea to donate tickets to kids who can’t afford or might not otherwise have the opportunity to come to a game. We thought it would be nice to have a program that also puts them up to a healthy challenge. It’s fun to see those kids at games wearing their #61 Club shirts and knowing they earned it from making 61 healthy choices. It’s just another thing I consider to be the least I can do to give back.
On the cover of NHL 2K9 video game
Photo: 2ksports.com
HB: Do you have one charitable organization that’s particularly close to your heart?
Nash: I always donate to breast cancer. My grandma suffered from breast cancer, but she is a survivor which is pretty special. That will probably always hold the closest spot to my heart. Also, it is obviously always special to donate to sick kids and children’s hospitals.
HB: How did you get involved with Santa’s Silent Helpers?
Nash: A friend who had been doing it for years brought it to my attention and I thought it was a great idea. It’s sad that kids in some areas of Columbus don’t have anything to open on Christmas morning. Growing up, my family wasn’t the wealthiest, but my parents always found a way to make sure I had a gift to open. It is special for me to be able to donate some money and make sure those Columbus kids have something to open on Christmas morning too.
HB: I hear you donated some money to help out the Quebec Pee Wee League’s Blue Jackets team with travel expenses to the annual tournament. Do you get to spend any time with them?
Nash: I was happy to help them get there and practiced with them once before the tournament. I grew up playing minor hockey and it’s tough. It’s an expensive sport. Parents working full-time also have to work to get their kids to practice and pay for equipment and travel. It feels good to help minor hockey because I saw first-hand how my parents struggled from time to time to give me that chance to play.
HB: You were one of the founding donors to the John H. McConnell Scholarship Fund. Were you close to him? [McConnell, the team's beloved owner and founder, passed away in 2008.]
Nash: We always had a special bond, but it was also obviously tough on the whole city, the organization, and every player when he passed. Donating to the fund was the least I could do to honor him as he was such a special man. It is also a good foundation for a high school student who shows the kind of leadership like Mr. Mac had. As the captain of our team, it just felt right.
HB: What do you do in your free time?
Nash: I love to golf. I have a lake house in Ontario, so my buddies and I also like to spend time up there boating, fishing, having campfires, watching movies and doing all pretty laid back stuff.
With Todd & Luke Billings of the Luke Billings Foundation for the Treatment of Cerebral Palsy
HB: What have you been doing in the off-season? Any travel?
Nash: I went on a trip to Scotland where my family is from and got to meet some family for the first time which was exciting. Also, obviously coming to Columbus to sign my contract is a highlight too.
HB: You’ve been invited to attend the Canadian Team National Orientation in August. I know you’ve done it all before, but is it still exciting knowing you’ll be back out there internationally with Team Canada again?
Nash: Anytime you get to play for your country at the highest level is exciting; especially since it’ll be in Canada, it will be fun. The first time I didn’t do too well as we placed sixth or seventh, so we’ve got a lot to prove. I hope I’ll be able to impress people, have a good start to the season and make the team.
HB: Anything new in terms of charitable events coming up on the horizon?
Nash: I have Jake’s House for children with autism back in Canada that I have been the spokesperson for for the past three years. I’ll also be involved in the Pelotonia Bike Ride for cancer research at the end of August in Columbus. Other than that, I’m looking forward to the Blue Jackets Foundation Golf Tournament which is coming up soon as well, which is always fun and raises a lot of money.
HB: If you weren’t a professional athlete, what do you think you’d be doing?
Nash: I would probably be a police officer or a gym teacher. Both are still athletic and I think would be pretty fun.
Spreadin’ the love: Nash has chosen the following four charities to receive donations from monies awarded from winning the NHL Foundation Player Award: Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation, John H. McConnell Scholarship Fund, Pelotonia, and Tim Hortons Children’s Foundation.
By: LBC on July 20th, 2009, No Comments »
FROM SOCCER TO TENNIS TO RACING…ATHLETES RAISE BIGTIME AWARENESS FOR MALARIA
As the biggest single killer of children in Africa, malaria needs as many ears and eyeballs on it as possible. And thanks to Malaria No More, an organization dedicated to eradicating the disease, exciting progress is being made in the areas of awareness, education, and funding to those in need.
A few months back we did a post on Bill Gates’ effort in this area, and now even more superstar backing has blasted onto the scene: along with a host of British athletes and celebs, footballer David Beckham and tennis star Andy Murray have pledged their support to help launch Malaria No More UK.
- Beckham and Murray
Says Beckham, “It’s truly incredible to think we can stop this killer disease forever and it’s such a simple thing to do. For less than the cost of a football you can protect a family from dying.”
Founded in 2006 by biz leaders Peter Chernin and Ray Chambers, the self-proclaimed “audacious” (gotta love that bold ambition) organization has educated millions of Americans about malaria and raised megabucks through various initiatives–including tens of millions through two “Idol Gives Back” specials on American Idol.
Check out this video of Beckham and Murray at Wembley Stadium for Malaria No More UK:
Another supporter of Malaria No More is Patron Highcroft Racing, through their Miles To End Malaria program. The team has pledged $10 per mile–enough to purchase one insecticide-treated mosquito net–throughout the 2009 American LeMans Series. Says team owner Duncan Dayton, “The more we learned about malaria, the more we wanted to help. Another child dies in Africa every 30 seconds from malaria, so during the 12 Hours of Sebring, that’s nearly 1,500 children. We hope by launching Miles To End Malaria and displaying the Malaria No More logo on our car, we can not only raise important funds for this cause, but also educate fans about the disease.”
- Malaria No More logo in full view on Highcroft Patron’s Acura ARX-02a racecar
Photo: Patron Highcroft Racing
Thanks to kickass efforts like these, malaria can someday have its ass kicked for good!
By: LBC on April 26th, 2009, No Comments »
IDONIJE AND OGUNLEYE GIVE GIFT THAT’S ALL HEART
A few months back we posted a story about Israel “Izzy” Idonije, defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears, about the awesome work he does through his charitable foundation. The benevolent six-foot-sixster is at it again, with a life-saving gesture to a child in need.
Just after mini-camp in March, Idonije and fellow NFLers Adewale (”Wale”) Ogunleye and Tommie Harris (Bears), Amobi Okoye and Xavier Abidi (Houston Texans), Osi Umenyiora (NY Giants), and Nnamdi Asomugha (Oakland Raiders) embarked upon a nine-day mission trip to Nigeria. While there, Idonije and Ogunleye heard about a four-year-old who was in need of life-saving surgery; the little girl had been born with a hole in her heart.
The Heart Gift Foundation, an Austin, Texas-based organization that provides free surgery to correct life-threatening heart defects for children from all over the world, had agreed to donate the surgery. The remaining challenge–getting the girl and her mother to Texas. The family had been trying to raise the funds for airfare (Lagos, Nigeria to Austin, TX…not exactly an inexpensive flight). But as the surgery date of April 13th drew near, it didn’t look like the monies would be raised, and the procedure was almost canceled. Enter: Idonije and Ogunleye, who picked up the tab and split the cost of the tickets so mother and daughter could make the trip.
Adewale Ogunleye with some very excited fans
Hugbacker caught up with Izzy this weekend for a quick chat. “They were having difficulty raising the funds to buy the two tickets,” he told us. “During our second medical clinic the mother and the young girl were there and the situation was brought to [Wale's and my] attention. Doing the little we could was a no-brainer.”
By: LBC on April 12th, 2009, No Comments »
GREY RUEGAMER: MAKING A BIGTIME PLAY IN KIDS’ LIVES…”ONE BOOK AT A TIME”
Two-time Super Bowl champ. Book lover. Perennial prankster. Hard worker. Born educator… All solid descriptors for 10-year NFL vet Grey Ruegamer, who has blended a passion for reading, a concern for the effectiveness of elementary school education, and a forward-thinking spirit to create “Ruegy’s Readers,” a program which provides funding and support of public and private elementary school libraries, emphasizing “the significance of reading as a lifelong skill.”
Grey blocking for QB Eli Manning
PHOTO: Grey & Laurie Ruegamer
Chatting on the phone with Grey Ruegamer, it felt more like he and I were having a beer at a neighborhood bar–rather than the latter sitting in San Francisco with a laptop and the former driving around Southern California on errands. With his trademark laid-back-yet-mischievous energy, Grey filled Hugbacker in on how he and wife Laurie created Ruegy’s Readers to make a difference for elementary school children–both in his former team city of Green Bay and his hometown of Las Vegas.
Despite admittedly struggling in school early on, his athletic talent, love of sports and nose-to-the-grindstone work ethic had Grey flourishing at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, where he triple-lettered in football, track & field, and wrestling, going undefeated as a heavyweight wrestler in his senior year. From there he went on to Arizona State University on a full athletic scholarship, starting all four years on the Sun Devils’ offensive line.
Just as he’s known for keeping the locker room loose, the 6′5″, 299-pound, much-loved offensive lineman kept our conversation the same.
HB: [Hearing the beeping of his car starting] Do you want to get situated and get your bluetooth hooked up?
GR: Nah, I’m just gonna go phone-straight-to-the-ear. I’ve got Nevada plates and I’ll probably take some back streets, so we’re good.
IT’S ALL ABOUT SOUL: Jon Bon Jovi Teams Up With Hard Rock International To Create Rocked Out Design For Charity
Jon Bon Jovi, lead singer of the #1 touring act in the world, has become the most recent musician to partner with Hard Rock International’s Signature Series program, lending an original Bon Jovi design to the series to produce a limited edition t-shirt and pin.
PHOTO: AP
Hard Rock International, one of the most globally-recognizeable brands, developed the Signature Series concept in 1990, partnering with famous musicians and bands who create and donate designs for limited edition t-shirts to benefit the artist’s charity of choice. Bon Jovi, whose design is “Edition XXVI” in the series, follows in the footsteps of Bono, Eric Clapton, Green Day, Ozzy Osbourne, Bruce Sprinsteen, and others, who have also lent designs to the program, which has now donated millions of dollars to causes worldwide.
Proceeds from the Bon Jovi design will benefit the Philadelphia Soul Foundation, the charitable arm of Arena Football League team, the Philadelphia Soul (of which Mr. Bon Jovi is proud majority owner). The foundation focuses its efforts in the areas of poverty and homelessness, dedicated to helping improve lives “One Soul At A Time.”
The black t-shirt is available in both men’s and women’s sizes, and can be purchased on the Hard Rock website, as well as at Hard Rock Cafes, Hard Rock Shops, and Hard Rock Casinos.
In honor of his philanthropic contribution, Bon Jovi and his foundation received the Humanitarian Award at the 2008 Billboard Touring Awards. Rock on, Jon!
JAMES JONES: The Receiver Is A Giver
Giving back to children in need is often the result of imagining the obstacles and challenges they face. Green Bay Packer James Jones doesn’t have to imagine–he’s been there. Growing up in homeless shelters for most of his childhood, obstacles and challenges were a way of life. Now, with his LOVE JONES 4 KIDS FOUNDATION, Jones reaches out to kids in similar situations in his native San Jose, CA and in Green Bay, WI.
PHOTO: Getty
Speaking with James Jones, it was, frankly, hard to believe the man isn’t even 25 years old. The air of wisdom about him makes you feel you’re talking to someone who’s lived, well, a few more years. Our conversation was akin to getting a much-needed shot in the arm; one of inspiration, rejuvenation, reality, and hope…quadruple whammy! Now Jones is on a mission to share the story of his childhood struggle–and subsequent triumph–with kids, up close and personal. Serving as the basis for the Love Jones 4 Kids Foundation, his account leaves no room for doubt about the power of determination and the capacity of dreams.
Check out the video, then click below to keep reading about James and his amazing road from growing up in homeless shelters, to receiving a full athletic scholarship to San Jose State University, to achieving his unwavering goal of playing in the NFL.
By: LBC on January 31st, 2009, 1 Comment »
BOBBY ENGRAM: IN HOT PURSUIT OF A CURE
Bobby Engram is familiar with the art of the chase. On the gridiron, that is. Now, with his foundation that launched in 2008, Bobby is chasing something else: A cure for sickle cell anemia–the disease that afflicts his 10-year old daughter.
To say that an interview with Bobby Engram was something that Hugbacker looked forward to would be an understatement. Everything we’d heard and read about the Seattle Seahawks’ wide receiver pointed toward good vibes, and a man we couldn’t wait to chat with. Regaled for his attributes on the field since his celebrated days at Penn State, the awesome Mr. Engram is scoring much more than touchdowns these days, raising awareness for sickle cell anemia via The Bobby Engram Foundation. Well-respected, articulate, and admired both on and off the field, Bobby, of course, blew the doors off all expectations. We came away with the picture of a man characterized by determination, warmth, humility, class…and lots of fun. In fact, we kinda didn’t want the conversation to end…
Keep reading for our full interview with Bobby… Read the rest of this entry »
By: LBC on January 23rd, 2009, No Comments »
Pro Bowl-Bound NNAMDI ASOMUGHA is Even More Elite OFF The Field
Kids love being around him; wide receivers don’t.
NFL cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha’s dedication to improving and enhancing the lives of others is no secret around Oakland, where he plays; around Los Angeles, where he grew up; around the league, where he’s constantly recognized, and even around the world. Yep, the world. He’s the primary financial supporter of the OWIN Foundation, the charitable organization founded by his mom, Dr. Lilian Asomugha, which provides support (medical, financial, educational, and spiritual) to orphans and widows throughout Africa.
PHOTO: Robert Laberge/Getty
Keep reading to find out more about Nnamdi and his awesome generosity…
