Randy Couture, Part Deux

Randy gives $50k worth of supplements to wounded soldiers. So not hard to see why we love this man.

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!

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!

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

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Markakis Makes It Happen For Kids

Earlier this month right fielder Nick Markakis and wife Christina made a $75,000 donation to the Baltimore Orioles Charitable Foundation.

Photo: Baltimore Sun

The funds from the Markakis’ donation will be directed toward three OriolesREACH programs, including the Baltimore Reviving Baseball (RBI) League, Baltimore City Schools education programs, and Shannon’s Fund, which was established last year to honor the memory of Shannon Obaker, the team’s Director of Community Outreach who passed in 2007 from cancer at age 29.

Markakis, who just signed a six-year contract extension with the Orioles, is also the team’s nominee this year for the Roberto Clemente Award, which recognizes the MLB player who “best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement, and the individual’s contribution to his team.” [Recipient of the award will be announced at Game 3 of the 2009 World Series.]

Earlier this year, Nick and Christina established The Right Side Foundation, which seeks to improve the lives of distressed children in the state of Maryland. “Fun For 21” is one of the Foundation’s programs, with its inaugural event kicking off last June for children from the Ronald McDonald House in Baltimore, where 21 kids had a  blast at the ESPN Fun Zone and the National Aquarium. The Foundation will select a different group each month as the program’s beneficiary. Said Markakis, “Anytime you can do things like this with kids, it’s an awesome experience. It’s a feeling you can’t really describe until you’re actually out there, playing games with them, working with them. The day lets kids be kids. I’m looking forward to many, many more events.”

 Photo: Right Side Foundation

It’s been quite a year for the couple who not only expanded their charitable efforts but also expanded their family. Nick and Christina welcomed son Taylor in March. Congrats to the class act couple for giving back in a big way, and on the addition of their new little slugger!

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.

Photo: bluejackets.nhl.com

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.

Dashon Goldson Debuts “The Highest Point” Foundation Tomorrow

On Saturday, July 11, San Francisco 49ers safety Dashon Goldson will encourage kids to reach “The Highest Point” in sports, education, family, and community by holding his first youth football camp on the gridiron of his alma mater, Narbonne High School in Harbor City, California.

Photo: dashongoldson.com

The camp is open to kids 7-18 years of age and runs from 10:00am to 1:00pm. Teaching the skills, running the drills, and coaching kids on all fundamentals of the sport, Goldson will be joined by fellow 49ers Tarell Brown, Moran Norris, and Delanie Walker, along with other NFLers Darnell Bing (Detroit Lions), Eric Wright (Cleveland Browns), and Jared Page (Kansas City Chiefs).

Goldson tells of having seen the ramifications of communities plagued by circumstances such as poverty, drug abuse, and homelessness. He created The Highest Point Foundation this year to provide motivational outlets for youth, with a mission to get them off the streets and onto the field.

It’s awesome to see athletes creating an alternative for vulnerable kids–providing hope and a healthy, productive use of their time and physical abilities. Kudos, Dashon!

For full details on tomorrow’s football camp, click here.

NASCAR Foundation Kicks Off Summer With Hunger Walk For Kids

With the same bold and victory-chasing determination as its drivers, the NASCAR Foundation is at it again, reaching out to the community and striving to make a tangible impact in the lives of others–this time by helping to feed hungry kids.

On Saturday, July 11th, NASCAR will team up with Chicagoland Speedway to hold a “Hunger Walk For Kids,” benefiting Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger charity.

The initiative offers three cool ways to get involved:

1)  Be in the middle of the action…walk the track at Chicagoland Speedway! Sign up online for $30; kids under 14 walk with a paid adult.

2)  Set up your very own Food Fundraising page, a great way to get friends & family involved.

3)  Make a donation of any amount online. Every little bit helps! 

To participate in any of the above three ways, click here.

NASCAR Foundation’s goal is to provide Feeding America with 350,000 meals. Check it: For each person who participates in the “virtual food drive,” presenting sponsor Hock Foods will donate one meal toward this goal.

Hugbacker is more impressed each day with the folks at NASCAR; they’re always using the sport to strengthen its ties to the community and spread the love.  J This initiative is an awesome example of how easy it is to get involved and have fun while making sure hungry kids get a good meal!

Honoring The Great Lou Gehrig, MLB Teams Up With ALS

Major League Baseaball pays respect to one of its all-time greats this Fourth of July by helping to raise awareness for ALS, the disease that took Lou Gehrig at age 38.

Partnering with four major non-profit organizations, MLB will pay tribute to “The Iron Horse” during all games played on Saturday, July 4th. The “4♦ALS Awareness” campaign will culminate with the following words being read at the end of each game played on that day–the 70th anniversary of “Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day” at Yankee Stadium.

“For the past two weeks you have been reading about a bad break I got. Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth. I have been in ballparks for 17 years and have never received anything but kindess and encouragement from you fans.”                       ~ Lou Gehrig, July 4, 1939

The four organizations teaming up for the campaign are The ALS Association, Project A.L.S., Augie’s Quest, and ALS TDI. 

Below is a video of the classy Gehrig giving his infamous speech to a packed Yankee Stadium in 1939.

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Walton and Sproles: Two Great Athletes, One Great Message

Former NBA great Bill Walton and current San Diego Charger Darren Sproles have something in common beyond being professional sports stars. Both have struggled throughout their lives with stuttering, and have stepped up to help others with the same challenge as supporters and spokespersons of the Stuttering Foundation.

Despite his remarkable fame as an NBA legend, Bill Walton knows what it’s like to not feel much like a superstar. Extremely reserved as a child and young adult, he was forever self-conscious about his severe stuttering. Describing himself as someone “who could not speak at all without severely stuttering until I was 28,” Walton took refuge in his all-consuming world of basketball. He credits a chance conversation with late sports announcer Marty Glickman as the catalyst for turning things in a new direction–and changing his life. Though Walton doesn’t suggest that the tips and “laws of learning“ that he received from Glickman–and worked diligently to develop–are the keys to overcoming stuttering for everyone, the Hall of Famer is very open about sharing them for the benefit of anyone in need. A testament to his celebrated determination, Walton is now–and has been for many years–one who makes his living through speech. Walton is a sportscaster for ABC/ESPN.

 Photo: Reuters

According to star running back Darren Sproles, struggles with stuttering are, for the most part, something that come into play most noticeably when the media descends–say, in the form of a microphone or camera stuck in his face. Makes sense; an onrushing horde of reporters can’t exactly be considered a calming environment–more like unnerving, at best. Around friends and family, though, Sproles says he’s not much afflicted by stuttering. Rallying for the cause, he was at the forefront last month during National Stuttering Awareness Week, (May 11-17), promoting awareness of the disorder that affects over 3 million people in the United States. He encouraged others by passing on a message given him years earlier: “My grandpa told me don’t ever let anybody tell you that you can’t do anything because you stutter.” Click here to read about Sproles chatting with a group of students at a San Diego school during that week.

Photo: Harry How/Getty

Mad props to both fellas for using their experiences to serve as huge encouragement for those in the same situation. Check out this list of others in popular culture and history who have struggled with stuttering…it might surprise you!

FORMER MLB PITCHER BLYLEVEN CHOWS DOWN FOR CHARITY

Not for the faint of heart–or those prone to gag reflexes–but what the heck, it’s a great way to raise a quick $15k for Parkinson’s!

I don’t know much about nightcrawlers, but I do know I don’t want them as an appetizer. Not the case for Bert Blyleven. Earlier this month, during a Mariners/Twins game, the 22-season MLB vet and current Twins’ color analyst downed two of the slimy (and rather burly looking) critters to raise money for the Parkinson Association of Minnesota. Blyleven is a staunch supporter of the organization, as his dad passed away from the disease in 2004.

As you’ll see during the video, he actually looks like he’s having fun with it. This may just be the clincher for “Circle Me Bert” getting into Cooperstown…he’s definitely got our vote!

NOMINEES ANNOUNCED FOR NHL FOUNDATION PLAYER AWARD

As the annual NHL Awards show approaches–and travels the miles from Toronto to make its debut in Las Vegas– the nominees were announced for the 11th annual Foundation Player Award, given in recognition of a player’s commitment to enriching the lives of people in their community. The three players up for the distinction–and the $25,000 donated by the NHL to the charity of their choice–are Dustin Brown of the Los Angeles Kings, Alex Kovalev of the Montreal Canadiens, and Rick Nash of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Palms Casino Resort will host the show in its superplush Pearl Concert Theater on June 18th, promising to bring the ambiance, energy, and entertainment level of the annual awards show to a whole new glitzy, Vegas-ey level. But onto the important stuff…the nominees!

DUSTIN BROWN, Los Angeles Kings

Photo: Noah Graham/NHLI via Getty

Brown is immensely active in programs that address childhood obesity and the pursuit of an active, healthy lifestyle for kids. He donated $50 for each of his 285 this season to KaBOOM!, a nonprofit whose mission it is to provide places to play for all children within walking distance of their neighborhood. Brown is also a spokesman for the Children’s Cancer Research Fund, as well as a staunch supporter of Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

ALEX KOVALEV, Montreal Canadiens

Photo: canadienswatch.com

Kovalev established the Kovalev and Friends Foundation for Children, which sends doctors to Russia to perform medical procedures and teach skills to local surgeons. Children in Quebec also benefit from the foundation through summer camps and other programs. Last year Kovalev produced a DVD of hockey tips and training methods, donating 100% of the proceeds-$120,000 to date!–to the Gift of Life Foundation, which provides kids with open heart surgeries.

RICK NASH, Columbus Blue Jackets

Nash created the #61 Club, which encourages students to make healthy choices and rewards them with tickets to Blue Jackets home games for doing so. He donated $100,000 to the Ohio State University Athletic Dept. to endow a student-athlete scholarship, and was a founding donor of the John H. McConnell Scholarship Fund. Nash also donates $15,000 annually to Santa’s Silent Helpers, which assists Ohio families, single mothers, and elderly experiencing financial hardship.

Frankly, these off-the-ice activities are only the tip of the iceberg for Brown, Kovalev, and Nash when it comes to giving back; all three contribute WAAAYY more to improving the lives of others than we’ll even attempt to list. Simply put, each is an above-and-beyond rockstar nominee for the NHL Foundation Player Award.

As for the outcome of the award, you KNOW we’ll keep you posted…stay tuned!

PEOPLE Mag and MLB Invite You To Pitch An “Everyday All-Star”

Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond to do something remarkable for their community? Someone who stands out as a true “All-Star” when it comes to making a difference in the lives of others? If so, step up to the mound and get ready to fire a perfect pitch, cuz PEOPLE magazine and Major League Baseball want to hear about it.

PEOPLE and MLB are teaming up to highlight 30 community superstars (one for each MLB team) in their “All-Star Among Us” campaign. Winners will attend and be honored at the pre-game ceremony of the MLB All-Star game in St. Louis, MO, on July 14th, and one of these awesome individuals will be featured in PEOPLE magazine.

PHOTO: Steve Mcsweeney

It’s simple. Log on to the official web page (click here) and fill out the online entry form, which asks for a photo of your nominee (who must be 16 years or older) accompanied by a 50-words-or-less blurb on why they deserve to be voted a “People All-Star Among Us.” Three finalists per Club will be announced in June, with the final voting taking place online to decide one winner to represent each Club at the game.

The deadline is May 22nd, so head on over to the site and get your vote on. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have someone who shines in your community have their shiny face in a national mag–PEOPLE, no less–the check-out stand dominator!

RUEGY’S READERS ROLLS INTO VEGAS, BABY!

Take one NFL vet dedicated to seeing kids enriched by books. Add an amazing go-getter spouse who puts the Energizer Bunny to humiliating shame. Sprinkle in a hefty network of friends, family and teammates whose support has them traveling from all over the country. Blend in generous amounts of donations, volunteer time, and corporate sponsorships. Mix thoroughly, bake on high for three days in a scintillating desert environment, and whaddaya got? The 3rd Annual Ruegy’s Readers Bowling For Books.

The NFL invades the Suncoast Casino's Bowling Alley

A couple of months ago we interviewed Grey Ruegamer about his charitable foundation, Ruegy’s Readers, (RR), which supports library programs for elementary school children. Fast-forward to the last weekend in April, as the organization’s annual fundraising shindig descends upon Grey’s hometown of Las Vegas.

The festivities kicked off on Thursday evening with a private party at New York New York Hotel’s uber-hip nightclub, ROK Vegas. In the lowlit, high energy ambiance, images of Grey hanging with kids from the RR program and some awesome gridiron shots flashed across the 360-degree screen high above the crowd to classic rock tunes. Paying tribute to the RR cause were roving models fully decked out in colorful storybook character costumes. (I actually bumped into Snow White, Goldilocks, Little Red Riding Hood, the Big Bad Wolf, and Scheherazade).

Snow White waits for her prince

Friday saw the group gather at the main venue for the weekend, the Suncoast Casino. A luau-themed pool party made for a fun and relaxing time for players and friends to bag some rays and catch up on each other’s lives before Saturday’s bowling bash.

Volunteers sport some Super Bowl bling

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