|
|
|
BENGAL, STEELER, ON SAME SIDE? The Rudi Johnson Foundation has expanded its scope by uniting with the newly formed Farrior 51 Foundation, founded by fellow Chesterfield resident and Pittsburgh Steeler, James Farrior. The tradition between the two families is over 20 years old as both families watched their sons play in the Chesterfield Quarterback League either for the Matoaca Warriors or the Ettrick Trojans. The childhood competition reached a new level when the players lined up against each other in the AFC North of the National Football League. Farrior’s brother, Matt, an alumnus of the University of Florida and a former Pittsburgh Steeler takes the rein as Director of Farrior 51. Janice Johnson, Director of RJF indicates that Matt is thoroughly prepared for his new position, having a degree in sociology from University of Florida, a certificate as a fitness trainer, and an outstanding knowledge of the sports world and his community. “Matt is very soft spoken but brings another perspective to the organizations of the sports world. “ Farrior is off to a good start living up to the Foundation motto of “Tackling Every Day Life” as he spearheaded an effort to provide a supplemental scholarship for local Matoaca athlete Patrick Mills to Virginia Union University, assisted with The Rudi Johnson Foundation bone marrow drive, hosted a group of children from the “weed and seed “community outreach program for a basketball game at VSU, and supplied 50 backpacks of school supplies for Matoaca Middle school children. “Giving back to the community that molded and shaped us into the people we are today just feels natural- its knowing that many people can be assisted through our efforts”, says Farrior. The two organizations plan to widen the scope of services provided the community and are in the process of developing a sports weekend which would include a celebrity basketball and golf outing in June bringing the two sports stars back to the community and some of their fellow players for a community fund raising effort. Additionally, they will unite in their efforts to increase the number of bone marrow donors on the National Registry. Both Johnson and Farrior agree that one goal of the organization would be to solicit the support and participation of other local professional athletes and entertainers thereby providing area children with a direct connection to obtain information on the educational and physical requirements necessary to navigate the high school, collegiate and professional sports and other areas of entertainment or sports related careers. The Foundations have been supported by interns from the Virginia State University sports management program and community volunteers. Through training, development and networking, The Rudi Johnson Foundation saw one of its most active interns, Demarcus Merritt snatched up by Shaw University to become its Sports Information Director. Merritt says “The Rudi Johnson Foundation gave me the opportunity to gain the type of experience which I would have not received until well after graduation. I took my first domestic and international flight and honed the marketing skills which assisted me in obtaining my position as Director of Sports Information here at Shaw University. I still feel a part of the Foundation and continue to work with them on several issues impacting our community.” Over the past 21/2 years, The Rudi Johnson Foundation, as documented by its Program Director, Nancy Ross has provided $36,000 in scholarships, assisted over 100 families in crisis, provided funding and opportunities for thirteen young adult men and women in achieving their barbering license, high school diplomas, matriculation into college and securing employment. The Foundation also cosponsors an annual event which gives interns and members of the VSU community the opportunity to participate in a football, basketball, and cheerleading camp for the children of Montego Bay and Kinston, Jamaica. Over 200 people have been added to the National Bone Marrow Donor registry through the Foundation’s “Save a Life” program. Although Farrior and Johnson may not always be Steeler and Bengal, they will always be home town heroes. The Rudi Johnson Foundation and Farrior 51 may be reached at 524 2352. For more information on the National Bone Marrow Registry, call 1 800 MARROW-2 or visit www.marrow.org/cord
|
