After Seattle Seahawks all-star running back Marshawn Lynch announced his retirement back in May, he decided to spend his retirement by helping people. Lynch spent the summer building elementary schools and sustainable homes for children in Haiti. He and former Lions player Stephen Tulloch and the Seahawks’ Clif Avril were in Haiti together, constructing a school, hosting a mobile medical clinic and a football camp. These players are some of the latest in the long tradition of athletes giving back to their communities and those less fortunate. Michael Jordan has given to more than 14 charities including the Make-a-Wish Foundation, Nevada Cancer Institute and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. David Beckham has supported 19 charities like African Wildlife Foundation and National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.
FCA members volunteer for community service in Shipman, Illinois.
Professional athletes aren’t the only ones who like to help and support others. Blackburn’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) recently helped the township of Shipman, Illinois. The student-athletes helped paint park buildings, the community center and street poles. Physical education and sports management professor and FCA faculty representative Tena Krause believes Shipman was an easy choice for volunteer work and said, “I’m originally from there, and my dad is currently the mayor. As a small town they are in need of a lot of things that they can’t afford, so it was the perfect opportunity to do the community a service and help them out.” They purchased all the paint, brushes and rollers and provided the ladders as well. Shipman residents were thankful for their service. “A homemade meal was provided for us after the work was completed,”said Krause.
I like to know that I am helping make a difference.
Participating student-athletes were: Karlee Brimberry (tennis), Chris Davis and Karson Hayes (basketball) and Jordan McMillen, Kyle Kesinger and Anthony Harper (golf); Vanessa Reed and Delanie Casto (volleyball) and Tim Lacy, Xavier Lewis and Zac Felkel (cross country). “I’m very proud of our FCA athletes. They have went above and beyond to offer opportunities for students to get involvement, and grow in their faith,” said Krause.
FCA member and sophomore elementary education major Vanessa Reed said, “Doing the community service made me feel good. I like to know that I am helping make a difference. Sometimes we get stingy with our time, especially as college students, and forget how much of a help we can be to people who need it.” The group plans to do more community outreach work in the future. Krause encourages anyone who is interested in joining FCA to sit in on a meeting and see if they like it. “We want it to be a relaxing environment where we can talk about Jesus Christ and put no pressure on anyone. Just sit and listen if you like, or engage as much as you want,” said Krause. Anyone who is interested in community service or joining FCA can email Krause at tena.krause@blackburn.edu or contact FCA president Karlee Brimberry at karlee.brimberry@blackburn.edu.