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NFLA NEWS UPDATE      

From the President:

I wish all of our NFL Alumni Nor Cal Chapter a very healthy and Happy New Year! A big thank you to each and every member for their volunteer work this past year and look forward to your participation.

Thanks again for your desire to help others and your commitment to "Caring for Kids".

Steven Kinney, President

Score the extra point and get involve in the Northern California Chapter of the NFL Alumni. Together we can make a difference in "Caring for Kids".

The NFL Alumni organizes and sponsors several activities and events that support the mission statement.

Youth of America Football Camp under the leadership of Henry "Model T" Ford brings together about 150 kids to teach the game of football. Former players demonstrate and give instructions on positions, techniques, rules of the game, and what it takes to be a good player. The day is a fun filled one that develops skills, strengths, and confidence. At the end, the kids receive autographs of the players, gifts and awards. Camp is usually held in August.

Klays For Kids (chairman Larry Schreiber) a mid-fall event that lets athletes, coaches and marksmen of all levels get together to shoot for charity. For the last two years, Coyote Valley Sporting Clays has been the site of the annual sporting clay pigeon shoot. It's a fun fill day of challenging shooting, silent and live auctions, ticket raffles, and gift giveaways. The event ends with an all you can eat and drink BBQ, and award presentation.

The proceeds benefit the NFL Alumni Tutoring/Mentoring Program in the local high schools plus other Bay Area kids charities. Funds raised have also contributed to individual scholarships, educational supplies and sports equipment.

Red Ribbon Drug Clinic Carolyn Hoskins provides the leadership of this event that promotes "Just Say No to Drugs" and "Reach for the Stars Not Drugs". Students and staff from bay area middle and high schools are matched with a speaker (sports celebrity, community leader, or former drug abuser) that warns of the evils of drugs and drug abuse.

The Alumni established The Eason Ramson Celebrate a Drug Free Life Award. The award is in honor of former 49er Eason Ramson that has survived drug abuse and now shares his experiences.

A donation of two hundred dollars was given to each school that participated in the Red Ribbon Drug Clinic. The money is to be used to start a drug awareness program at the school or to support and existing program.

The Red Ribbon clinic is held in October.

Woodside High School Mentoring/Tutoring Program under the direction of Steve Nicolopulos and Larry Schreiber offer student athletes assistance on daily assignments, homework, and projects. The program also offers test preparation for the California High School Exit Exam and Standard Test and Research. Another objective is to enhance the student's computer and technology skills.

The results of the program are student's grade point averages making an impressive gain.

Hospital Visitations organized by Gary Weaver. Members of the Alumni and players visited Oakland Children's and Lucille Packard Children Hospitals. Stuffed bears, toys, and other gifts donated by Gary Weaver and Olympian Oil were given to the children. Member Bill Conklin dressed as a clown and entertained the children.

Salvation Army Food Giveaways coordinated by Henry Ford delivers food to people in need for Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

Jerry Rice Toy Drive and Block Party a donation from the Alumni help make this event a success. The first 200 kids received Oakland Raiders hats donated by Gary Weaver. Santa Claus gave out stockings.

49ers NFL Alumni Weekend this year the 49ers went all out for a special dinner at the Crown Plaza to began the weekend's festivities. Several former players were in attendance, Dwight Hicks, Bubba Paris, Tim Anderson and Coach Monty Clark. Former quarterback John Brodie was a big attraction at the event. A standing ovation was given to Keena Turner, Jessie Sapolu, Steve Bono, Eric Wright and Guy McIntyre for a special night.

The BBQ offered the chance for the current players to meet and take pictures with past football legends.

Annual Charity Golf Classic chaired by Gordy Soltau is the Alumni's largest fundraiser. The event will take place at the Olympic Club in San Francisco on June 19, 2006.

Frank "Fudge Hammer" Nunley was our sponsor chairman last year. If you have a contact that is interested in being a sponsor or playing in the Classic call Gordy Soltau at the Alumni office (650) 366-3659.

The Golf Classic has been the major source of revenue for the chapter and we thank you for your loyal support.

Membership (coordinator Lance Williams) you can join the NFL Alumni one of two ways. If a major league professional football team paid you you are eligible to become a professional member. If you did not play professional football but support the organization's goals and want to participate in its activities you are eligible to become an associate member. All NFL Alumni members share a commitment to advance the organization's mission of "Caring for Kids".

To continue our work we welcome new members, anyone interested please contact (650) 366-3659.

Gift Recipients

*The Alumni also donates memorabilia to charities for auctions.

Mark Your Calendars for these Upcoming Events

Special Remembrance….

Mrs. Mertens, Jerry Mertens' mother

The Alumni would appreciate any news concerning our NFL family. Share the news by calling (650) 366-3659 or for email click here.

Click here for past newsletters.