Indy Bowl
Guest
Greetings from the Independence Bowl. I just came from an event coordinated by Lift Up America, a foundation that supports efforts to eliminate hunger in this country. An entire truckload of food was distributed to local agencies in our area that provide for needy families. 18 pallets of food were donated by Tyson Foods and distributed. What I wanted each of you to know is that the ENTIRE Colorado football team participated in the distribution. Their response to this event was overwhelming. It was not required attendance and we anticipated that only a handful would participate. Without their assistance, the work would have not been completed in a timely manner. Athletic Director Mike Bohn was in attendance as well and assisted us in the endeavor. The football players had smiles on their faces and were extremely enthusiastic to help. The event was a tremendous success due to the participation of the Colorado football team. This is not something that the typical sports media would cover so I wanted the CU fans to know what impact your players had on our community.
I want to relay one story of an elderly gentleman from one of the surrounding communities where the distribution took place. He arrived by himself looking for assistance. He lived 2 miles from the site and had heard that food was being distributed. He did not realize that the distribution was thru approved agencies. The Colorado players took matters into their own hands. Upon arrival, he was offered three cases of food by the players. Seeing that he was not physically able to carry this load by himself, three Colorado players offered to carry the boxes 2 miles back to his home and began the trek. Shreveport Police intervened and offered to load the food into a vehicle and transport him home. With a police escort, the players loaded the food in a bowl courtesy vehicle and were escorted by Shreveport Police back to the gentlemen’s home. The players unloaded and carried the boxes into the man’s home for him.
I want you to know how much this means to not only our bowl organization but also the community at large. You can be proud of the way your university is represented. These fine young men made a difference in the lives of numerous families in our community and will be remembered long after the lights of the stadium fade on Sunday night. From everyone in the Shreveport / Bossier City community, thank you for sending your finest to our area.
Joe Darwin
2007 Independence Bowl Chairman
I want to relay one story of an elderly gentleman from one of the surrounding communities where the distribution took place. He arrived by himself looking for assistance. He lived 2 miles from the site and had heard that food was being distributed. He did not realize that the distribution was thru approved agencies. The Colorado players took matters into their own hands. Upon arrival, he was offered three cases of food by the players. Seeing that he was not physically able to carry this load by himself, three Colorado players offered to carry the boxes 2 miles back to his home and began the trek. Shreveport Police intervened and offered to load the food into a vehicle and transport him home. With a police escort, the players loaded the food in a bowl courtesy vehicle and were escorted by Shreveport Police back to the gentlemen’s home. The players unloaded and carried the boxes into the man’s home for him.
I want you to know how much this means to not only our bowl organization but also the community at large. You can be proud of the way your university is represented. These fine young men made a difference in the lives of numerous families in our community and will be remembered long after the lights of the stadium fade on Sunday night. From everyone in the Shreveport / Bossier City community, thank you for sending your finest to our area.
Joe Darwin
2007 Independence Bowl Chairman
