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Event at University of Akron designed to foster family life, help Akron residents who need hand
By Jewell Cardwell
Published on Monday, Nov 19, 2007
He could have just written a check.
Or perhaps done nothing.
But that's not LeBron James' way.
The Cleveland Cavaliers superstar and team leader not only wrote a check (a very big one at that), he also showed up Sunday for a unique community outreach that he and his LeBron James Family Foundation presented at the University of Akron's Student Union.
The special event — ''Show Time. Meal Time. Family Time'' — drew 525 area residents and targeted homeless and disadvantaged children and their families.
The honorees were pre-selected in a partnership with Project RISE, Akron Public Schools and Buckeye Community Health Plan.
Of course, there was a lot on this menu to put smiles on their face: a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all of the trimmings and an invitation to go back for seconds; a special dessert waffle; the opportunity to see the newly released movie Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium, courtesy of 20th Century Fox; and a special appearance by the Cavaliers' Scream Team.
But what made this day even more special was a visit from Akron-born-and-bred No. 23 himself.
Toni Boyce and her three children — Rochell Finney, 15; Markiea Finney, 16; and Kyron Boyce, 17 — were overjoyed and overwhelmed.
''I think it's great,'' Toni Boyce said about the day. ''It was a chance for us to be together as a family. My children are currently in foster care.'' While they are scheduled to be formally reunited in a few weeks, not all of them will be able to be together on
Thanksgiving because Kyron will have to work.
''I think it's real nice that LeBron is doing something like this,'' a grateful Rochell chimed in.
The ''something'' not only included free Metro bus passes for everyone to get to Sunday's event, the dinner and the movie, but also a gift certificate for free groceries, another transportation voucher and free passes to the upcoming Alvin and the Chipmunks movie.
In past years, LeBron had sponsored a free turkey giveaway.
But this year, he ''decided to bump it up to do something much more meaningful,'' said Jakki Nance, head of the LeBron James Family Foundation and chief architect of Sunday's party.
''He wanted a way to empower the families and to create positive memories about the holiday,'' she said. '' . . . There have been several studies that say breaking bread together strengthens the family union. Then there was this chance to partner with 20th Century Fox to share the new release. Real family time.''
Asked why he took such an intimate interest in the event, LeBron James had this to say:
''The No. 1 reason is that it's a great opportunity for families to be together especially at a time like this: holiday time.
''Yes, it's easy to write a check. But you never see what goes on with the check,'' LeBron continued, acknowledging Thanksgiving is a special time for giving back. ''I wanted more for these families, to get them excited.''
That he did.
The raucous applause, all of the heartfelt thank-yous, and, of course, the smiles said that many times over.
Clearly, seeing the success of LeBron — himself a product of public housing and a single mother — gives them some hope for their futures.
''Even if they're not as fortunate as my family and other families, they can still celebrate with their family,'' LeBron said. ''If you don't have family you don't have anything.''
Not surprisingly, 17 members of the fast-growing LeBron James Grandmothers Fan Club — resplendent in their new T-shirts — also were on hand to help serve food and to celebrate LeBron's over-the-top generosity.
Jewell Cardwell can be reached at 330-996-3567 or jcardwell@thebeaconjournal.com.
He could have just written a check.
Get the full article here.
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