This past weekend, New Orleans Saints defensive end Charles Grant and his charity foundation, SACK Success, played host to a number of events centered around improving the Atlanta community. Grant invited over 40 of his NFL colleagues to town to help him give back to a city some say desperately needs a hero.
The fourth annual Bayou Bling Celebrity Charity Weekend began Friday morning with a free youth football clinic in Adamsville. The clinic was targeted for the underprivileged youth in the area and hosted over 250 kids. Later in the day Grant recognized close to a hundred outstanding kids attending the West Atlanta Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP). During this event in Buckhead’s ESPN Zone, Grant spoke about the importance of education and engaged the youth with a speech on how easy it is to destroy hopes and dreams if distracted with drug use. Afterwards, the youth marched upstairs and proceeded to bounce around the second-level game room with the opportunity to receive autographs from Grant and several other NFL players.
Though the KIPP organization and Grant’s SACK Success Foundation have been around for several years, this is the first time they have linked together to unite the foundation with Atlanta youth. Marshawn Evans, President of Edge 3M Sports and Entertainment, helped host the weekend’s events.
Saturday, things moved forward early in the morning as the cast of NFL and NBA athletes congregated at St. Francis’ Table to feed the homeless. Not only were meals handed out at this event, those in need could also get in line for a free haircut, a service you won’t find in your everyday soup kitchen. Though the event drew a high number of people, Grant understands that a philanthropist’s work is never done. “We will be giving away a home to a single parent soon,” said Grant about future plans for his charitable work.
The evening proved to be another highlight of the weekend with the Caring Edge Awards. Several athletes and other celebrities were recognized for their generous contributions to various communities. Amidst the fun of the rest of the evening, Grant and the other athletes reflected on just how important it is to participate in charitable causes during our country’s current economic times.
“When I grew up, I didn’t have anyone to do something like this,” said Grant, who showed the past weekend’s events weren’t just about giving back, but about giving more.
Collier can be reached at ccollier@scoreatl.com.
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