Renz
An Army of One
This is way cool! Someone should e-mail this to Rick Reilly. 
Cardinals Visit Katrina Victims At The Phoenix Coliseum
The Phoenix area has become home to hundreds of Hurricane Katrina victims who have relocated from the Gulf Coast to a shelter in the Phoenix Coliseum as part of Operation Good Neighbor. At its peak last week nearly 600 people were sheltered at the Coliseum. Currently, that number is down to just under 200 people.
The American Red Cross is providing basic shelter services for evacuees at the Coliseum. They have a roof over the head, air conditioning, as well as a cot and sleeping materials in order to get a good nights rest. Patrons are also served three meals a day and several social service agencies like the Salvation Army are helping to get clothing to the victims. Additionally there are companies on hand to coordinate opportunities to find housing and work.
Monday evening several Cardinals players visited the Coliseum to serve dinner and spread some cheer for victims of Katrina. Players in attendance included tight end Eric Edwards, guard Rolando Cantu, long snapper Nathan Hodel, safety Quentin Harris, offensive lineman Ian Allen, running back Marcel Shipp, quarterback Josh McCown, wide receiver Anquan Boldin along with Diamondbacks outfielder Luis Gonzalez.
“I just can’t imagine losing everything you have worked all of your life for and I just can’t imagine what they are going through,” shared running back Marcel Shipp. “My heart and my prayers go out to them and hopefully they can get back on their feet.”
Being so far removed from the Gulf Coast, here in Arizona, many of the Cardinals players wondered what they could do to assist in the tragedy. As soon as they got word folks were in the valley, several players inquired about how they could help.
“This is what being in our position is all about,” said McCown. “It’s nice to be able to bring some positive light to these kids and to bring a sense of love and kindness to these people who have gone through so much.”
After serving dinner, the players walked around the facility to greet the brave people. Players handed out hats, paused to autograph items and take pictures with countless people.
In addition to the necessary amenities the Coliseum is also equipped with a children’s area that has books and toys for the kids to play with when they are not in school. However, after Luis Gonzalez’s visit, it now has televisions and video games for the kids to enjoy.
“I have some friends with EA Sports and I got some play station games and some X Boxes and things like that and I brought them out here, as well as some televisions to set them up in the kids area,” said Gonzalez, who spent a lot of time in the Gulf Coast while attending the University of South Alabama in Mobile. “I hope it just helps take their minds off of the tragedies they have faced.”
A few players then spent time competing with the children in games like Madden 2005.
“It has been fun playing with the kids. It’s fun because they don’t quite understand who you are and then they see you on the video game and it is more realistic to them,” added McCown. “That is what it is all about. Letting them have the experiences and just to be able to brighten their day for a little bit, makes it special.”
Chris Hunter of New Orleans East has been in Phoenix for almost two weeks and was appreciative of the Cardinals and Gonzalez’s efforts.
“This means a lot to me to see these guys taking time out of their schedules and actually meeting and greeting with all of us from New Orleans. To just see professional athletes like the Arizona Cardinals walking around and shaking hands is just uplifting.”
The players were able to temporarily lift the spirits of several sufferers of Katrina that are now calling the valley their home. In turn, they have also accumulated some new fans.
“I am a die hard Saints fan but the city of Phoenix and the people of the Arizona have won my heart over,” stated Hunter. “Now I have a second team, which is the Arizona Cardinals!”
http://www.azcardinals.com/news/news_details.html?iid=3056
Cardinals Visit Katrina Victims At The Phoenix Coliseum
The Phoenix area has become home to hundreds of Hurricane Katrina victims who have relocated from the Gulf Coast to a shelter in the Phoenix Coliseum as part of Operation Good Neighbor. At its peak last week nearly 600 people were sheltered at the Coliseum. Currently, that number is down to just under 200 people.
The American Red Cross is providing basic shelter services for evacuees at the Coliseum. They have a roof over the head, air conditioning, as well as a cot and sleeping materials in order to get a good nights rest. Patrons are also served three meals a day and several social service agencies like the Salvation Army are helping to get clothing to the victims. Additionally there are companies on hand to coordinate opportunities to find housing and work.
Monday evening several Cardinals players visited the Coliseum to serve dinner and spread some cheer for victims of Katrina. Players in attendance included tight end Eric Edwards, guard Rolando Cantu, long snapper Nathan Hodel, safety Quentin Harris, offensive lineman Ian Allen, running back Marcel Shipp, quarterback Josh McCown, wide receiver Anquan Boldin along with Diamondbacks outfielder Luis Gonzalez.
“I just can’t imagine losing everything you have worked all of your life for and I just can’t imagine what they are going through,” shared running back Marcel Shipp. “My heart and my prayers go out to them and hopefully they can get back on their feet.”
Being so far removed from the Gulf Coast, here in Arizona, many of the Cardinals players wondered what they could do to assist in the tragedy. As soon as they got word folks were in the valley, several players inquired about how they could help.
“This is what being in our position is all about,” said McCown. “It’s nice to be able to bring some positive light to these kids and to bring a sense of love and kindness to these people who have gone through so much.”
After serving dinner, the players walked around the facility to greet the brave people. Players handed out hats, paused to autograph items and take pictures with countless people.
In addition to the necessary amenities the Coliseum is also equipped with a children’s area that has books and toys for the kids to play with when they are not in school. However, after Luis Gonzalez’s visit, it now has televisions and video games for the kids to enjoy.
“I have some friends with EA Sports and I got some play station games and some X Boxes and things like that and I brought them out here, as well as some televisions to set them up in the kids area,” said Gonzalez, who spent a lot of time in the Gulf Coast while attending the University of South Alabama in Mobile. “I hope it just helps take their minds off of the tragedies they have faced.”
A few players then spent time competing with the children in games like Madden 2005.
“It has been fun playing with the kids. It’s fun because they don’t quite understand who you are and then they see you on the video game and it is more realistic to them,” added McCown. “That is what it is all about. Letting them have the experiences and just to be able to brighten their day for a little bit, makes it special.”
Chris Hunter of New Orleans East has been in Phoenix for almost two weeks and was appreciative of the Cardinals and Gonzalez’s efforts.
“This means a lot to me to see these guys taking time out of their schedules and actually meeting and greeting with all of us from New Orleans. To just see professional athletes like the Arizona Cardinals walking around and shaking hands is just uplifting.”
The players were able to temporarily lift the spirits of several sufferers of Katrina that are now calling the valley their home. In turn, they have also accumulated some new fans.
“I am a die hard Saints fan but the city of Phoenix and the people of the Arizona have won my heart over,” stated Hunter. “Now I have a second team, which is the Arizona Cardinals!”
http://www.azcardinals.com/news/news_details.html?iid=3056
Last edited:
