A Day to Remember – The Fifth Annual Bo Jackson Give Me a Chance Celebrity Golf Classic

“The driving force behind my dream was to “Give Back”…give back time, understanding, and guidance that so many underprivileged kids never have the chance to experience” –Bo Jackson

Bo Jackson, a well-known sports figure and the only athlete to become an All-Star in both Major League Baseball and the National Football League, found a new calling. Growing up poor he understands what it means to be a disadvantaged child.  Hence, once he retired, he founded Give Me a Chance Foundation, that is dedicated to inspire young men to get involved in sports, while encouraging steadfast dedication to education.

Bo Jackson’s illustrious sports career and his notable accomplishments such as Heisman Trophy, MLB All-Star Game MVP, 1990 NFL Pro Bowl appearance, and name the Greatest Athlete of All Time by ESPN’s Sport Science, speak volumes about the kind of an athlete that he is – but he is just as accomplished in philanthropy, by way of giving back to his community and to the inner-city youth.

I had an opportunity to meet Bo a number of years ago at Bo Jackson Celebrity Charity Golf Classic, a fundraising event for his foundation. This summer, I had a privilege and honor to attend this annual benefit, which is in its fifth year. The event was held at a prestigious Bolingbrook Golf Club. This club offers unforgettable views and incredible terrain – this course allows for golfers to experience golf at its finest.

Guests had an opportunity to mingle, dine, and get autographs from the likes of Bo Jackson, Eddie George, Cliff Levingston and many other celebrities in attendance to support this worthy cause. Throughout the day attendees played golf, lunched, engaged in various skill challenge games and then attended a dinner gala with entertainment and live and silent auction.

Werner J. Koos, president of Bo’s Jackson’s Give Me A Chance Foundation, said, “having an opportunity to be a part of the foundation and experiencing the profound change that we make in children’s lives, is more gratifying then I can put into words.”

The event raised funds that benefits hundreds of kids with assistance in after-school tutoring, mentoring, and supports the valuable camps all sponsored by the foundation.

For information on future events or to contribute to this benefit, please write to kontinentmedia@gmail.com

—
Leonard Mogul
Kontinent Media
Arts4Kids Foundation

Photos by Larisa Pevtsova

About Bo Jackson’s Give Me A Chance Foundation

is a 501 (c) 3 non for profit organization founded by Vincent “Bo” Jackson in 2008. Our goals are to inspire disadvantaged youth to become involved in sports by providing them an opportunity to train and participate in elite sports programs while emphasizing a strong commitment to education. Our programs are designed to help develop the skills, discipline and strong character necessary for those served to reach their highest level of personal growth, professional achievement and community leadership. For more information, please visit givemeachancefoundation.org