The Blind Side here in the Fox Valley

Two years ago there was a Oscar winning movie called the Blind Side, staring Sandra Bullock. The movie was based on a true story of Michael Oher an NFL player for the Baltimore Ravens. The reason this movie touch so many hearts was the way the Tuohy family invited this young homeless man into their house and family. The family guided Michael thru high school and college with Michael getting an NFL contract.

I want to let you know that a somewhat similar story is happening right here in the Dundee area.

Three friends of mine have started a non profit called Fox Valley PTS Club, Mike Wood ( coach Mike ), Jeff Seiler and Ed Krnak to help a group of about ten 7th graders navigate their future.
My three friends may not have opened their homes, but they have opened their hearts to these young men and have made a commitment to make a difference in their lives.

The story started a few years ago when Coach Mike agreed to coach basketball to some 6th graders as a feeder team to Dundee Crown High School.

I have attended a couple of games noticed a few differences from my son’s basketball games. Very few parents of these young men attended the games, the opposite of my son’s games.

I all also tell you that these young men have made a change in my three friends. Coach Mike, a good ole boy from Missouri, has taken these young men under his wing and it has made a great change and influence on his life. Nothing would make Mike happier to see these young men graduate college and have a good career.

It’s a sight to see Coach Mike with 7 players in his Nissen Rogue.

Jeff is the quiet one (hard to believe) doing the stats and driving the players around in his mini van. In case you don’t know, Jeff is a Harley man and looks and lives the part.

Ed Krnak is from Bartlett and lives only a couple blocks from me. Ed is a great guy, he is the behind the scenes guy who will give great guidance in this adventure.

So why am I telling you all this?

On November 5 there will be an initial fundraiser at Hammerheads to help get this venture off the ground and I need your help.

I am asking that you purchase a ticket for $10 to attend this fundraiser. What will you get:

Soup and Sandwich
DJ entertainment
Free pool
Meet Coach Mike, Jeff and Ed

And

For the hardened jaded among you, a chance for a raffle prize of a new KINDLE FIRE, one of the hottest products out there.

I am also going to ask you to do something else, try to attend a few games this season, let these young men know that someone cares, that someone is looking out for them.

This will also keep Coach Mike, Jeff and Ed motivated.

If you like what you see, hopefully you can support them as they move forward on this journey. Give what moves you from the heart.

An finally, say a prayer to look over them.

Randy Errington