Revere Athletes Volunteer for Foodbank Fundraiser

It's impossible to know whether any of this year's football players will end up playing in the National Football League. But but for a while, on Tuesday night, 10 Minutemen will do a good deed and get to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The students will volunteer to assist former pros when they appear Tuesday (Sept. 20) at the Taste of the NFL benefit at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 

Volunteers include: sophomores Jake Essy, Everett McGregor, Dillon Smith, juniors Mike Benson, Joe D'Amico, Jason Tretter, Zach Wilson, Roger Wolanski and seniors Nick Kollert and
Tim Sustersic.

"Last year we added the Kent State cheerleaders to the event and it was a lot of fun," said volunteer Lara Wilson, whose son is Revere player Zach Wilson. "This year the Revere players, and one adult each, will be assigned to each player to help out. The boys volunteered, and are missing practice to do this, so it's a big deal," she said.

Revere coach Phil Heyn said the district encourages its players to volunteer. "It is so important for our young athletes to understand the importance of giving back to the community that so eagerly supports them," Heyn said. "Even though our student-athletes are only kids themselves, they are admired by many younger students in our community." 

The Revere players -- matched up with pros who share their position -- will help HOF players Lloyd Little, Leroy Kelly, Joe DeLamielleure, Charlie Sanders, Randall McDaniel, Jim Taylor, Dave Wilcox and Jack Youngblood. The players will give out autographs and mingle with the crowd at the annual fundraiser for the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank.

Taste of the NFL includes food from local fine dining restaurants, including in Bath, and wine from local and national wineries. The event is held to help the foodbank in its Northeast Ohio hunger relief efforts.

"This is a tough time for many people in Ohio, finding themselves out of work and stretching what little resources they have to keep meals on the table," said Dan Flowers, the foodbank's president. "I am grateful for this special evening that brings together our community to raise money for these vulnerable individuals and families that are struggling to make ends meet." 

Tickets for the event are $150, for general admission, $250 for VIP lounge access, which includes additional autographs, priority parking, a gift bag and early access to the event. Guests vote for their favorite local chef to represent the foodbank at the national Taste of the NFL at the 2013 Super Bowl.

Visit the foodbank's web site for tickets or call 330-535-6900.