Hollis Thomas hosts an active weekend for local youth
By Kenya Vaughn Of the St. Louis American
“I just wanted to do my part,” said St. Louis native Hollis Thomas, a defensive tackle for the New Orleans Saints. “I didn’t want to be talking about what everybody else was not doing and not doing anything myself.”
For the past six years, Thomas has been doing his part through the Hollis Thomas Foundation, which provides and aids in services that enhance educational, social and personal development for youth in St. Louis, Philadelphia, Houston and New Orleans.
Thomas says, “We want people to know that we are here to help in any way we can, from giving away coats, buying furniture for Katrina, uniforms for public schools.”
It will be continuing its annual tradition with Hollis Thomas Foundation Charitable Weekend and Youth Football/ Cheerleading Mini-Camp activities June 27-30. Each year, Thomas brings celebrities and professional athletes to the area to teach the fundamentals of football while raising money for the foundation.
“It started out because I didn’t get to see any stars when I was growing up,” Thomas said.
“I was one of the kids who couldn’t afford to play little league. And I just wanted to provide some of those kids an alternative.”
Shay “Buckeey” Johnson (Flavor of Love/ Charm School) Alfred Malone (Houston Texan DE,) Lawrence Vickers (Cleveland Browns RB) Keith Davis (Dallas Cowboys Safety) Randy Hymes (Jacksonville Jaguars WR) Patrick Craton (Dallas Cowboys WR) Jacoby Jones -(Houston Texans WR) Mike Mackenzie (New Orleans Saints CB) Charles Grant (New Orleans Saints DE), Fred Thomas (New Orleans Saints CB) Will Smith (New Orleans Saints DE) Kenneth Pettway (Jacksonville Jaguars DE) will be on hand to participate.
“These kids come in contact with people that they would never come in contact with,” Thomas said. While he carries the name recognition as a professional athlete, he was quick to credit his sister Maxine Elbert for keeping the organization going.
“My sister had the vision, she just used me,” Thomas said.
“We wanted to offer them more than just a free football camp,” Elbert said.
“We want to show how to raise productive members of society, and there weren’t those type of programs available when we were growing up.”
Elbert serves as executive director of the foundation and says that her biggest joy from the weekend is watching the participating children come back each year and being able to recognize their growth.
“There are so many athletes that are passionate about our youth and being able to connect with them in all in one weekend it makes me feel all warm inside,” Elbert said.
One of the goals of the foundation is to provide the participant with health awareness and workout facilities.
“We want to show them healthy lifestyles and what it takes to be a student athlete,” Elbert said. “And that student comes first.”
“Not everybody can play pro ball, but you don’t have to go out rob and steal to belong,” Thomas said. “You can be a successful person.”
Hollis Thomas Charitable weekend:
5 p.m., Tuesday June 26, Autograph signing and Registration for Cheerleading and Football Mini Camp,Wohl Community Center, 1515 N. Kingshighway.
7 p.m., Wednesday June 27, Wine Down Wednesday Networking Mixer Bricke-Mortor & Clay Realtors 3224 Locust Ave., Suite 101.
7 p.m., Thursday June 28, Urban Glam Fashion/Hair Show Gala Third Degree Glass Factory, 5200 Delmar.
6 p.m., Friday June 29, 2007, Greeks and Geeks Charitable Basketball Game Harris Stowe State University 3026 Laclede, with Half Time Show Featuring 3 Shades of Black.
10 p.m., Friday, June 29, Late Night Laugh Session Comedy Show Featuring Tony Roberts, Studio Hitz, 8927 Riverview.
9 a.m., Saturday June 30, Football/Cheerleading Mini Camp 9 am- 1 p.m. Health and Education Symposium.
9 p.m., Saturday, June 30, Shorts and Shades After party Featuring Shay “Buckeey” Johnson (Flavor of Love and Charm School) and video model Maliah, Studio Hitz, 8927 Riverview.
For more information about the Hollis Thomas Charitable Weekend, call (314) 652-2977 or visit www.hollisthomasfoundation.org.