There's always time to spread the good word about moral values and share meaningful personal stories. On November 7th, many Bills players found the time to do just that when Athletes In Action (AIA) and the Buffalo Christian Center hosted, "Night Out With The Bills!"
Among the Bills in attendance at the event held at the Forbes Theatre in Buffalo, were safeties George Wilson, Bryan Scott and John Wendling, offensive lineman Derrick Dockery, Brad Butler, Jason Whittle, and Duke Preston, defensive lineman Kyle Williams, tight ends Robert Royal and Jonathan Stupar, defensive ends Chris Kelsay and Ryan Neill, linebacker Blake Costanzo and wide receivers Lee Evans and C.J. Hawthorne.
Over 600 kids and their families from all over the inner-city were in attendance. Attendees were invited through the Buffalo Christian Center and the event was free to anyone who RSVP'd for tickets.
The purpose of the event was for Bills players and their wives to be a positive influence on Buffalo inner-city youth. The players and their wives shared their most meaningful stories, signed autographs and spoke with many kids and families throughout the evening.
Fred Raines, Director of AIA Pro Ministry/Buffalo and Bills team chaplain said, "We are thrilled when all these kids get a chance to personally hear from these men and women about what is important to them in their lives. This really makes a difference in not only the lives of the kids, but in the players and their wives lives as well."
The image of the Bills players in their jerseys with their wives on stage talking about their lives was powerful. One boy commented, "This was the most fascinating program that I have ever been to in my life."
The next major community event that AIA presents is, "The Frank Reich Call to Courage Breakfast" on March 28, 2009. It is presented to the NFL player who represents character, commitment, and community service. Kurt Warner of the Arizona Cardinals was last year's winner. Bills defensive end Chris Kelsay and his wife Natalie serve as hosts for the event.
Athletes in Action was founded in 1966 by David Hannah, who desired to build on society's great love of sports and utilize the platform given to the athletes to reach the world for Jesus Christ. Since then, Athletes in Action has sought to be a global pioneer, innovator, and servant leader in sport ministry. AIA has a ministry presence in 85 countries, on nearly 100 U.S. college campuses, and on 35 U.S. professional sports teams. Athletes in Action is a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ. For more information, please visit www.aia.com.
