Spreading Our Wings

The Atlanta Falcons today announced the four winners of the 2009 Community Quarterback Award. The recipients of the award are Narva Farris (Carroll County Branch NAACP Re-Entry Services), Denise Wheeler (The Reece Center for Handicapped Horsemanship), Rayonta Whitfield (Georgia Amateur Boxing Association) and Regina Faye Butts (Hancock County Family Connection).  The award honors individuals who are committed to improving their community through volunteerism.

The winners were selected by a panel of civic and community leaders and will be honored during an on-field presentation during the Atlanta Falcons vs. Philadelphia Eagles game Sunday, December 6, 2009.  In addition, a $2,000 grant will be awarded to the non-profit organization each winner serves.

Narva Farris – Carroll County Branch NAACP Re-Entry Services

For the past 40 years, Farris has been a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and has served as a volunteer District Coordinator for six years, Chairman of Voter Registration Drives for seven years, President of the Carroll County Branch for seven years, Legal Redress Advisor for six years and Assistant Director of the Re-Entry Services Program for three years.  He has assisted individuals with enrolling back in school, completing their high school education, serves as a mentor to young boys in a home without a father and at the golden age of 79 years goes in everyday to assist someone that needs encouraging.

The vision of the NAACP Re-Entry Services is to assist formerly incarcerated persons returning to Carroll County (Carrollton, GA) and surrounding counties from correctional facilities to have opportunities for developing a productive life and reducing barriers for successful transition back into the community.

Denise Wheeler – The Reece Center for Handicapped Horsemanship

Wheeler has served as a volunteer Assistant Director of The Reece Center for the past 15 years.  She coordinates all of the volunteers and riders, does the bookkeeping, cleans, collects donations and various other duties.  Wheeler has dedicated her life to The Reece Center and loves each rider as if they were her own.

The mission of The Reece Center for Handicapped Horsemanship has is to provide equine assisted therapy to the disabled children and adults of metro-Atlanta.  Equine assisted therapy helps build muscle tone, coordination, self confidence, provide emotional support and a host of other benefits to riders and their families.

Rayonta Whitfield – Georgia Amateur Boxing Association

For the past five years, Whitfield has served as a volunteer Assistant Boxing Coach to over 100 area youth that are members of the Augusta Boxing Club.  In addition to weekly practices, he transports, supervises and coaches youth in out of town tournaments at his own expense.  Whitfield has assumed the role of advisor, counselor, mentor and more importantly role model to the youth that look up to him and strive to be a champion like him some day.

The Georgia Amateur Boxing Association is an inner city after school activities program that focuses on athletics with an emphasis on boxing.

Regina Faye Butts – Hancock County Family Connection

Butts has worked diligently to increase literacy and improve the quality of living for the children and families of Hancock County (Sparta, GA).  She currently serves as Head Start Family Service Manager and has enrolled over 400 pre-school students to the program.  Additionally, she has assisted in coordinating a county-wide health clinic for a community of nearly 10,000 that does not have access to a local hospital and many struggle with limited or no health care coverage.  This clinic provides medical services, food and clothing to those in need.

The Hancock County Family Connection is part of statewide network of 159 community collaborative partnerships committed to making measurable improvements for children and families in Georgia.

kyla Miscellaneous Community Quarterback Award

Go…Splash…Win!  The Georgia Aquarium kicked off the Oct. 18 Atlanta Falcons home game with an underwater pep rally to pump up Falcons fans and Aquarium guests.  The world’s largest aquarium hosted the pep rally in The Home Depot’s Ocean Voyager theater, against the largest aquatic viewing window in the Northern Hemisphere.

Atlanta Falcons cheerleaders performed in the Ocean Voyager theater while underwater divers (suited in football jerseys, helmets and SCUBA gear) took center window, among whale sharks, manta rays, giant grouper and thousands of other sharks, rays and fish. Guests throughout the theater got into the spirit with free Falcons-themed face paintings, photos with cheerleaders and mascots and black and red pom-poms, turning the crowd into a sea of red and black for the main event.

Aquarium guests sporting Falcons spirited gear received a special $20 general admission rate. For more details please visit http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/falconsfans or call 404-581-4000.

kyla Cheerleaders, Miscellaneous

The Atlanta Falcons are pleased to announce the criteria for the 2009 Community Quarterback Award. This award honors volunteers in Georgia (ages 13 and over) who exemplify leadership and dedication to bettering their communities. We know that many organizations rely on quality volunteers to create and facilitate programs that benefit many lives throughout the State of Georgia and this award is designed to recognize and reward these individuals.

Nomination forms must be submitted with all required information, a copy of 501(c)3 documentation of the organization being served and must be postmarked by Friday, October 30.  Please mail your form to: Atlanta Falcons ATTN: Community Quarterback Award, 4400 Falcon Parkway Flowery Branch, GA 30542. Individuals may nominate themselves or others for the 2009 Community Quarterback Award. One nomination form per person. There will be four winners selected this year and each will receive tickets to the Sunday, December 6 game against the Philadelphia Eagles at 1 p.m. as well as recognition on-field during pre-game activities.  A $2,000 grant from NFL Charities will also be awarded to the organization served. 

Please visit the Community Quarterback main page to download a nomination form today!  For additional information, please contact Kyla Clark, Community Relations Coordinator, at 770-965-2762 or kclark@falcons.nfl.com.

kyla Miscellaneous

Tuesday October 13 was a day five Breast Cancer survivors will never forget.  The five ladies were treated to a little “Dazzle” and then “Dined”.  The courageous ladies are a part of different local organizations centered around Breast Cancer awareness, research, and education.  They have all been tremendous stewards for the fight against Breast Cancer and each have embarked on their own journeys to continue educating and raising awareness.

The ladies started the day off with pampering at Jamison Shaw Hairdressers.  Compliments of Jamison Shaw, the ladies got their hair and make-up done and also received a manicure.  Once the Dazzle was complete, the ladies were escorted to Capital Grille Restaurant via Limousine. Joining them for dinner were a guest of their choice and four Falcons players and their spouses.  Erik Coleman, Brian Finneran, Tony Gilbert and Verron Haynes were all in attendance.

Verron Haynes, who has a personal connection to Breast Cancer, addressed the group and applauded the ladies for their efforts and urged them to continue fighting and educating.  At the conclusion of the evening Haynes said, “Anytime I can go out and talk about Breast Cancer awareness and how important it is, I jump at the chance to do so.  Breast cancer has personally affected my family and my goal tonight was to come out and talk to the ladies and encourage them to carry on the mission.”

This was a fun and exciting evening that gave the ladies that do so much for others, a time to devote to themselves.  One survivor said, “I never have the time to stop and do these kinds of things for myself.  The day was awesome.”

The players really enjoyed this opportunity to come out and show their support of Breast Cancer and the women that devote their efforts to the cause.

Many people had a hand in making Dine and Dazzle a huge success.  The ladies received complementary gifts and services from the following companies: Ace of Heart Limousine Services, Atlanta Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, Blue MedSpa, The Capitol Grille, Jamison Shaw Hairdressers, Lake Lanier Islands Resort and Bullfrogs Bar and Grille, Sephora Cosmetics and The Inn at Serenbe.

kyla Miscellaneous Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Brian Finneran, Erik Coleman, Tony Gilbert, Verron Haynes

On Friday August 7, the Atlanta Falcons hosted six local children and their families from the Rally Foundation during the morning practice. The Rally Foundation is a local a non-profit organization that raises awareness and funds specifically for childhood cancer research to find better treatments and cures for childhood cancers.  “This is just a great experience for our kids,” Dean Crowe, Founder and CEO of the Rally Foundation said.  “For us to be able to come up here to Flowery Branch and get up close and personal with the players and the head coach is an experience the children will never forget.  We got a chance to really receive the VIP treatment courtesy of the Falcons.”  

After practice, the children got an opportunity to visit with some their favorite Falcons players and Head Coach Mike Smith.  All of the children left with tons of autographs and photographs to leave lasting memories of their visit.

kyla Miscellaneous Coach Mike Smith, Curtis Lofton, Jason Snelling, Ovie Mughelli, Rally Foundation

Youth Weekend at Atlanta Falcons Training Camp kicked off yesterday, August 1, at the Falcons training facility in Flowery Branch.  Youth 17 and under had the chance to get autographs from Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders, try on real Falcons equipment and “Look Like a Pro”.  For the morning practice, young fans wearing a jersey or cheerleader uniform received a free Falcons mini football or Falcons pom pom. In the afternoon, kids got the chance to guess the number of keychains in a large bowl and the six closest winners won great Falcons prizes. To view the remaining training camp practice schedule, click here.

Youth Weekend “Focus with the Falcons” winners

“Look Like a Pro”

Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader in the making…

kyla Miscellaneous Youth Weekend

As you may know, Training Camp starts this weekend (August 1), but what you may not know is that there will be several activities and giveaways just for our young fans.  Below you will find more information on the activities that will be available.

2009 Atlanta Falcons Youth Weekend Activities

The Atlanta Falcons invite youth ages 17 and under to experience Youth Weekend at Atlanta Falcons Training Camp August 1 & 2 in Flowery Branch! 

Here’s what young Falcons fans can expect:

Daily Youth Week Activities (open one hour prior to the beginning of each practice):

Kids Only Autograph Zone- Kids will have the chance to get autographs from Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders.

Look Like a Pro- Kids will have an opportunity to touch and try on authentic equipment used and worn by Falcons players.  Photo opportunities will be available if you bring your own camera.

Saturday, August 1 (7:30 – 8:30_a.m. and 2:45 – 3:45 p.m.)

Show Your Spirit (AM Practice Only) – The first 500 youth football players or cheerleaders that wear their youth football jersey or cheerleading uniform/top/t-shirt will receive their choice of a mini-football or pom pom prior to practice. 

Focus with the Falcons (PM Practice Only) – Kids will have the chance to provide one guess on the number of items that fill a large vase.  The top five guesses will win autographed Falcons memorabilia and the grand prize winner with the closest guess will receive a team autographed official football and two tickets to the 2009 Falcons home opener against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, September 13 at 1 pm.  Participants MUST be present to win.

Sunday, August 2 (8:30 – 9:30 a.m. and 2:45 – 3:45 p.m.)

Hats Off (AM Practice Only) – The hour before practice starts kids can enter one time to win authentic Atlanta Falcons helmets autographed by Falcons players. Entries will not be accepted once practice starts.  The winners will be selected randomly approximately 15 minutes following practice and MUST be present to win. 

Jersey Frenzy (PM Practice Only) –  The hour before practice starts kids can enter one time to win Atlanta Falcons jerseys autographed by Falcons players.  Entries will not be accepted once practice starts. The winners will be selected randomly approximately 15 minutes following practice and MUST be present to win. 

Note:  All activities are subject to change or cancellation.  In the event of inclement weather, ALL YOUTH WEEKEND ACTIVITES WILL BE CANCELLED.

kyla Miscellaneous Training Camp

Over the past three weeks, the National Football League hosted six local High School Player Development (H.S.P.D) sessions throughout the state of Georgia.  Since its inception in 2001, the NFL’s nationwide H.S.P.D. program has provided participants with a curriculum that focuses on inspiring excellence in the classroom, community, and on the playing field.  The program is free for students and participation in the program included more than 15,000 high schoolers in 29 states nationwide. The character development portion included guest speakers, including NFL players and coaches, practical life lessons, preparation for standardized tests, and discussions on life after high school.  For the first time this year, members of the National Guard, who sponsored the H.S.P.D. program nationally, had the opportunity to participate in the H.S.P.D. sessions, supporting coaches on site and speaking to young people about personal development and community service.

Seminole, Hall, Gwinnett, Dekalb, Fulton and Cobb were the six counties who participated in the program.  Each location participated in character development sessions as well as a 7 on 7 passing league tournament.  These local programs focused on character development and specific skill training, designed to equip participating student athletes with valuable tools on and off the field.

Each high school team who participated in the program had an opportunity to move onto the South Regional H.S.P.D. 7 on 7 tournament at Hallford Stadium in Clarkston, GA on June 20.  In order to move on to the regional tournament, they needed to win their local tournament in their county.  After some highly competitive games, the six high school teams who won their local tournaments were, Calhoun County, Cedar Grove, Grady, Miller Grove, North Cobb and North Gwinnett.  These teams competed in the South Regional H.S.P.D. 7 on 7 tournament on June 20 with an opportunity to move onto to compete in the national tournament in Minneapolis, MN, July 9 – 12.

North Cobb High School won the South Regional tournament and will represent the Atlanta Falcons at the national tournament in Minneapolis.

kyla Miscellaneous HSPD and 7 on 7

On Friday, May 29, more than 100 volunteers representing the Atlanta Falcons, The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Atlanta Falcons Physical Therapy Centers and AMB Group, partnered with Park Pride – a Blank Family Foundation non-profit partner – to organize a collective day of giving back to the community in a key focus area of the Blank Family Foundation:  parks and green space in Atlanta.  Staff members provided a helping hand to revitalize and beautify Vine City Park, Washington Park and Cleopas Johnson Park near the Georgia Dome. 

“One of the core values of all of our businesses is giving back to the community,” Atlanta Falcons Owner Arthur Blank said.  “I’m particularly proud that our associates decided to join forces today to have a meaningful impact in parks surrounding the Georgia Dome.”

Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith and President Rich McKay led the renovations at Cleopas Johnson Park while Falcons General Manager Thomas Dimitroff led a team at Washington Park.  Projects included building picnic areas, planting flowers and greenery and cleaning up debris and litter.

A highlight of the day included the grand opening of Vine City Park, a community-designed new park largely funded through grants by the Blank Family Foundation.  Mayor Shirley Franklin, Arthur and Stephanie Blank, Councilman Ivory Young and others were on hand to commemorate the remarkable milestone of opening the park in this under-served community. 

Park Pride is a non-profit organization dedicated to leading and inspiring action for parks and greenspace. Learn more at: http://www.parkpride.org/. 

kyla Miscellaneous Arthur Blank, Cleopas Johnson Park, CR, Park Pride, Vine City Park, Washington Park