Christmas with Calais 2015
Calais Campbell is known in the NFL for being a very big man, but the pro bowl defensive tackle is also known in Arizona for having a very big heart. Each year Calais Campbell and his charity, -the CRC Foundation, invite over 50 local Arizona youths to an all out shopping spree which is known as “Christmas with Calais.”
Santa Clause, numerous Arizona Cardinal players, a free dinner provided by Boston Market, and lots of holiday shopping all come together for this special night. The shoppers at the Tempe Target Superstore just sat in awe as they saw the likes of Calais, Carson Palmer, Larry Fitzgerald, David Johnson, Frostee Rucker, Justin Bethel, Alex Okafor, and many more cruising up and down the aisles of their local store.
The evening began with a banquet room filled with ecstatic kids eating and having a good time. Santa and his helpers, the Arizona Cardinal cheerleaders, made their way around the room spreading the holiday cheer. After the supper, the kids were assigned to groups and then it was off to the races.
There was plenty of quality interaction going on everywhere with the 3 kids to 1 player ratio in play. The Cardinal players looked like they were having just as much fun as the kids, helping out with the big decisions that would later make it under the Christmas tree.
The toy section was hopping, some kids were loading up on clothes and shoes, but I’d have to say the real action was in the electronics department. And wow, Santa Clause is one knowledgeable dude when it comes to video games and modern technology, but I guess I should have known. It was a great time for everybody and it was filled with the kind of holiday cheer that I remember when I was a kid.
The Arizona Cardinals are not only loaded with talented players, they are also loaded with players that give back. Calais Campbell is no exception. From celebrity dinners, to golf tournaments, the after school programs, and donations to numerous charities… this NFL superstar is always finding the time to help those less fortunate.
The CRC Foundation, which is managed by Calais and his family, is all about helping out families and the community.
*Mission Statement:
“The CRC Foundation is committed to the enhancement of our community through the teaching of critical life skills to young people. Through sports, creative talents, vocational skills, financial skills, and quality health and nutrition, the CRC Foundation helps develop young people into empowered and self-aware leaders for the future.”
Link to CRC Foundation -> http://thecrcfoundation.org/
Pics by Mike Yduarte
