The 16th annual Native Vision Gala to benefit American Indian youth took place December 2 in Washington, D.C. The Evening with the Stars lived up to its name as active and former players and top-level executives from national organizations packed the Ronald Reagan Building for a very special cause.
A partnership between the NFLPA and Johns Hopkins has led to many years of success for the Native Vision program, which cultivates core strengths, values and positive relationships for American Indian youth that will make them resilient to the prevailing risks and help them transition to healthy, productive and fulfilling adulthood. The gala helped raise money through ticket sales and live and silent auctions to send children to the annual camp in June.
Prior to the event, Vonta Leach (Baltimore Ravens), Sean Locklear (Washington Redskins) and Rocky McIntosh (Washington Redskins) mingled with other attendees in the silent auction room, where authentic American Indian arts and jewelry were staged next to autographed NFL helmets and jerseys. The evening’s emcee, NFL legend Brian Mitchell, and many other former players also treated Redskins fans to conversation and photos before the seated program began.
The audience was treated throughout the night to stunning dance and song by the Kevin Locke Native Dance Ensemble. As Mitchell explained, the group’s hoop dance serves as a metaphor for “achieving unity and harmony within the diversity of today’s world.” Also performing for the crowd was former player Scott Turner, who was joined by actual Native Vision campers as he told his story of determination in overcoming obstacles in his pursuit of becoming a professional athlete. A film (below) by Easton Sports allowed guests to experience Native Vision camp firsthand, and the stunning piece brought many in attendance to tears.
Terri Upshaw, wife of the late Gene Upshaw, attended on behalf of her family, as the former NFLPA Executive Director never missed a Native Vision event. She jumpstarted the silent auction by giving an exceptionally generous donation that will send more than 20 children to camp this summer.
This year, the gala honored heroes and legends of Native Vision. Mathu Santosham, director of Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health, and DeMaurice Smith, NFLPA executive director, acknowledged Native Vision’s founders, which includes two former NFL players:
- Nick Lowery (Nick Lowery Charitable Foundation)
- Clark Gaines (NFL Players Association)
- Allison Barlow (Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health)
Six high school volunteers from across the nation earned trips to attend the gala and be recognized on stage for their work. In addition to fundraising, Barlow estimated that in the course of one three day Native Vision camp the students hauled more than 50,000 pounds of water and equipment:
- Trip Ashley
- Zoe Blake
- Charlie Ford
- David Kullman
- Stephen Kullman
- Zeke Morrill
Finally, the program recognized adult service leaders, both the dozens of active and former athletes who volunteer to serve as coaches each year at the camps and those who do behind-the-scenes work (Lindsey Ford, Ed Cunicelli and Jocelyn Stewart).
As a final surprise of the evening, Patti Doykos, President of the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, announced a $2.2 million donation to Johns Hopkins to continue its work in combating the growing epidemic of adulthood diabetes, especially in populations at higher risk such as American Indians.
Check back with PPI for more information on the Native Vision camp in June 2012.
Photos below courtesy of @KevinKoski
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