NFL YET Thanksgiving Dinner

NFL YET Thanksgiving Dinner

THE NFL YET family celebrated its Second Annual Thanksgiving Dinner on November 22nd.  The gymnasium was decorated with earth tone colored balloons, pumpkin cut-outs and a large Happy Thanksgiving sign on the wall.  Many families gathered to have Thanksgiving dinner at long tables with Thanksgiving table clothes, bronze shimmering runners and pine cones.

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The evening began with third and fourth grade girls giving the “History ofThanksgiving” and ending their message with a rousing, “Happy Thanksgiving!”.  Next, seven kindergarten and first grade girls wearing lavender bonnets clapped hands and swayed while singing, “This Little Light of Mine.”  Immediately following were thirteen kindergarten and first grade boys who recited a poem, “What a Feast.”  Some of the boys were wearing black Pilgrim hats with bands of green or pink, while others wore light blue head bands with feathers to represent Indians.  After their performance, two second grade boys, wearing white shirts and black pants, spoke loudly and clearly as they recited, “Pilgrim, Pilgrim, what do you see?”

The program changed speeds when Precious Touch dance team, led by Coach Dashawn Jones, performed the first of several routines during the program.  Their first presentation was “Love War.”  The team, comprised of girls ages 6-13, dressed in light blue capris and shorts, bright yellow and light blue tank tops, gave an exciting performance.  Later, the girls changed into camouflage tops and matching caps, black pants, and footwear, to perform.  For their last dance, they wore black pants, and purple or silver shimmery tops.  All of their dances were well received by the audience.

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One of the highlights of the program was the appearance of God’s Reflection, a group of five girls, who performed a praise dance to “Love Melody.” Four girls, wearing long blue and white outfits, and one girl wearing a royal blue robe, danced in fluid movement, poised and tastefully executed.  Parents in the audience took pictures, and enjoyed the “praise” by standing, swaying, clapping and raising their hands while filled with emotion.

Alicia Dean, the mother of an 11 year old daughter and an eight year old son, was attending the Thanksgiving celebration for the second time.  She stated that her children love attending the center’s aftercare program as well as the summer camp.  Her children’s participation at the center has assisted her family because of the tutoring and homework help that they receive.  Her son who has ADHD benefits from individualized help for his condition.  “The staff here is great.”  Her husband, Marcus Dean, is a football coach at the center and feels it is a great program.  “Good environment to keep kids off the streets.”

Some of the parents, who attended the event, expressed their positive sentiments about the activities at the NFL YET Center.  Patricia Jeffery, mother of 9 year old Pabanna, who has been attending the center for three years stated that, “She’s enjoying the dancing and the summer program field trips,” when asked how the center has made a difference in her daughter’s life.

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A big surprise was the initial showing of the new promotional video regarding the programs at the NFL YET.  Many of the children “starred” in the video.     Throughout the evening prizes were randomly awarded to the attendees.  The winner of the first butterball turkey was Kimberly Sampson.  Her daughter is a seven year old who is attending the center for the first time.  Ms. Sampson stated with enthusiasm that her daughter is, “Doing well.  She made Student of the Month, the Honor Roll, and she gets to go to the Miami Dolphins game this Sunday.”   She also said that the programs were, “Very educational for the senior citizens, they get equipment out for them.  On the days school is out, they let the kids come here.”

Cassandra Duncan was the winner of a gift bag and Robert Anderson was the second winner of a butterball turkey.  His thirteen year old step-daughter attends the center.  He participates by frequenting the senior program activities, and enjoys exercise and games.  Mr. Anderson says, “We do it all.”  Jimmie Neal was the winner of a gift card which was the last item given away.  The father of two boys, Jimmie, 7, and Javon, 6, says this is their second year attending the center.  They “Love it.”  Mr. Neal feels that the best part of the program is “Educational-they teach them how to read.”

Natacha Turner, the mother of a six year old boy, attended the activity for the first time as this is her son’s first year at the center.  She said someone referred her to the center and she “Really likes it.”  Ms. Turner was the winner of a large Thanksgiving basket which contained many items, including potato mix, pasta salad mix, stuffing, a large box of Lipton tea, several other mixes of pasta sides, bottles of water, rice, canned goods, a box of wafers, and cooking oil.  She was very grateful and happy to receive her prize.

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Eve McKinsey, representing Communities in Schools (CIS), planned the Thanksgiving program and was the mistress of ceremonies for the evening.  She introduced Jerry Sawyer, a member of the Board of Directors for the Gwen Cherry Park Foundation, who thanked the parents for attending and stated that the foundation will, “Continue to come up with finances so we can support the programs here.”  Vicki Antonio, Executive Director of the Gwen Cherry Park Foundation, was also recognized.  The Gwen Cherry Park Foundation donated the food and door prizes for the occasion.

Parents were very happy about the evening’s activities as they prepared to enjoy and early Thanksgiving meal.  They had positive remarks about the program, the work that resulted in the great performances by all of the program participants, and the many useful prizes that were presented.  It was a great and worthwhile way to spend a Friday evening with children and family members.