The Houston Texans hosted the first “Champions for Youth” dinner at Steak 48 in Houston’s River Oaks district on Thursday night. The event was organized in order to raise money for the Texans’ foundation.
Attended by Texans players, coaches, and board members alike, the event raised a total of $198,000, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.
The foundation states that its goal is to champion youth by “enhancing their quality of life”:
“Since 2002, more than $30 million has been raised through our annual fundraising events, disaster response programs, our annual United Way campaign and our partnership with non-profit organizations on Texans gameday”
Texans starting safety Justin Reid was thankful for the event because it was in line with his beliefs to give back to the community, especially children.
“I believe that children are the future, and that’s why I spend so much of my time and resources into giving back into the community, specifically kids,” Reid said.
Coach Bill O’Brien spoke of how these events help maintain Texans founder Bob McNair’s legacy. McNair died in November at age 81.
“All the things that we’re doing for young people in the city of Houston, I think it carries on a legacy of Bob McNair and I think that’s what it’s all about,” said O’Brien.
He was also keen to point out how impressed he is with his players and their attitudes to helping their community in Houston.
“I think our players do as much as any team, if not more, relative to their cities,” said O’Brien.
