CENTRAL DAUPHIN RAMS FOOTBALL COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS PROGRAM
Participating in the sport of football as a player or coach is truly a privilege. It is a sport that attracts attention like no other and has the ability to capture the imagination of people of all ages and backgrounds. As a result, those that participate have the opportunity to experience something truly special and unique.
But with this privilege comes a responsibility. It is incumbent upon all of us who are involved in this great game to give back to the community that gives so much to us either directly or indirectly. Serving the community is one of our top priorities because it is simply the right thing to do. And by making community service a priority, we will be promoting humility, respect, selflessness, and a belief that we are a part of something bigger than ourselves. Also, the intrinsic rewards associated with helping others can even surpass the emotional highs experienced on Friday nights, and the lessons learned can last a lifetime. And lastly, by engaging in community service together, we will be strengthening our football family.
Since it’s inception in 2006, our players have participated in 221 Community Connections events for a total of 5,035 volunteer hours! Among the 221 events we helped at retirement homes, worked with elementary kids, helped to build playgrounds, assisted in events that raised money for various worthy causes such as Special Olympics, Children’s Miracle Network, and Volunteers of America, and directly helped families who are less fortunate.
Each year at the Annual Football Banquet we like to recognize the efforts of those who gave of themselves and participated in the Program. Along with recapping the year’s events and highlights, we also honor the “Top 10”, the ten players who served the most hours that year. We also honor the “All-Time Top 10” by posting their names in the weight room. And thanks to the graciousness of our supportive community, the Glen McNamee Scholarship was created in 2008 and is awarded annually to players based on various criteria, and participation in the Community Connections Program is one of the key considerations in receiving this honor.
We hope that their experiences in this Program will encourage them to take part in other volunteer efforts outside of Community Connections and especially when they leave our football program. Because our greatest hope is that service to others becomes a life-long endeavor for each of them.
NOTE: As mentioned, we truly hope that players in the football program choose to get involved with the Community Connections Program as well as other volunteer efforts. However, when it comes to documenting hours for our players, we only “count” the hours served at Community Connections sponsored events.
