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My last night in Detroit was as a guest of the Detroit Lions at the annual Courage House Dinner. As in my prior post, the event was held at Ford Field. Proceeds from the dinner and auction benefit HAVEN, a prevention and treatment center for domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. During the 15-year history of The Courage House, more than $1.5 million has been raised for the child abuse treatment and prevention programs at HAVEN. The dinner also honored Jeff Backus as the 2009 Ed Block Courage Award recipient and Mike Utley as the inaugural Ricky Sandoval Award recipient.
The Detroit Lions Courage House was the fifth Courage House to be created as part of the Courage House National Support Network. The roots of the Network began in 1989 in Baltimore through efforts of Ed Block, a trainer with the Colts, who devoted much of his time and money helping abused children. Former Lions’ player and Ed Block recipient Ken Dallafior and former Lions’ equipment manager and Ford Field Director of Sports Events Dan Jaroshewich founded the Lions’ Courage House in 1993.
Since 1984, the has been given to one player on each of the NFL teams. The Courage Award is granted to the player who has displayed exemplary courage and dedication, and has made outstanding charitable and civic contributions.
Not only did I get to see many told friends, including old pal Mike Tirico (above) who as “emcee” flew in that morning from doing Monday night football the evening prior, but I had the opportunity to make new friends, including Mike Utley (below). Many of you will recognize Mike’s name…he is truly an inspiration to us all. You can read more about him by clicking on his name above.
I hope I am invited back to future dinners. It was a great evening for all and was very inspirational! Thank you Detroit Lions!
XO
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