Just yesterday marked the end of my CAPS Fellowship at NPH USA as we hosted the 2016 Football Legends Classic at the Biltmore Country Club in Barrington, IL. Our staff was joined by 28 former NFL players, many of whom are in the Hall of Fame, to raise money for our children in Matamoros, Mexico. It was amazing to see how many families and friends came out to golf with these NFL Pros in support of our organization. We had over 150 guests join us on the course; the most attendees we’ve ever had. And just like that, all the hard work, time and dedication came to life. It’s an amazing feeling to see how all the pieces fit together and worked like a well oiled machine. The day was filled with energy and excitement as we saw the results unravel before us.
As part of our dinner program, we video called our home in Matamoros, Mexico to show the children just how many people came out to support them. They had decorated posters thanking our biggest sponsors and performed a cheer. As I looked to my left, a woman sitting at the table next to me was brought to tears. Her family is our biggest sponsor for this event. They donated thousands of dollars to help our children have better lives. This moment shared between our children and our sponsors was the most rewarding part of my fellowship. In that moment, I realized what a blessing it is for our children to have complete strangers help them to succeed. Many of our children come from absolutely nothing from abusive parents, to extreme poverty, and some even being abandoned and left to die. It is because of the work that NPH USA does and the generosity of our sponsors that these children have hope for a better tomorrow.
And so, the most important lesson I have learned is that they are all nuestros pequeño hermanos. They are all our little brothers and sisters. It is our job to continue the work we do for the little children of the world. Love is infinite. You can always make more when you need it. For these children, our work is giving them the love that they were once neglected. But because of our work, that love is something they will never be without. That’s the most important lesson anyone can hope to learn and because of the CAPS Fellowship, I have blessed to find my calling.
Lem Barney and Bobby Bell with Cindy and John Shinsky (founders of the home in Matamoros, Mexico)
Former NFL Pros and Hall of Famers ready to golf
Angelys, thank you so much for spending your summer with us here at NPH USA. Not only were you a productive and valuable addition to our Midwest region team, but you were also super pleasant and a joy to be around. You jumped right in with both feet, and you fit in like you had worked here for years.
Thanks, also, for writing such a compelling and heartfelt testimonial about our organization and your time with us. It’s always great to work with good people who share our passion to help orphaned, abandoned and at-risk children throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. It was clear from the start that our mission resonated with you, and it was fun to watch you learn more about our mission and grow closer to it over the past few months.
Good luck as you continue your college career. I hope our paths cross again soon.
You are part of the NPH family now. Nuestra casa es tu casa.
Paz y bien,
Chuck Allworth
Midwest Region Director
NPH USA