I am so fortunate to be in the position that I am, and I never take that for granted.
Something that is near and dear to my heart is getting involved in the community. My parents instilled in me at a young age to be thankful for what you have, and if you are in a position to enrich others' lives in any way, shape or form, it is worth doing.
This opportunity is extra special to me from the standpoint that I was part of this community years ago and now can give back. I do not look at donating my time to charities as an obligation; rather, as an opportunity to have a positive impact on as a many peoples' lives as possible.
That is why I have started my own, High 5ive... The Drew Stanton Foundation. This foundation is centered around assisting Special Olympics and Children’s Miracle Network, specifically in the state of Michigan, and also nationwide. If you noticed on the main page of my website there is a link to the site for High 5ive, and I hope to have more information up there very soon so please check it out.
Being from the community makes it easier to get the foundation started, but as I am finding out it is not very simple. There are different businesses that have already stepped forward (Lexus of Ann Arbor, Function Beverages) and will assist me in getting things going, and I have made some contacts with other great companies that I hope to build a relationship with. This is not a foundation that will just have my name stamped on it, this is near and dear to my heart and I will put all my effort into it in order for it to be a success.
My hopes are, through various fundraisers, the foundation can reach goals that are being formed right now. I know what my vision of this foundation is, now I am in the process of clearly defining it in words. I am hoping that these events are unique and will serve its ultimate purpose, which is to help raise awareness about these organizations and money to help them function more efficiently.
I ask that anyone who has an interest in getting involved please look over the website, check for updates and leave your information. Getting involved has many different meanings; it can be as easy as donating time and effort or as generous as giving money to support.
Drew Stanton is a quarterback with the Detroit Lions. His blog for playerpress.com runs regularly at www.drewstanton5.com.