HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice served as this year’s star guest at the 2024 Leaders and Legends Dinner in Huntsville Thursday night, an annual outing that raises funds for programs supporting the Boys and Girls Clubs of North Alabama.
The iconic three-time Super Bowl Champion says overcoming obstacles and bouncing back from adversity is one of his biggest messages for the youth.
Long awaited repairs to Shin Point Road stalls “I just want to inspire and let people know that you can come from a very small town and still be successful, it’s not about what you receive, it’s all about giving back and you can’t even put a price on that,” Rice told News 19.
It was an event that featured a silent auction with signed memorabilia up for grabs, which is a large part of the annual fundraiser adding some fun to a meaningful night.
Three area community members Ashley and Markeisha Bonds along with U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Dionte Clayborn were inducted into the Boys and Girls Club of North Alabama Hall of Fame.
Clayborn, as a Huntsville native says his early years at the boys and girls club taught him values that helped shape his life significantly.
Decatur woman celebrates birthday by asking community to donate blood at her ‘Birthday Donation Party’ “The lessons that I learned like competition is one of the biggest things I learned there really focusing and putting your best foot forward in anything you do,” Clayborn said. “I appreciate this opportunity from the Boys and Girls Club and I appreciate everything that they’ve done for me in my life.”
Rice explained how he’s made it a priority during his post-career days to have a role in the lives of children.
“The youth are the future and I try to be very inspirational and just setting the right example for kids that’s the most important thing,” Rice said.
The former Super Bowl MVP’s vibrant presence at the dinner capping things off with a championship chat is something Clayborn and many others will never forget.
“That just brings like everything together in this moment with being inducted at the boys and girls club and just to be able to meet Jerry Rice, it’s a great moment,” Clayborn said.
The fundraiser has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Boys and Girls Clubs of North Alabama through this annual event.
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