Dodgeball for a Cause with Chargers’ Shaun Phillips

“Dodgeball is today @incahoots come hang with me and some of my teammates to support a great cause.” Shaun Phillips’ tweet from event~

Last week, San Diego Charger Shaun Phillips gave back to the community via the second annual Shaun Phillips Dodgeball Tournament…the sexy linebacker teamed up with the San Diego chapter of the After School All Stars to raise money for the organization that’s dedicated to providing comprehensive out-of-school programs that keep kids safe while continuing to nurture their minds.

Prior to the event, Marti Hess, executive director of After-School All-Stars San Diego, confirmed that Shaun is committed to the cause: “Through fun community fundraisers such as the Dodgeball Tournament, Shaun has continued to express his generosity and support to our cause…Not only will this event benefit our 2,400 participants around the county, but it will also provide an opportunity for businesses in our community to enhance their teamwork skills and have fun outside the workplace—two values that After-School All-Stars programs strive for.”

“This event is a fun way to involve the entire community while simultaneously raising awareness of the importance of After-School All-Stars programs for underprivileged children around the county,” said Phillips…

I don’t know about you kids, but consider my awareness ‘raised’~

About After-School All-Stars San Diego: After-School All-Stars in San Diego provides after school programming in 20 school sites in the county, including elementary, middle and high school. As one of 14 affiliates of the national After-School All-Stars, the San Diego chapter is backed by best practices and a fifteen-year track record of giving children a safe after-school alternative while developing the skills to increase school performance and success in life. For more information on the San Diego chapter, visit www.SDAfterschoolAllstars.org.

About Shaun Phillips: Aside from the fact that he’s hot….A native of Willingboro, NJ, Phillips was selected by San Diego in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft and described as a “steal” by the Chargers front office. He seamlessly stepped into his new role and made an immediate impact with 11.5 sacks, the second most by any lineman in the league. No doubt, this “secret” NFL talent is becoming a household name and in 2007 he was able to prove that with 53 tackles, 8.5 sacks and 2 interceptions.

As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com

Shaun Phillips and Charger Buddies Tee Off For Kids

Today, San Diego Charger Shaun Phillips was joined by his smoking hot teammates at the Maderas Golf Club in San Diego to host the inaugural Shaun Phillips Golf Tournament to benefit the San Diego After-School-All-Stars.

Phillips was recently named the spokesperson and sponsor of the event, and judging by the number of golfers and Chargers who showed up to lend their support, I’d say the San Diego After-School-All-Stars will make much more than a positive impact on the community.

But making a positive impact on me, were the amazing volunteers and dedication of Phillips to make this event a success. As I walked in, I quickly spotted the unmistakable strut of the Chargers in attendance, but was quickly sidetracked by the free tequila shots being given out by Atel Communications. (You gotta love the sponsors!) From there, I perused the auction items and dreamed of bidding on and winning the ‘Dinner with Shaun Phillips’ package…

The auction items were on display in preparation for the gala that night and without a doubt, and aside from dinner with Phillips and his abs, the best items up for auction were from artist Jorge Burtin. I recently wrote about Burtin and his ‘Pixaic’ mosaics in my ‘Art for Charity’ post (June 2). Burtin has been involved with a number of athletes and their charity work- specifically he donates 100% of the proceeds from the sale of his artwork to charity. His work and compassion for helping others is simply put, inspiring.

Also inspiring…were the Chargers themselves. Shaun Phillips was all smiles-and dimples-as he chatted with participants, red-headed bloggers, volunteers, kids and fellow Chargers (L-David Binn and Phillips, R-Matt Wilhelm)…he greeted each of his teammates with hugs, grins and handshakes and was genuinely eager to be hosting an event that provides after-school-programs for kids. “I was lucky, “ he said in a recent interview, “I had somewhere to go after-school and the help I got changed my life. It gave me direction, kept me out of trouble and helped me find the courage to reach my goals.” No doubt, Shaun’s goal has helped many kids in San Diego stay out of trouble. His support for the program is touching and sincere and I couldn’t think of a better spokesperson for them.

Phillips’ dedication to the organization goes beyond just hosting events, hot-stuff has pledged to donate $1,000 to the After-School-All-Stars for each sack he records during the season, last year he kicked down $8,500…next up, Phillips will be hosting his first ever dodge-ball tournament in November to benefit the program-and I hope to see you all there.

A big “thank you” to Shaun Phillips and all the sexy San Diego Chargers who lent their time and swagger to this wonderful event. If only we had more mighty-mighty-fine men like you guys looking out for the kids, then this world would truly be a better place.

As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com