Chicago Bears’ Brendon Ayanbadejo Gives Back to His Childhood Community with Thanksgiving Turkey Drive

Chicago, IL, November 15, 2007 --(PR.com)-- Brendon Ayanbadejo and his teammates from the Chicago Bears are joining together for “Turkey Drive to Tackle Hunger,” taking place at the Cotter Boys & Girls Club (2915 N. Leavitt) in Chicago on Tuesday, November 20, from 5pm – 8pm.

Ayanbadejo, who grew up in the same housing project where the turkey drive will take place, is grateful for the opportunity to return the favors he was granted as a child. “My family received free gifts on holidays from the same exact location I am doing my turkey drive,” said Ayanbadejo. “Twenty years later it is my chance to give back to a community I benefited so much from.”

Twenty fellow teammates are scheduled to participate in the Thanksgiving dinner including Adewale Ogunleye, Lance Briggs, and Brian Urlacher.

Ayanbadejo spearheaded the event which is very dear to his heart by donating his own time, money, and energy to coordinate the event, secure additional sponsors, and involve his teammates. The Chicago Bears organization is matching Ayanbadejo’s funds dollar for dollar.

The Turkey Drive will benefit residents of Lathrop Homes in Chicago. Ayanbadejo is working with Bears Care, the charitable beneficiary of the Chicago Bears, and the Greater Chicago Food Depository to purchase Holiday Boxes. Also sponsoring the event is Vitamin Water and Hungry Hill Sausage Company. The Holiday Boxes include a 10-14 lb turkey, cranberry sauce, gravy, stuffing, corn and yams and will be distributed to over 200 families that live in the housing development.

Ayanbadejo, a linebacker and special teams ace, was part of the Chicago Bears Super Bowl XLII team in 2007 and was also selected to the Pro Bowl.

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