Is it better to receive or give?
For the Miami Dolphins that answer is clear, it’s give. On Sunday, May 1, 2016, the Miami Dolphins partnered up with the AARP Foundation for their Million Meal Pack and energy was definitely inside of the building at the Don Taft University Center at Nova Southeastern University.
Over 5,000 volunteers signed up to help pack the meals for the residents of Florida. In the state of Florida alone one out of every five Floridians who are 50 and older are food insecure, meaning they don’t know where their next meal is coming from. While nationally over 15 million share the same problem.
“I think it says an awful a lot about this community. In this community {there’s} an absolute commitment to do right, to do good work together. One of the things I enjoy most about this event is the intergenerational nature. You have families, people from all ages from South Florida community helping their neighbors.”
– AARP Foundation President Julia Marsh Ryderson
We sometimes seem to forget that football is a game, and the Dolphins organization is one of those franchises that don’t. The organization constantly remembers to give back to the community. Whether they’re hosting their annual cancer challenge or visiting sick children in the hospital, they never have an excuse to not help their neighborhood. Since the organization is so heavy in community relations, it also trickles down to the players who help during these events.
“There are kids and even adults that look up to the Miami Dolphins. Just being out here shows that we care and we provide for the community…What better deed to do than end hunger?”
– Miami Dolphins cornerback Bobby McCain.
Furthermore, McCain wasn’t the only Dolphins player in attendance. All-Pro wide receiver Jarvis Landry was among the standouts in the crowd. Additionally, former Dolphins players such as fullback Lousaka Polite, and Nat Moore also helped pack meals.
In life, there aren’t many modern marvels greater than energy.
Energy is something that can’t be created nor destroyed. But what’s greatest about energy is that it’s something that’s contagious when enough of it is in the air. It was definitely contagious inside of the arena as the volunteers packed meals for elderly seniors. It’s also that same energy why a lot of people who attended the event already committed to next year’s event.
Thankfully, because the partnership between the AARP and the Miami Dolphins has worked so well, this event is something we’ll continue to see.
“We’re really really excited that we were able to announce today that we’ve extended our relationship, our fabulous partnership for an additional three years. It’s all about impacting the community and the Dolphins is a terrific organization because they have a one of a kind volunteer network. It’s one of a kind in the NFL.”
– Julia Ryderson
Even though the Dolphins haven’t played in a single game they keep continuing to win the offseason.
D’Joumbarey A. Moreau covers sports in Miami-Dade & Broward County. You can follow him on Twitter @DJoumbarey
