The Buccaneers Rookies continued their commitment to building strong Tampa communities on Tuesday, November 8 when they visited Metropolitan Ministries, a non-profit organization offering community programs that care for and promote dignity and self-sufficiency for homeless Tampa families.
Glazer Family Foundation Co-President, Darcie Glazer Kassewitz and The Buccaneers Rookie Club, including Vernon Hargreaves III, Noah Spence, Peyton Barber, Roberto Aguayo, Caleb Benenoch, Alan Cross, DaVonte Lambert, Ryan Smith, Channing Ward, Leonard Wester, Devante Bond, Rodney Coe, Javien Elliott, Trae Elston, Russell Hansbrough, and Isaiah Johnson along with Buccaneers Cheerleaders and Captain Fear dedicated their afternoon to encouraging homeless and at-risk youths at Metropolitan Ministries' Annual Fall Festival.
"The Bucs are so happy to be here supporting Metropolitan Ministries, said Glazer Kassewitz. "They do wonderful things in the community and we love to be a part of giving back to Tampa."
The Bucs have served as special guests for this event for more than 20 years. This year the Buccaneers spent time playing games, dancing, and taking part in arts and crafts with over 100 children from the center.
"We have a rich history with the Bucs Rookie Class," said Tim Marks, President and CEO of Metropolitan Ministries. "It's one of the best days for these children to see their heroes come here and give their time. It's a day these kids will never forget."
On Tuesday, November 8, Buccaneers Rookies visited Metropolitan Ministries to participate in a variety of activities with homeless and at-risk youth.
Buccaneers Trae Elston, RB Russell Hansborough, CB Javien Elliott, and DB Ryan Smith
Bucs DE Noah Spence, OL Caleb Benenoch, DB Ryan Smith, and DT Rodney Coe.
Buccaneers DB Ryan Smith and LB Devante Bond
Buccaneers DB Ryan Smith
Buccaneers DE Noah Spence
Buccaneers Trae Elston, and DB Ryan Smith
Buccaneers TE Alan Cross
Buccaneers K Roberto Aguayo
Buccaneers CB Vernon Hargreaves III
Buccaneers LB Devante Bond and CB Javien Elliott
Buccaneers Trae Elston
Buccaneers DB Ryan Smith and CB Javien Elliott
Buccaneers LB Devante Bond
Buccaneers S Isaiah Johnson
Buccaneers DB Ryan Smith and CB Javien Elliott
Buccaneers K Roberto Aguayo
Buccaneers RB Russell Hansborough
Buccaneers Trae Elston
Buccaneers DT DeVonte Lambert
Buccaneers Trae Elston
Buccaneers TE Alan Cross and CB Javien Elliott
Buccaneers DT Rodney Coe and TE Alan Cross
Buccaneers DT Rodney Coe, TE Alan Cross, and CB Javien Elliott
Buccaneers OL Caleb Benenoch and CB Vernon Hargreaves III
Buccaneers T Leonard Wester
Buccaneers Trae Elston
Buccaneers T Leonard Wester
Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, Co-President of the Glazer Family Foundation
Buccaneers RB Russell Hansborough, Trae Elston, DB Ryan Smith, TE Alan Cross
Buccaneers CB Javien Elliot
Buccaneers CB Javien Elliott
Buccaneers TE Alan Cross
Buccaneers DB Ryan Smith
Buccaneers K Roberto Aguayo
Buccaneers DB Ryan Smith
Buccaneers T Leonard Wester
Buccaneers DE Channing Ward
Buccaneers K Roberto Aguayo
Throughout the year, Bucs Rookies participate in many philanthropic activities to support active and retired military, inspire underprivileged youth, and promote healthy lifestyles for local children. The rookies have already visited MacDill Air Force Base, hosted Play 60 Drills with the children of the Jackson Heights NFL Y.E.T. Center, gone bowling with the Tampa Fire Rescue, and surprised Moffitt Cancer Center Patients with a morning visit.
The Buccaneers Rookie Club is part of Bucs for a Better Bay, the Buccaneers far reaching commitment to improving Tampa communities. The Club encourages community outreach for the rookies, and it is evident, from their Metropolitan Ministries visit, how important community involvement has become to this year's group.
Bucs Rookie Vernon Hargreaves was especially grateful for the opportunity. "It's a great experience to be out in the community and help people out in need. In the long run we could be changing some kid's life."
