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.
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Buccaneers Trae Elston, RB Russell Hansborough, CB Javien Elliott, and DB Ryan Smith
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Bucs DE Noah Spence, OL Caleb Benenoch, DB Ryan Smith, and DT Rodney Coe.
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Buccaneers DB Ryan Smith and LB Devante Bond
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Buccaneers DB Ryan Smith
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Buccaneers DE Noah Spence
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Buccaneers Trae Elston, and DB Ryan Smith
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Buccaneers TE Alan Cross
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Buccaneers K Roberto Aguayo
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Buccaneers CB Vernon Hargreaves III
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Buccaneers LB Devante Bond and CB Javien Elliott
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Buccaneers Trae Elston
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Buccaneers DB Ryan Smith and CB Javien Elliott
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Buccaneers LB Devante Bond
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Buccaneers S Isaiah Johnson
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Buccaneers DB Ryan Smith and CB Javien Elliott
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Buccaneers K Roberto Aguayo
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Buccaneers RB Russell Hansborough
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Buccaneers Trae Elston
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Buccaneers DT DeVonte Lambert
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Buccaneers Trae Elston
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Buccaneers TE Alan Cross and CB Javien Elliott
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Buccaneers DT Rodney Coe and TE Alan Cross
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Buccaneers DT Rodney Coe, TE Alan Cross, and CB Javien Elliott
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Buccaneers OL Caleb Benenoch and CB Vernon Hargreaves III
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Buccaneers T Leonard Wester
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Buccaneers Trae Elston
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Buccaneers T Leonard Wester
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Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, Co-President of the Glazer Family Foundation
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Buccaneers RB Russell Hansborough, Trae Elston, DB Ryan Smith, TE Alan Cross
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Buccaneers CB Javien Elliot
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Buccaneers CB Javien Elliott
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Buccaneers TE Alan Cross
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Buccaneers DB Ryan Smith
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Buccaneers K Roberto Aguayo
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Buccaneers DB Ryan Smith
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Buccaneers T Leonard Wester
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Buccaneers DE Channing Ward
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Buccaneers K Roberto Aguayo
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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."