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Donovan McNabb & Tamara Kells
As you may remember, I began a quest to get sports memorabilia to our troops after a reader told me about her recently deployed son, Rick Alvaro. My research assistant, Michele Buono, & I went to Philadelphia to meet with both the Eagles & the Phillies. Normally, I don't write in the first person. However, this is a special circumstance. This is the account of what happened that day, Wednesday the 26th.
We arrived at Novacare Center around 11:45 pm & decided to take a picture of the building. Michele wanted to wait until “that guy gets out of the way”. As the man approached, it hit me. I stuck out my hand & said, “Mr. McNabb? Hello, my name is Tamara Kells & I’m with the Examiner.” Yup, it was THE Donovan McNabb. He was very sweet, & posed with me for the picture seen at right.
It was then on to Derek Boyko, Director of Eagles Media Services, who was also very, very nice. He brought out a box that must weigh 50 pounds. Inside were genuine Philadelphia Eagles t-shirts, in all sizes, styles & colors. Mr. Boyko, nor the Eagles, wanted any special recognition for this generous donation. He didn’t want the story to be about him or the organization. In his words, “What you’re doing is really great. Let me know if you need anything else.”
From there, it was on to Citizens Bank Park. We met with Scott Palmer, Director of Phillies Public Affairs, who took us on a behind the scenes tour of the ball park (pictures are in the slide show below). We went to his office where we discussed what they’re doing for the troops.
The Phillies, in fact, do a great deal to support our troops. They work behind the scenes, & like the Eagles, prefer not to publicize their efforts. But I pressed for something for Ricky’s unit. Mr. Palmer asked for his APO address, & has promised to forward a special package to them. I received a confirmation email from him this morning. I’ll let you know when they receive it & what it contains.
Next, I plan to request merchandise from the 76ers & the Flyers. After the warm reception we received by the other teams, I’m sure I’ll be able to report the same.
So, it was quite the busy day for Michele & I. Friends & family are just thrilled we made it back in one piece, & that no major damage was inflicted upon the city. She was, after, the “Ethel” to my Brunette Lucy for the day (the full account is on my blog, The Brunette Lucy)!
Look for my interview with Kurt Landes, General Manager of Lehigh Valley’s Iron Pigs.
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