Michael J. Redden, Abilene
We appreciate the Abilene Reporter-News’ recent coverage of the Ruff Riders’ 2010 season and the excitement generated for indoor football. With the recent change in ownership, the question has been asked: “Why would three of the partners of this football team be from a local nonprofit?”
I was concerned that my involvement with the partnership had caused confusion between my role with the Abilene Ruff Riders and New Horizons. But over the last couple of weeks I have realized that there is a larger picture that defines my personal goal, “to help children.”
At New Horizons we work extremely hard to establish healthy relationships between children and families. It is just as important to create relationships between children and their role models.
For example, the NFL supports the United Way and the NBA has its own charity called “NBA Cares.” Coach Gerald Dockery and the Ruff Riders understand the importance of giving back to the community, and have worked with New Horizons in the past by hosting football camps and giving tickets to Abilene Ruff Rider games for the children.
It is important for me to note that there is no legal or financial connection between New Horizons and the Ruff Riders, just a personal one. However, all partners have agreed that if the team makes any money, a significant portion will be contributed to support New Horizons.
NOTE: Michael J. Redden is executive director of New Horizons and a partner in Big Country Professional Sports Association LLC, which owns the Abilene Ruff Riders.
