DolFans met at Abacoa's
Jumby Bay Island Grill Thursday December
11, 2008, to support The John Yancy Memorial
Scholarships. Dwight Stephenson was available
for autographs and photographs, courtesy
of Alberto Ramirez. The 1998 Hall of Fame,
Class of 1998, All- pro and All-AFC player
signed helmets, footballs, banners, anything
a Dolfan brought in. Fans were able to share
a little "one on one" conversation with
Dwight. He shared life experiences, his
trials after his career changing injury
and his decision to abandon the NFL to start
a new career in construction, here in South
Florida. Dolfan, Brian Klaiber, was so impressed
by Dwight's personable, down to earth demeanor
he suggests; "If you ever have an opportunity
to meet him, do it!" If you ask a Dolfan
about Dwight Stephenson, they will tell
you he had incredible talent. It is unheard
of being inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame
after just 8 years! Fans believe Stephenson
to be the best "Center" ever!
Fans arrived early and left late, feasting
on the fabulous Jumby Bay cuisine. The excitement
continued right up until the announcement
of raffle and silent auction winners; items
included: autographed Hall of Fame mini
helmets, footballs and banners. Bonanza
Sports and Collectibles of Jupiter donated
many of the items. There was something for
the ladies too. Gardens Cosmetic Center
of Palm Beach Gardens donated a series of
Laser Hair removal treatments, as well as
items from Arbonne and Mary Kay.
Radio stations, ESPN and WJTW, donated advance
advertisement and the Miami Dolphins, LTD
donated a John Beck autographed ball.
Dwight was seen this season: during Miami
Dolphins' games, promoting "Tobacco Free
Florida", which meshes, quite impressively,
with Memorial Scholarships' theme of raising
funds and awareness for The John Yancy Memorial
Scholarships, using John's last words, "don't
smoke or EVER do drugs for me." John's scholarships
benefit Jupiter Community High School students,
both past and present, with the Continuing
Education Grant and the Senior Award, respectively.
The next event for John's scholarship is
the second Yancy Memorial Scholarship Festival
of Plays in the Jupiter High School Auditorium,
Saturday, February 14, 2009 at 1 PM. This
event encourages Jupiter High Drama students
to write, direct, produce and perform a
"one act play" using John's last words.
The Jupiter High School Drama department
selects 6 plays to be performed at the festival.
Memorial Scholarships gives $75 to the 6
selected writers for production. A select
panel of judges determines the top three
winners, awarding cash prizes of $250, $175
and $125 to the writers.
For more information on the John Yancy Memorial
Scholarships or in Memorial Scholarships,
Inc., check us out on the web at
www.johnyancyscholarship.org.
