Pulling for
Kids
T
hey kick the dirt and plant their heels, rub their hands and grab the rope. Spectators lean in as the whistle is blown to see whose strength will prevail. Eight years and going strong, the Pull For a Kid fundraiser is definitely a different kind of charity event than your usual dinner dance and live auction. This tug-of-war contest between 5 member teams made up of both men and women takes place at Howard Coffin Park on what is usually a brisk winter morning. Teams from Cross Fit Grit, Vello Brew, BHS Girls Soccer Team, Hammerhead Rugby, Donna Langford CPAs, Southern Soul Barbeque, Omcore Yoga, Tipsy McSway’s, Roller Derby Dolls and a few others have been coming out regularly to fight for bragging rights. Pull for a Kid Inc. founder and event organizer Brent Nichols says, “It has grown from 5 teams to me capping the number at 18 total.” Nichols is often among the competitors as well, the seasoned veteran rugby player’s large muscular build and smiling face is hard to miss. Pull For A Kid, Inc. is a non-profit organization that was founded to assist local children in need to attend after-school and summer break day camp options. “It began,” explains Nichols, who is a licensed professional counselor in Brunwick, “in response to a 3rd grade boy, living on Albany Street who was pulled off his porch and savagely beaten by a homeless addict. He suffered cuts, broken bones and a fractured skull.” Brent says with help from fellow rugby team members, “We steam cleaned the bloody front porch, assisted with transportation for the mom to go to Shands hospital to be with her son, and provided food for the family. That attack happened after school during the daytime.” No child should have to go through that when there are after-school (continues)
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ELEGANT ISLAND LIVING
