There was an amazing article about David Tyree back on February 11 in a New York Times story written by that talks about why and how he decided that he needed to change his life after his arrest for drug possession in 2004. Now he is planning to write a book about the changes in his life after he was arrested, which he believes could have been the best thing that ever happened to him.
David Tyree with his wife, Leilah, and sons, Teyon, left, and Josiah. He and his wife run a nonprofit group that counsels teenagers. (Photo by Suzanne DeChillo/The New York Times)
He is also involved with a variety of charities, including Children of the City, which helps children and their families overcome poverty in Southwest Brooklyn. The work he does offers such hope to the kids in this program, because they can relate to his real experiences as a teenager, when he was addicted to alcohol. Based in Sunset Park, the program has offered help and services to thousands of underprivileged inner-city children and their families to achieve success in education, social relationships, at home, in finances and careers through the dedication of many volunteers like David.
When I read the article, it reminded me that I too had some issues to overcome in my past, and thanks to the work I do with my charities, including being on the Board of Children of the City and the Joe DiMaggio Committee for Xaverian High School, my Alma Mater, life is so much more fulfilled.
The Times article said Tyree was a moonlighting drug dealer who became a born-again Christian ... a child who drank alcohol and smoked marijuana with his family who turned into a sober father and husband . Just like many of the families and kids at Children of the City, transformation is the key word here.
Tyree also made this statement in another article, "Since learning about Children of the City, I have admired the aggressive approach it has taken in helping our young people. I only seek to do my best in community service with an organization that operates in excellence."
One success story there is about Erica, who never goes anywhere without a book since joining Children of the City’s Create Success Program.
“I tell other kids how nice it is to get help with your homework and reading at Children of the City”, comments the soft spoken fifth grader," she said. After just a few months, her grades improved dramatically and she learned to love reading.
It is stories like this that is the reason David Tyree will be getting that award tonight at our annual fundraiser and gala. Here's yet another brief blurb Tuesday in the NY Daily News about it that appeared about the event yesterday, which I am truly honored to be part of.
"New York Giants Super Bowl hero David Tyree and local businessman and Bay Ridge resident Rocco Basile will be honored Thursday at the Children of the City's Night of Champions Benefit Gala." Currently Children of the City reaches over 2,000 children and youth in Sunset Park every year, but also serves 900 children monthly through home visits from volunteers.
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