Make-A-Wish Colorado
The Broncos and Make-A-Wish Colorado have worked together for years to help make wishes from children with life-threatening illnesses come true. This February Make-A-Wish hosted a Sporting Affair Celebrity Waiter Dinner, and the Broncos organization was very well represented.
Current Broncos players Von Miller, T.J. Ward, Mitch Unrein, Paul Cornick, Jordan Norwood, and OL Coach James Cregg all served as Celebrity Waiters. They were joined by Broncos alums Billy Thompson, Daniel Graham, Frank Robinson, Joel Dreeson and Larry Brunson. The evening included a silent and live auction with many Broncos' memorabilia items up for grabs. When all was said and done, the Sporting Affair Celebrity Waiter Dinner raised $255,000.
Check out Make-A-Wish wish stories to see how Peyton Manning and Champ Bailey have made some wishes for young Broncos fans come true.
#Broncos past and present! Larry Brunson, @BossWard43 & Billy Thompson at @WishColorado Sporting Affair! #BeAChampion pic.twitter.com/3DnuYgdkDZ
— Broncos Off Field (@BroncosOffField) February 27, 2015
.@BossWard43 & #Broncos players and staff at @WishColorado surprised Gio, who met Peyton for his wish, w/a game ball! pic.twitter.com/pNDh0EwWHm
— Broncos Off Field (@BroncosOffField) February 27, 2015
Von Miller and T.J. Ward both have active foundations (Von's Vision and T.J. Ward Foundation) as do many other Broncos players.
David Bruton in the schools and on the basketball court
The news is filled with stories about athletes ingesting illegal substances, so it's nice every now and then to hear about an athlete promoting a good old-fashioned breakfast. Broncos' safety David Bruton and Miles the mascot made an appearance at a local K-8 school in early March to teach the kids the value of eating breakfast and staying physically active.
#Broncos safety @D_Brut30 and @5280Miles talk to kids about the importance of breakfast during School Breakfast Week! pic.twitter.com/FeTtlIP2gg
— USDA Nutrition (@USDANutrition) March 4, 2015
Bruton told the kids "When you put the right stuff in your body, it’s not just helping you today, It sets you up for success in the future, too."
I'm guessing these youngsters might listen to the guy in the Broncos jersey (who also told them how much he enjoys snowboarding and cycling) with a little more enthusiasm than their own parents and teachers!
Bruton has also been hanging out with the Harlem Globetrotters this offseason. Because why not?
Coolin it with @Globies before the game here at the Pepsi Center with @manleyphone pic.twitter.com/cDJDnnk2JQ
— David BRUTON JR. (@D_Brut30) March 7, 2015
Other Broncos out in the community
Brandon Marshall, or as I like to call him "The" Brandon Marshall, has spent part of his offseason reading to young kids and wide receiver Nathan Palmer has been spending time with the kids at the Boys & Girls Club.
Thank you @RealNaPalm from @Broncos for making a positive impact in Club member's lives! #GreatFutures #BroncoNation pic.twitter.com/ZDopLc7t09
— Boys & Girls Club (@bgcsjc) March 4, 2015
Finally, if you have a young Bronco fan who would like to get some tips from Demaryius Thomas this summer it's time to register for DT's annual youth football camp.
According to the ProCamp: Participants will learn fundamental football skills and have the opportunity to meet and interact with the star wide receiver. Each camper will receive an autograph from Demaryius and a team photo with Demaryius.
Here's a look at last year's camp with Demaryius.
Demaryius Thomas having a blast with the kids at his youth camp at Mullen High School. pic.twitter.com/dfvf5Chqb6
— Aaron Matas (@AaronMatas) May 18, 2014
In addition to a successful FA, draft, and training camp I hope Broncos players keep up all the good work they are doing in Colorado and their home towns.