Lamarr Houston has been named this week's NFL Players Association Community MVP for his continued efforts in the mission to prevent child abuse and neglect.
Houston's latest initiative took place Sept. 30, when he traded in his cleats for bowling shoes during his second annual "Kick-off for Kids" in Illinois. The bowling event, which Houston hosted in conjunction with the Prevent Child Abuse America, raised $150,000 for PCAA family programming nationwide.
Houston's charitable drive and passion for healthy children and families extends beyond one organization and event. Along with PCAA, the seventh-year NFL veteran regularly sponsors families through the Salvation Army and is active with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
"As a father of two young boys, the services and programming that Prevent Child Abuse America implements nationwide to improve the well-being of our children and to prevent child abuse and neglect is especially important to me," Houston said. "I have really enjoyed working with them and being honored by the NFLPA as their Community MVP this week is an incredible honor."
Bears teammates who attended Houston's bowling fundraiser included De'Vante Bausby, Daniel Braverman, Kyle Fuller, Alshon Jeffery, Cameron Meredith, Roy Robertson-Harris, Deonte Thompson, John Timu and Marquess Wilson.
Houston sweetened the pot by donating a set of tickets to the Bears' Oct. 16 home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
"The Kick-off for Kids is our only annual fundraising event and helps us fund evidence-based programming here in Chicago," said Dan Duffy, President and CEO of Prevent Child Abuse America. "Thanks to Lamarr, this year's event was our most successful, raising a record amount for our organization."
On behalf of its sponsor Delta Private Jets, the NFLPA will make an in-kind donation to PCAA for Houston being named this week's Community MVP.
The NFLPA Community MVP program recognizes NFL players who are making a positive impact in their local communities. Each week during the regular season, the NFLPA will celebrate one active NFL player who has demonstrated a commitment to giving back to his community.
