hen you
think of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and Wrestlemania, with all
their bigger-than-life bluster and bravado, you don’t usually think of
philanthropy, now do you? Well, that had a chance to change recently when
the City Council awarded a proclamation to the WWE for its many
humanitarian efforts that are carried out rather quietly all over the
country and world, including right here in New York City, under the
guidance of Mr. Vince McMahon and his family.
For
example, WWE Superstars and the Make-a-Wish Foundation take part in over
200 events each year for terminally ill children. In 2000, the WWE
participated in the "Smackdown Your Vote" campaign, encouraging young
fans to register and vote. It is continuing the campaign for this year’s
election.
Further, in the wake of the US war against Iraq, last summer the WWE
began "Christmas in Baghdad" in conjunction with the USO and Armed
Forces Entertainment. Through it, they raised $80,000 for families of
fallen men and women in the Armed Services, which they distributed over
the past holiday season.
WWE’s dedication to their fans and the community is also evident in its
"Get R.E.A.L." program focusing on Respect, Education, Achievement and
Leadership. It brings WWE Superstars into junior and senior high schools
to deliver positive messages on education, literacy, safety and goal
setting. The WWE will now be introducing its "Get R.E.A.L.: Safe
Schools" program in the Bronx, Harlem and Brooklyn, aiming at
maintaining a safe school environment by using peer to peer interaction
and leadership activities.
Majority Whip Leroy Comrie introduced several of the Wrestlemania
Superstars who were there to accept the award. He stated, "I just want
to remind everyone that to reach a child, we need to do that by any
means necessary. We need to have Superstars like these come to our
schools, talk to the children and present positive role models.
I’m
proud of these people and glad to have them show the other side of the
WWE."
Among the wrestlers accepting the proclamation was Booker T, who
spoke movingly about what it means to him – once a troubled kid himself
- to be able to reach out to wayward children through his work with the
WWE. "I see there are a lot of troubled youth not only here, but around
the world, and hopefully I can do my part to help those kids get on the
right path and to see that light at the end of the tunnel," he said.
Eddie Guerrero, holder of the coveted WWE Championship Belt, added,
"I know that this life is a better life when it’s about love and service
to one another. Being a part of a company like World Wrestling
Entertainment that gives back to the community makes me feel proud, and
I want to thank the City of New York for acknowledging WWE and it’s
efforts to give back."
