The only man in the world with five Super Bowl rings was at the Waxahachie,
Texas, Civic Center to speak at the annual Burger Dinner fund-raiser for The
Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Waxahachie. Charles Haley, who
earned three Super Bowl rings with the Dallas Cowboys and two with the San
Francisco 49ers, talked about growing up poor in Lynchburg, Va. His football
skills gave him the chance to go to college, but he needed remedial help with
reading and writing to make it through. If he had the advantage of being in a
Boys & Girls Club as a child, Haley said, things might have been better for
him educationally. Haley also shared his personal testimony of coming to know
Jesus Christ in the past year. He credits this decision to helping him change
his life overall, as he regrets the decisions and choices he once made.
At the end of the program, Haley signed autographs and posed for pictures
with event guests. Before Haley's speech, Mayor Ron Wilkinson shared a few
thoughts and memories about The Salvation Army. Wilkinson shared with the
audience about how The Salvation Army was originally started in London by
William Booth. Today, The Salvation Army is worldwide. Wilkinson thanked The
Salvation Army in Waxahachie for its hard work and commitment to Ellis
County.
During the program, awards were presented to members of The Salvation Army
Boys & Girls Club. Damien Rogers was recognized for the Honor Day
Camper award. An award was given to Christian Cooper, who earned the most
points during the recent day camp. Logan Holubec received an award for
memorizing the most Bible verses. Heath Simms, county commissioner,
conducted a live auction at the event. Simms auctioned off autographed
merchandise and a New Mexico vacation package. Guests also enjoyed a silent
auction. Proceeds raised from the auctions will directly support The
Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club. The Salvation Army Boys & Girls
Club provides a safe and positive environment for children in the Waxahachie
community. Children receive academic tutoring, homework assistance,
opportunities to be involved in recreational activities, attend character
building courses and go on field trips.
Kristin Bowman