Among those attending the Trufant Bowling and Billiards Classic were Seahawks Rob Sims, Walter Jones, Russell Davis, Marcus Tubbs and Seneca Wallace.
Seattle Seahawk cornerback Marcus Trufant wants to make dreams come true. That's the reason he has sponsored the Marcus Trufant Bowling and Billiards Classic three years running.
Proceeds from the event will help children live their dreams. Those playing and learning at Boys & Girls clubs, those being treated at the Mary Bridge Children's Hospital and those receiving scholarships from the Trufant Family Foundation will benefit from the classic.
Trufant and his family established the foundation in 2003. The focus on dreams is in the mission statement: "To help make dreams come true for youth and their families by giving financial assistance and making a personal connection with individuals and to programs that provide services to people who are most in need."
This year, the foundation gave each high school in Tacoma $1,000 in Marcus Trufant Inspirational Scholarships; Wilson High School, which Trufant attended, received $3,000. A dinner/action gala in May attracted enough funding to give scholarships to all seven Tacoma high schools.
Those who dream about owning their own homes will also receive help: The foundation has raised $675,000 to assist with homeownership.
The bowling and billiard classic featured 25 Seahawks and offered participants the chance to bowl or play billiards with the players or the Sea Gals for a $250 donation. The donation also included a catered dinner, autographs, a photo with a player and a trophy.
Seahawks Maurice Morris and Chuck Darby
A silent auction featured numerous Seahawks' autographed memorabilia, such as jerseys, helmets, footballs, framed pictures and more. It was truly a Trufant affair: A special Marcus Trufant Signature Car was given away in a raffle, and Marcus' dad, Lloyd, and his band "Smooth" provided the music.
"The importance of the foundation is very important to me and my family," Marcus Trufant said. "The aim of the foundation is to make dreams come true. I do it to give back to the community that gave to me."
Trufant, a Tacoma native, realizes how important being part of a "community" is to kids.
"I'm from this area, and growing up I went to the Boys & Girls Club, but back then not a lot of athletes came in to speak to us. That's why I'm trying to give back. I try to stay active in the community, speaking to kids in schools and putting on events for youth," Trufant said.
Defensive tackle Marcus Tubbs agreed with Trufant.
"I feel anything my teammates do I will support, and this cause is important because it gives back to the community and helps kids," Tubbs said. "We're in a position to be able to help the less fortunate, and we need to do so."
Tubbs, along with defensive end Bryce Fisher and cornerback Kelly Jennings, each donated $1,000 to the foundation. Defensive tackle Chuck Darby donated $750.
"We wanted to come out and support Marcus and his foundation tonight because we're so blessed to be able to give back," said rookie guard Rob Sims. "Anytime you can help kids who are less fortunate is important to do so." For more information on the Trufant Family Foundation, visit www.marcustrufant.org.
