“I saw myself in those kids,” Gardner-Johnson said of his visit. “I was once looking for help and got it, so now why not give the guidance to people who need it as well? It keeps your mind positive, because if you keep it on negative stuff, you are not gonna grow. So it is about positivity, uplifting and empowering.”
Gardner-Johnson felt such a strong connection to that group of young men at Chicago Urban Prep that through his foundation that he started this year, Ceedy Cares, he purchased 17 tickets for the entire BAM circle to attend the Bears’ win over the Giants Nov. 9. Over the past several weeks, Gardner-Johnson has continued building on that support, including dedicating his My Cause My Cleats support to Youth Guidance, creating a Tackling Chapters initiative to provide books for local schools and making more visits to BAM circles throughout the city.
That hands-on support culminated in Ceedy Cares hosting a fundraising gala for the Youth Guidance programs Monday on the city’s West Side. Bears staff, community members and a variety of schools that are impacted by BAM and WOW were among those in attendance.
“The youth is greatly impacted by music, influencers, celebrities, so I want to get them a different light, and bring them a different type of attention,” Gardner-Johnson said. “We play for one of the most historic franchises in America and it is kind of an understatement to people. Kids need to see that they have got another opportunity besides just — and I say this with all respect — street life, the gun violence, the gang violence.
“So we are trying to bring them something different, because if I can make it out of a place that is not well-populated with crazy education or people that can help get you to the next level, anyone can. Being at this level and giving back really means more, because I can spread that light to people that need it.”
Gardner-Johnson was supported by a plethora of his new Bears family members, including Wright, President & CEO Kevin Warren, special advisor to the President/CEO & chief administrative officer Ted Crews, executive vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion & chief impact officer Tanesha Wade, director of equipment Tony Medlin, director of player engagement Erika Marmolejo and player engagement coordinator Brice McAllister, among others.