May 22nd, 2019, New York, NY
Saquon Barkley, running back for the NY Giants hosted 40 Covenant House New Jersey youth for a night of dinner and bowling at Bowlmor in Times Square.
In a private room on the fourth floor, Barkley, his family and Allison Stangeby, Vice President of Community Relations of the New York Giants had a chance to bowl with the youth and staff of CHNJ. Engaging in 4 hours of conversations, taking pictures, signing anything from shoes, footballs and hats and he did it all with a smile.
Some youth who said they had never gone bowling before had a chance for their first time to be with the NFL football player. One youth even celebrated his 21st birthday.
Since being drafted by the Giants, even before his first game Barkley made Covenant House NJ his charity of choice. He hosted 3 youth for every home game in the 2018 season. He also did a meet and greet with each group following games. But his big gift at the end of the season was taking our youth and staff out for a night in New York City.
“This is just who he is,” his father Alibay Barkley said during the evening.
The New York Giants have been a huge supporter and partner of CHNJ supporting efforts in the Young Professional Sleep Out that took place in March 2019, donating clothes and gear to the shelter after the season and working alongside CHNJ with a goal of really making a difference in the lives of our youth.
While Barkley might be one of the younger players on the field, winning multiple rookie of the year awards, his strength lies in his character and the things he does off the field for his community. He sets not just an example for teammates but for all players in the NFL, fans, friends and family alike.
