Central Texas Training Coalition and Brownwood Chief of Police Mike Corley are continuing efforts to bring former NBA star Chris Herren and his anti-drug message to kids and families of the Brown County area on August 31st. A fundraiser auction of autographed professional sports memorabilia along with donations from businesses and individuals are funding the event.
Chris Herren will be the keynote speaker of the Central Texas Training Coalition’s annual drug training seminar which provides professionals in social services continuing education units (CEUs). The training will offer CEU credits; however those interested in hearing Herren speak do not have to be a part of the training and in fact may listen to Herron free of charge, when he comes to the Brownwood Coliseum.
The auction that is helping to raise a large part of the funds for this event is underway on the Facebook page Brown County Drug Training. Items such as former Dallas Cowboy Tony Hill autographed football and collectors card, Texas Ranger Josh Hamilton autographed baseball and card, Texas Ranger’s Nolan Ryan autographed collectible 1993 autographed Rangers jersey, a recently added former Cowboy Bill Bates autographed football and Walt “No Neck” Williams autographed baseball (local athlete who played on Houston Colts, New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, and the Nippon Ham Fighters), are each available to the highest bidder. Pictures and bid updates are being posted as the auction progresses, which will end on July 22, 2012 at 8:00pm. Pictured at top is the Bill Bates “Back 2 Back Super Bowl” autographed football.
Additional items may be posted to the page, so visit the Brown County Drug Training Facebook page often to check your bid and see what else comes available.
Other autographed memorabilia from teams such as the Dallas Stars and Brownwood Lions 2012 football, basketball, soccer, and baseball teams and more will be available some time before the event and probably be offered through a silent auction at the event, said Central Texas Training Coalition Chairman of the Board Von Bates.
Of the event, Bates stated that area schools even extending into the surrounding counties have expressed interest in bringing their students to hear Herren speak.
“This has gotten to be a huge, huge event and I think it will be a powerful event,” said Bates. “We will do anything we can do help keep the kids of our community off of drugs and alcohol. If we can save one kid’s life, it will be worth it.”
Bates also expressed thanks during a recent coalition meeting stating that the City of Brownwood has contributed the use of the Brownwood Coliseum, at no cost, for the event.
Volunteers are also being sought for the day of the event to help with seating students in large groups. Bates stated that some students from TSTC have volunteered to help staff the event. She stated that some monetary support has even come from out of town, such as one donation from Richardson (where Corley was previously employed).
“Supporters from surrounding counties and some from out of town have been amazing,” said Bates. “It’s just amazing how when people learn who we are and that we are trying to make a difference in our community, the people want to support our efforts.”
According to Bates, the coalition has raised approximately one half of the funds needed to fund Herren’s appearance and travel expenses. Many more pledges have been made; however not yet received, so the coalition is still working hard to gather these and more. To donate, volunteer, or to place a bid on an auction item, visit the
