Champions of Change, a fundraising coalition started by three former Seahawk players, supports various community organizations, including the Odessa Brown Children’s Clinics (OBCC). OBCC’s one-stop approach means children in Seattle can receive robust, quality healthcare in one place regardless of ability to pay.
“It’s been a staple in the community for so long,” said former Seahawk Cliff Avril. “They do so many things. I think the biggest thing for me, what has attracted me to OBCC and the work that they’ve been doing, is the fact that it’s a one-stop-shop.”
The Othello and Central District clinics offer a variety of care, including physical, behavioral, and dental treatment. This includes specialty services like sports medicine, physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and nutrition. OBCC has teams reaching out to families and schools in the community to spread awareness about services and how they can help.
“It’s so important for kids to be able to come in,” said Antwanette Lyons, manager for community health programs and advocacy at OBCC. “Oftentimes, families aren’t able to get in right away to see us, and that can lead to so many different things.”
The Champions of Change Celebrity Basketball Game will bring attention to OBCC and other charities the coalition, started by Avril, Michael Bennett, and Doug Baldwin, supports.
“A lot of people are from Seattle, but they might not know the work that Odessa Brown is doing,” Avril said. “It’s important for us to shed light on them and show that they are a pillar in the community. And, we have to continue to support.”
The game will be held June 26 at Climate Pledge Arena and will feature fan-favorite Seattle athletes. In addition to Avril, Bennett, and Baldwin, coaches and participants include Jamal Crawford, Richard Sherman, Sue Bird, Gary Payton, and Marshawn Lynch.
“There’s a text message thread going between all of us talking trash,” Avril said. “We’re really playing. It’s going to get competitive.”
For OBCC, Champions of Change’s support means helping more kids get medical services in the community.
“It’s just a continuation of the last 50 years of the work that we’ve been doing in the community to support our families,” Lyons said. “To make sure, regardless of their ability to pay, they can come in to receive quality care with dignity.”
To learn more about the Champions of Change Celebrity Basketball Game and to buy tickets, visit the Champions of Change website.
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