THE BARBO LEGACY OF GIVING
Giving IS Receiving. That’s what friend, mentor and confidant John Warner taught me in my first year as a Denver Barbarian in 2012. In my decade with the club, I’ve seen it with my own eyes. It happens in many ways, shapes and forms, but always has the ethos of selflessness that is key to philanthropy.
Here are some examples I’ve witnessed from the past decade of the men in Green & White giving back.
Players turn into coaches after they retire.
Long time Barbo players Steve LaPorta, Jason Kelly & Jone Naciqa are now the coaches for our 7’s program. Our club President Danny Bell and GM Mike Pisney both played for the 2018 Championship XV’s team. They all now spend countless of unpaid hours giving back to the club. Whether it’s with a whistle in hand, or organizing off the pitch via emails and calls, these men pay it forward.
Coaches found youth rugby organizations to grow the grassroots game. The Denver Lions are a local youth rugby club co-founded by Jamie Graves and other Barbos to help accelerate the growth of the game. Charles Ajarrista began coaching for the Denver Lions in 2014. He convinced me to come out and begin my coaching career with 5-12 year olds. Years later, I know coach high-school, college & mens club levels. I can thank guys like Jamie Graves and Charles Ajarrista for opening up a door and pushing me through.
Old boys sponsor new player club dues. Back in 2012, when I was a rookie, the club treasurer tapped me on the shoulder and told me my dues were taken care of. I later found out that Tyson Meek ( who was regularly attending games) decided he liked the way I played, and wanted me to stay around. A decade later, I still remember that act of giving and do my best to follow suit.
Current players go above and beyond for their community. Feeding the homeless at community food banks (see above and below pictures), donating time and volunteering at community events, … sometimes just being there for a fellow teammate and club member. Each year, the active players want to help their community because they know the mantra … Giving IS Recieving.
A group of Denver Barbarians donate their time at a community food bank.
No one act of philanthropy is greater than another. They all have their purpose and meaning in the landscape of Giving. Our team is headed to St. Louis this weekend to try and win a National Championship. They’ve put their blood, sweat & tears into this season, and they’re hungry to end it in a way they only know how …. Giving back to the Barbo Family and stamping another Championship into our club’s great history.
If you’re still reading this, I hope you can do your part and contribute to the cause. Click the LINK HERE and please make whatever financial contribution you can. We thank you for taking part in our Legacy of Giving.