GreatNJ.com would like to extend a special "Thank You" to all our friends at the Rising Stars Foundation.

The Rising Stars Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization founded by Mike "Pops" Adams and Gerald Hayes. These two professional football players are committed to changing the lives of the inner-city children in their native Paterson, NJ. The organization provides academic, social, cultural, and life skills instruction and exposure for the kids who are most often "forgotten." The Rising Stars motto is "Reaching Back, While Moving Forward."

Team GreatNJ.com was proud to take part in Rising Stars' 3rd Annual, Celebrity Bowling Tournament that was held on Friday, June 26th. It was such a great feeling and so refreshing to see such truly giving athletes.

Rising Stars also held a FREE football camp on Saturday, June 27th. The camp provides an opportunity for inner-city youth to experience an NFL-style football camp that is staffed by some of the National Football League's premiere players.

To Gerald, Mike, organizers, Mr. Nehemiah Smith, and I'm proud to say an old teammate of mine, Mr. Mike Newell. May you be blessed with nothing but continued success and keep up the good fight for our children and our community.

GreatNJ.com members and visitors, I kindly ask you to please come out to an upcoming Rising Stars event and please support this fine organization and our children.