BBN Correspondent Laura Morejon covers the 6th Annual Jason Taylor Foundation Wiffle Blast Home Run Derby
Laura Morejon
January 30, 2023
In the words of Jason Taylor himself, “this is all for the kids, to see the kids learn, grow, and develop emotionally and mentally”, and this was the spirit felt by all at the Whiffle Blast 2023. This past Saturday the Bengal Broadcasting Network (BBN) received the opportunity to volunteer with the Jason Taylor Foundation for their annual whistle blast. For 6 years, the event has brought the community together not only to have Saturday filled with excitement, outdoor activities, and unity but also to bring awareness to those in our community who need it the most.
“...this is all for the kids, to see the kids learn, grow, and develop emotionally and mentally” - Jason Taylor
There we received the opportunity to talk to a couple of members of our community, all with the same goal -- and no it was not the first place whiffle blast trophy, but to help children going through pediatric cancer and emergencies through the Jason Taylor Foundation. We talked to Dr. Peter Antevy, one of the foundation's partners and the founder of the “Handtevy System”, a system designed to help emergency responders attend to children going through a cardiac arrest on site, and help save lives throughout the state of Florida. Dr. Antevy says it best when he says “ they have taken something negative and turned it into a positive. ” The foundation and its partners are helping the families of kids in need make the best out of their situation and give them hope when going through tough times.
"...the foundation and its partners are helping the families of kids in need..."
We also received the chance for an interview with Jason Taylor. Yes, the Jason Taylor -- the Pro Football Hall of fame member and the founder of the Jason Taylor Foundation. He shares his visions with us, for the event and the foundation: “To help kids, that's what it's all about, to give them the chance to learn, grow, and develop mentally and emotionally.” Thanks to his vision, and hard work from members such as former Dolphin Troy Drayton and JTF's Seth Levit, the kids from all across South Florida will be helped through this event and others like it, and they will receive the opportunity to, as Mr. Levit said, “ make their situations at least a bit better”.
In the fields we saw players of all ages, from kids to adults, all coming together to help this cause. OJ McDuffie, former NFL player for the Miami Dolphins highlights the enthusiasm held by players and organizers of the event: “we want to reach anyone who wants to come out here and give” and our community was ready to give, give it their best in the field but also give back. We thank the Jason Taylor Foundation for allowing us to document this event and congratulate the Sports Chiropractic and Natural Health Solutions teams led by Dr. Todd Rodman, who not only came up with the idea for Saturday’s event but also received his second win in the past 3 years ! As well as Jason Toss from the Casabella Design group on his win of the event’s Home Run Derby.
“We want to reach anyone who wants to come out here and give.” - O.J. McDuffie
BBN Correspondent Laura Morejon interviews JTF Founder, NFL Hall of Fame inductee, and Miami Dolphins great Jason Taylor:
