In partnership with several school systems, The Chris Draft Family Foundation implemented a program called A Discussion and A Movie.  Through this program, we have extended invitations to high school students across the country to attend private screenings of “The Great Debaters” in 2008 and now “The Blind Side.”

“The Blind Side” is based on a true story which depicts the story of Michael Oher, a teenager who is surviving on his own, virtually homeless, when he is spotted on the street by Leigh Anne Tuohy.  Learning that the young man is one of her daughter’s classmates, Leigh Anne insists that Michael—wearing shorts and a t-shirt in the dead of winter—come out of the cold. Without a moment’s hesitation, she invites him to stay at the Tuohy home for the night. What starts out as a gesture of kindness turns into something more as Michael becomes part of the Tuohy family despite the differences in their backgrounds.

Living in his new environment, the teen faces a completely different set of challenges to overcome. And as the family helps Michael fulfill his potential, both on and off the football field, Michael’s presence in the Tuohys’ lives leads them to some insightful self-discoveries of their own.

Chris Draft and The Chris Draft Family Foundation have teamed up with the Los Angeles Unified School District to offer a private screening of “The Blind Side” in an effort to promote the development of the following traits as pillars that build positive and productive men and women: compassion, courage, honest, perseverance, respect, responsible and self-discipline.  Through the attainment of these positive character traits, the partnership’s goal of encouraging the achievement of academic success, leadership and positive change in Los Angeles communities will be accomplished.

The movie screening will be held on Friday, February 26, 2010 at AMC Magic Johnson Crenshaw 15.  The screening is paired with an essay contest which encourages students to use the film as a vehicle to convey their thoughts about history, current events, perseverance and other positive character traits.