NFL linebacker Chris Draft and The Chris Draft Family Foundation have teamed up with Miami-Dade County Schools and United We Serve to offer a private screening of Academy Award Best Picture Nominee “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, honesty, 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 Miami communities will be accomplished, continuing the work the Chris Draft Family Foundation started in Buffalo with the character-based event.

On Friday, February 5 at 9:00 a.m., student-leaders from the Miami-Dade County Schools will be invited to a private showing of the hit film, “The Blind Side.” Following the movie, Draft will lead a discussion of the film, highlighting the theme of key character traits throughout the movie. After the event, each student will be asked to participate in an essay contest, with the winners getting the opportunity to have dinner with Draft. The students will be asked to write a one-page essay and submit it to their school administrators. The students were selected because of their leadership, academic, extracurricular activities and community service. Many of the students were also part of a Learn and Serve program, promoting community service in the Miami area.

“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.

About United We Serve and The Corporation for National and Community Service
"United We Serve" is a nationwide service initiative, through The Corporation for National and Community Service, that helps meet growing social needs resulting from the economic downturn. With the knowledge that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things when given the proper tools, President Obama is asking us to come together to help lay a new foundation for growth.  The Corporation for National and Community Service is a federal agency that improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. Each year, the Corporation engages four million Americans of all ages and backgrounds through its Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America programs. For more information, visit NationalService.gov.

About the National PTA
As the largest volunteer child advocacy association in the nation, National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) provides parents and families with a powerful voice to speak on behalf of every child and the best tools to help their children be safe, healthy, and successful - in school and in life.

About NFLPA
The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) is a non-profit, professional sports union that protects the best interests and welfare of all NFL players. It serves as the exclusive bargaining agent for all NFL players in collective bargaining. Established in 1956, the NFLPA has a long history of assuring proper recognition and representation of players' interests. The NFLPA is governed by a Board of Player Representatives, acting in accordance with the NFLPA Constitution and federal labor laws. The NFLPA's responsibilities include: Representing all players in matters concerning wages, hours and working conditions and protecting their rights as professional football players; Assuring that the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement are met; Negotiating and monitoring retirement and insurance benefits; Providing other member services and activities; Providing assistance to charitable and community organizations; Enhancing and defending the image of players and their profession, on and off the field.  For more information, visit http://www.nflplayers.com.