Quote:
Originally Posted by Garcia Bronco
You might not, but WE do.
If someone were to organize it and or get the Chiefs involved, I'd be willing to pledge 200.00 dollars toward the park.
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It really is great when you see rival fans realize that in this particular case, some players transcend the jersey they happen to wear. Chiefs were very lucky to be the team that #37 played for. Thanks Garcia Bronco.
Pam suggested a page on Facebook to me - the Joe Delaney Memorial Project. Seeing some early interest already here, decided to inquire within. Here's the thread from yesterday of that - looks like the biggest obstacle facing it is the stagnant Haughton local government unable/unwilling to get this off the ground. So here's what was written and as you'll see, I suggested they come here as there still exists widespread support for this.
Conversation started Sunday
2:38pm
Adam Jassey
This is a very worthy endeavor you and your organization are pursuing.
From 1999-2004, I was the founder of the 37 Forever Foundation. It was a group of nationwide Chiefs fans committed to seeing Joe Delaney would never be forgotten and be given his just due by the Chiefs; something that was obviously lacking as the memory of him definitely had disappeared in Kansas City.
This non profit organization relentlessly lobbied the Chiefs to do the right thing. A website was formed and it began to bring attention from national media outlets. Without question it climaxed on the 20th Anniversary of the Tragedy, as SportsCenter did a 10 minute feature on Delaney. I was consulted and gave them Delaney memorabilia that they used. Also Rick Reilly penned a feature on that weeks Sports Illustrated. The Chiefs were no longer able to snub our good intentions and two months later they announced that Joe Delaney would be inducted into the Chiefs Ring of Fame. At the 101 Banquet in Kansas City in March, 2004, Delaney finally got his just due. There at the table with Carolyn Delaney and their children as their guests sat myself and a few dedicated members of 37 Forever. It was really just a surreal experience, just as it is when we travel out to Arrowhead and see his name there in the Ring of Fame. There is absolutely no doubt that if not for 37 Forever, he would still have been forgotten.
37 Forever also found another calling with this project and that was partnering with the American Red Cross to provide for free swim lessons for the underprivileged kids in the Kansas City, Haughton, Monroe and other Louisiana areas. Dozens if not a few hundred kids benefited from this.
Not sure if you knew about this. Until yesterday, we didn't know about you.
Though 37 Forever ceased operations, I know that for your project we could definitely put you in the touch with the right people that could maybe just maybe help this get off the ground.
If interested, lemme know but without question THE place to really go after in hot pursuit HAS to be Northwestern State. Joe Delaney is a treasure to that university and we had their endless support. Matter of fact, any of these contacts - if you threw 37 Forever Foundation out there, I'm certain they still remember years later what was done.
Congrats again on everything you have done so far and hopefully I (and other former 37 Forever Foundation members) can help assist you in making your dream come true.
37 Forever
Sunday
5:49pm
Joe Delaney Memorial Park Project
This is from Tina Jolley. Thanks for your info. I appreciate it. I am in the middle of something today but i wanted u to know i appreciate your time in writing. I will keep all that u said in mind. I have some appointments i will be making with some of my legislators to work on this project. Once again thank you.
5:57pm
Joe Delaney Memorial Park Project
Thank you Adam for taking the time to tell me about this. I would love to have you as part of this effort with me. After reading above, It is clear to me, that I need more people like you if I am going to reach the goals that we have for this effort/page. My goal, has always been to build the Memorial park the way Joe Delaney had it visioned. Up until about a month ago, We had James Blessington here as admin, who wrote a book about Delaney, and was our primary connection inside the Chiefs organization. Things have changed, and sadly, James threw in the towel last month after literally 10 years worth of frustration with the lawmakers in Haughton.
James is a great writer. And I was part of his effort for the longest time. His website, "IamJoeDelaney.org" was our driving force for the longest time. To my knowledge? The site is still up, but has not been updated in quite sometime. If you find the time to visit this site though? You would find out how long we have been trying to produce Results for the Delaney family. I am connected with many of them here on FB as well. Let me know when you take a look, as I'd like to know I got ya brought up to speed on our past efforts. You are welcome to join me here on this page, and would love you to be a part of it.
Take that into consideration, and give me a shout. I will send you a friend request as well.
Thanks again Adam. Be well.
Barry Peraino
6:36pm
Adam Jassey
Thanks Barry. We are proud that efforts to remember Delaney have continued on after 37 Forever accomplished most of its goals. I will take a look at that website.
I had much more free time years ago. Now as a Dad, a lawyer, etc. it is very difficult to really get back into it the way I did back then. You have to understand how committed we were back then. We turned every stone and kicked the tires on every car to advance things forward. There were so many people besides me who helped out significantly. Collectively we may have enough support to team up.
A website I must suggest to you and your organization to join is chiefsplanet.com.
This website contained pretty much every member from 37 Forever. There was a thread about the 30th anniversary on the first or second page.
Not sure about why Haughton would be dragging their feet like that. It might be funding. That place is very impoverished.
If there is a place to go to which may turn the tide, it definitely is Northwestern State in Naitichodies. Delaney is such a legend over there. They will be behind every project dedicated to his memory. Think about it for a second. There's alumni there with deep pockets that will gladly contribute to this, especially in state and it being his hometown. They will be throwing their support behind it no doubt. Heck, how many alumni are past or present Louisiana state legislators? Unfortunately there's so much politics with things like this and it's so unfair that it is like that. But you must be able to overcome this somehow someway.
Didn't ever realize that Joe had hoped for a community park in Haughton. That is truly great! But let's say its not gonna ever be passed in Haughton. Why not see if NW State is willing to maybe erect the park on their campus or nearby. Pretty sure Carolyn went there to college with Joe.
We will chat more I'm sure.
In the meantime Chiefs Planet should give you an immediate boost and upgrade.