'Impossible is Nothing'

I attended an “Impossible is Nothing” lunch at The Northern Light School in Oakland on Friday. Dana Carvey was the lunch speaker.

John Novich, one of our amazing local parents, is an ambassador for the school. He reached out to me when I moved to the Bay Area to help support the school. I have also had the opportunity to speak to the kids at Northern Light.


I remember the moment I arrived at the gym, the kids were sitting in a circle holding hands singing “Impossible is Nothing.” I was shocked at my response — uncontrollable tears! There was a feeling of pure love in that gym.

The kids who attend Northern Light would likely not otherwise have a chance at a first class education. They are from very difficult family environments — some parents even on drugs or in jail. Yet their graduation rates are simply outstanding!!

What I love about the school is that they teach the kids to be responsible citizens of the world. While we were there for Dana’s talk, they raised $212 dollars for relief for Haiti. While that may not seem like a lot, these kids do not have much at all, but they fully understand that they have been given the opportunity of a lifetime at Northern Light.

So, when John asked Dana Carvey to speak at the school, he gladly obliged. His message to the kids was wonderful. He talked about not giving up and counting your successes by how much you fail. He also talked about how much time it takes to be good at anything. I left the lunch very inspired by Dana and his story.

Catching Up With NFL Great Jerry Rice

I caught up with Jerry Rice at Cayote Creek Golf Course. Jerry is working hard to make a run at the PGA. I have no doubt he will make his goal. He is one of the most focused and dedicated people I know!

We spoke about his likely upcoming induction into the NFL Hall of Fame, and he was so humble as he reflected on his career — how he was so focused on his “job” as a football player that he never imagined being the greatest receiver of all time!

We also talked about his experience on Dancing With The Stars. I asked if he would walk around the house practicing his moves and he said “yes!” and proceeded to take my hands and show me the correct dance posture and a couple of moves!!

He just seems to enjoy life and enjoy whatever he is working on — football, dancing, golf — everything! And he is in fantastic shape — I admire how dedicated he is to staying fit. He tried to get me out on the course to golf, but I have a lot of work to do before I get out there with him!!

A Great NBA FIT Event

We started the new year with a bang — 4 events in Boise, Idaho, as a part of the NBA’s D-League Fit Challenge.

NBA FIT is the league's comprehensive health and wellness platform promoting healthy, active lifestyles for children and adults. The initiative encourages physical activity and healthy living through products, events and programs for children and families. In doing so, NBA FIT strives to engage one million kids, adults and families to pledge NBA FIT during the 2009-10 season.

Frank Lopez (one of the NBA’s top trainers) and I, along with players from the D-League worked with 400 middle school and elementary school kids in Boise, talking with them about the importance of being fit and healthy and showing them hands on activities to keep them moving.

Participating in NBA FIT is part of my role as an Ambassador for the NBA. It is one of the programs I am most passionate about. We are at a real crisis in this country with regard to our health. One of the greatest solutions is to empower and educate youth on the value of taking care of their bodies. I am happy that the NBA has taken a lead in this effort.