NFL Player Chad Ochocinco Johnson and Ruben St. Hilaire on stage during the Children Mending Hearts 3rd Annual "Peace Please" Gala held at The Music Box at the Fonda Hollywood on April 16, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. You've gotta give it to Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson for his making a dream come true for nine-year old Ruben St. Hilaire, Jr. of New York City.
This is what the term "Role Model" was meant to be when applied to a sports figure. Chad performed his role admirably at the third annual gala fundraiser for the Children Mending Hearts organization in Hollywood, California.
Ruben, recipient of Chad's angelic role playing, reminded us all that children still dream of heroes and are hoping to grow-up to be heroes themselves someday.
Rueben's letter of thanks to Chad is truly a certificate of achievement for sports. Chad and the NFL nudged a child closer toward a dream and and a continued belief that good people and organizations still exist here in the United States of America.
Ruben and Chad's Story:
Nine-year-old Ruben St. Hilaire, Jr, who lives with his mother in a homeless shelter in New York City, received an autographed jersey from Ochocinco after sending a letter. He then sent a second letter that would have melted the heart of the hardest individual.
Mr. Johnson, you really make me happy. One of my goals in my future life is to be just like you when I grow up. I wonder who was your role model when you were little? I have three role model(s) in my life that's my mom, Mr. President Barack Obama and my favorite football player Mr. Chad Johnson. To me you are the best football player in the NFL. May God bless you and your family happy holidays.
Ruben's dream was to go to a football camp, and that particular prize was donated by Deion Sanders. Presenting the certificate for camp attendance, unbeknownst to Ruben, would be the very same Mr. Ochocinco. Ruben's hero was introduced after the young boy read his letter. Bonus — it was Ruben's birthday! Rich Eisen of the NFL Network set the scene at the podium, and what followed was a pretty great moment.
