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Community Events
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Divine Direction Foundation is excited to offer community outreach and make positive differences throughout the year that enrich the lives of people. Earl is actively involved in the community through charity events and appearances for his foundation. Although his schedule is tight during the regular NFL season, giving back is extremely important to Earl. Tuesday is the only scheduled day off for NFL players, but Earl uses that day to make special appearances throughout the community. This includes visiting patients in hospitals and nursing homes to brighten their day or speaking to a classroom full of students to share his personal story and the importance of making good decisions and never giving up. What ever the outreach may be, he is glad to have that opportunity to make a difference.
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The Season For Giving
 On Monday, December 14th, 2009 Earl Cochran, Jr. and DeMeco Ryans expressed the true meaning of Christmas by hosting a Holiday Shopping Spree at the new Bessemer Target for 50 deserving children in the Bessemer area ranging in age from 5 years to 19 years. On behalf of their charities, “Divine Direction Foundation” and “The DeMeco Ryans Foundation” the two teamed up with Target and Wal-Mart of Bessemer to give each child a budget to shop for their Christmas Wishlist gifts. Cochran and Ryans wanted to ensure that each child was able to get something that they really wanted for Christmas this year. “It's really heartwarming to see the joy on the kids' face as they leave with at least one thing that their heart was set on.” said Cochran, who was on hand for the event.
The 2 hour event was kicked off with a festive reception and gift bags for each child. Over 25 volunteers helped guide the children throughout their fun-filled quest. Everyone was decked out in matching tee-shirts. It was truly a one of a kind experience for many of the kids as they raced through the store picking out bicycles, clothes, shoes, electronics, jewelry and everything in between!
Earl and DeMeco are grateful to both Wal-Mart and Target for the generosity and kindness shown in helping bring joy to lives of such deserving children this Christmas Season. The success of this event was definitely a collaborative effort.
Thanksgiving Greetings
 Earl Cochran, Jr. and DeMeco Ryans partnered again this Thanksgiving Holiday Season for their 2nd turkey give-away. Four hundred (400) turkeys were distributed to deserving families from the Bessemer City Schools, local churches, and residents of Bessemer. The recipients received a special coupon, which they had to present in order to receive their turkey. The turkeys were handed out on Thursday, November 12, 2009 at the Bessemer City Hall from 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. Many volunteers were present to assist with the event.
Magic City Classic Tailgate Party
 On Saturday October 31, 2009, Divine Direction Foundation hosted a tailgate party at the 68th Annual Magic City Classic in Birmingham, Alabama (Legion Field). The Magic City Classic is the largest HBCU football game in the country featuring the Alabama A&M University Bulldogs versus the Alabama State University Hornets. The tailgate consisted of a luxurious tent with amenities, delicious food and drinks, a live DJ and photographer, a 52" flat screen TV, a dance floor and also a restroom facility. The event was a great success and we would like to thank everyone who purchased tickets and came out to support this event.
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Earl In The Off-Season - 2008
Martin Bayless/La'Roi Glover Camp - San Diego, California The Martin Bayless/La'Roi Glover free football camp was held in San Diego, California. Earl was proud to be apart of this two-day event. The camp was held on April 5th and 6th at Lincoln High School Stadium for students in grades 3-12.
Priest Holmes Camp - San Antonio, Texas
Priest Holmes, the former NFL Pro Bowl running back hosted his Celebrity Weekend 2008 from June 20-21 in San Antonio, Texas. Earl, along with many other NFL players, were part of this weekend event. The charity fundraiser weekend kicked off with the football camp on Friday and included a celebrity basketball game, dance performances and a concert. The two-day football camp was for kids ages 5-18. Over 200 kids participated.
Offense-Defense Camp - Prairie View, Texas
Offense-Defense Football Camps is America's #1 summer football camp and the Official Football Camp of the NFL Coaches Association. Featuring full-contact youth football instruction, and specialty clinics for most positions. Earl was proud to be selected to participate in this prestigious event. The 2008 Offense-Defense camp was held in Prairie View, Texas.
Camping With the Pros - McAllen, Texas
DeMeco Ryans Camp - Bessemer, Alabama
Earl was proud to again support DeMeco Ryans in the Second Annual DeMeco Ryans Football Camp held at Snitz Snyder stadium in Bessemer, Alabama on June 28. The camp was completely free for students in grades 6-10 and lasted from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. DeMeco and Earl are Houston Texans teammates and also played at the same high school (Jess Lanier) in Bessemer, Alabama.
Kenny Pettway Camp - Gilmer, Texas
Kenny Pettway of the Jacksonville Jaguars hosted his camp for the second consecutive year. Other professional players at the camp were Pettway's teammates Clint Ingram and Richard Collier, along with Green Bay Defensive Tackle Alfred Malone and Houston Texans Defensive End Earl Cochran. Almost 150 kids from elementary age to 18 invaded Buckeye Stadium on Friday, July 11 in Gilmer, Texas.
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AOA Luncheon
On Monday, July 21, 2008 Divine Direction Foundation sponsored the Active Older Adults (AOA) luncheon held at the West Orem YMCA in Houston, Texas. The AOA program is comprised of a group of senior citizens (ages 55-90) who get together monthly for various activities. There were about 50 seniors present at the luncheon. A delicious lunch, prizes and entertainment were provided. A great time was had by all. This was just one of the ways that Divine Direction Foundation is depositing into the lives of senior citizens and providing community service and support.
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Relay For Life
On Friday, June 13, 2008 Divine Direction Foundation (DDF) was a part of the Relay For Life event held at Manvel High School in Manvel, Texas. Earl was on hand to sign autographs. Relay for Life is a colossal fundraiser held by the American Cancer Society (ACS). Thousands of cities and towns all over the country sponsor events each year to raise funds for cancer research. Finding a cure for this dreadful disease that affects people from every walk of life is the goal and commitment of the ACS. Millions of people participate in Relay for Life annually. DDF was so happy to join the fight! All donations that night to DDF were contributed to the American Cancer Society. For more information about Manvel's relay for life please visit their website:
www.alvin-manvelrelayforlife.org.
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Lowndes County Middle School
On April 1, 2008 Divine Direction Foundation visited Lowndes County Middle School in Fort Deposit, Alabama. Earl, along with Rapper/Recording Artist Coo-Coo and other Divine Direction Foundation officials received a warm welcome from Principal Peggy Grant, Assistant Principal Keith Scissum, faculty, staff and the entire student body of Lowndes County Middle School. Earl addressed the crowd of about 230 sharing his personal story and encouraging them to NEVER give up on their dream- no matter how old or young they may be and regardless of who tries to stand in their way. A 10-minute mini movie chronicling Earl's journey to the NFL was shown. The students and staff alike were enthralled by the pictorial. Afterwards, Coo-Coo took the stage and whipped the crowd into a frenzy, performing "In The Game", his popular single written for and inspired by Earl's story. The day culminated with autograph signings, give-aways and picture taking. It was a great day for all in attendance. Divine Direction Foundation was honored to take part.
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Community Fun Fest
On Saturday, November 10, 2007, Divine Direction Foundation hosted its first Community Fun Fest at DeBardeleben Park, 2nd Avenue and 17th Street, Bessemer, Alabama, from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. The purpose of the free event was to share the vision and mission of Divine Direction Foundation and our commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of people from all walks of life. It was a day of fun and excitement. There were games, activities, food, live entertainment, community resources and so much more. Special guest was DeMeco Ryans of the Houston Texans. Earl and DeMeco were available for autographs and photographs. Kids also got a chance to ride in a stretch hummer with the NFL players.
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Texans Party at Kemah Boardwalk
Earl enjoyed participating in the "Texans Week" kick-off held at the Kemah Boardwalk on Sunday, September 2, 2007. He spent the day signing autographs, talking with fans and took part in an interview with radio station 610. Other Texans players, cheerleaders, TORO and the Bull Pen Pep Band were also present. Activities included live music, interactive games and prize giveaways. The Texans Party at Kemah Boardwalk was a free event.
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Hometown Honor
On Thursday, June 28, 2007, Earl and fellow Texan teammate, Demeco Ryans, were honored by the newly established City of Bessemer Athletic Club for their achievements in the NFL. The festive day included a banquet where (what seemed liked) the entire city of Bessemer were in attendance including Mayor Ed May, the Bessemer City Council and many other city officials. The keynote speaker, Coach Joe Kines, formally of the University of Alabama, addressed the crowded Bessemer Civic Center as proud family members, friends and well-wishers dined on a succulent lunch. Their Alma Mater, Jess Lanier High School, surprised the former standouts by retiring their high school football jerseys (Earl #87 and Demeco #32). They were also given the distinction of being presented with a Resolution from the State of Alabama House of Representatives; a Proclamation from the Mayor and City Council of Bessemer, Alabama and a plaque from Judge Annetta H. Verin. This amazing day culminated with a parade through the streets of Downtown Bessemer with both Earl and Demeco at the helm as the Grand Marshalls. The parade ended at Snitz Snider Stadium, home of the Jess Lanier Purple Tigers, where the two Texans greeted the crowd and signed autographs.
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Cochran Gives Back
On Friday, June 29, 2007, Earl was honored to participate in the 1st Annual Football Camp sponsored by The Demeco Ryans Foundation. The fantastic and totally free camp was held at the same stadium that Earl and Demeco once shattered records and rocked the City of Bessemer as members of the Jess Lanier Purple Tigers. Over 100 students from Bessemer and surrounding areas attended the day long camp. The fortunate participants were trained by Earl and Demeco and several other former Jess Lanier Alums including: recent NFL draftee, Corey White (Green Bay Packers); Quarterback Anthony Speight (University of Alabama Birmingham); Terry Thomas (University of Alabama Birmingham) and Antonio Nelson (Alabama A&M University). A great time was had by all. |
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In The News
Jess Lanier 2009 Football
For the third consecutive year Divine Direction Foundation (DDF) has provided full size posters and pocket sized schedules for the Jess Lanier Purple Tigers' football season.
Click here to view the Jess Lanier 2009 Football Schedule
Hoover High Football 2009
Divine Direction Foundation supported the Hoover High School Football Team by purchasing a half page advertisement for their 2009 Hoover Bucs Media Guide! http://www.hooverfootball.net
Senior Citizens Thanksgiving Dinner
Earl Cochran sponsored the 2008 Thanksgiving dinner for the senior citizens residing at the Jess Lanier Manor Bessemer Highrise in Bessemer, Alabama on Thanksgiving Day.
Cochran and Ryans Give Away 400 Turkeys
On Monday, November 24, 2008 Earl Cochran and DeMeco Ryans of the NFL's Houston Texans partnered to give away 400 turkeys for Thanksgiving. Pre-selected deserving families received the first 350 turkeys. There was a drawing for the 50 remaining turkeys for all who attended. The FREE event included refreshments, music, entertainment and door prizes. Earl and DeMeco were present to distribute the turkeys and sign autographs. The fun-filled event took place at the Bessemer City Hall from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2008/11/nfl_players_give_out_400_free.html
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Jess Lanier 2008 Football Schedule
For the second consecutive year Divine Direction Foundation (DDF) has provided full size posters and pocket sized schedules for the Jess Lanier Purple Tigers' football season. The pocket schedules and the full size posters are distributed throughout the community and to students throughout the Bessemer School System. The schedules are also given to fans at the games during the season. Providing the football schedules is a project that is near and dear to Earl's heart. He personally makes sure that the posters and pocket schedules are ready for delivery at the season opener. DDF is glad to be able to underwrite this project. Click here to view the Jess Lanier 2008 Football Schedule.
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Bayside Academy Volleyball Team
Divine Direction Foundation sponsored the Bayside Academy 2008 Volleyball Team by purchasing a 24x36 banner to hang in the gym during their upcoming season. All proceeds will be used to purchase uniforms and other costs associated with the program. Bayside Academy is a Pre-K through twelfth grade independent, co-educational, college preparatory day school located in Daphne, Alabama.
http://www.baysideacademyvolleyball.org/index.html
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Bessemer Tigers
Earl is again proud to be a 2008 sponsor of his hometown little league football program, the Bessemer Tigers. For the Tigers' 2007 season, Divine Direction Foundation purchased much needed equipment and supplies for the football program. This year's donation came in the form of financial support from Earl that was matched dollar for dollar by the NFL Youth Football Fund. The Bessemer Youth Athletic Association (Bessemer Tigers) consists of a total of 5 teams (75lb, 85lb, 95lb 105lb and 120lb). Each team has an average of 30 players. Their season starts in August and ends in October. Earl encourages everyone to support their local little league teams; it's where stars get their start!!
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A Taste of The Hill (Brent Elementary School)
Divine Direction Foundation (DDF) is a proud supporter of Robert Brent Elementary School in Washington, DC. On May 3, 2008 Brent PTA raised more than $40,000 for their Schoolyard Greening Project and Sports for Kids program. Earl donated a variety of autographed Texans memorabilia to help the school achieve such a monumental feat. "I feel extremely blessed to be able to support such a worthy cause, especially for a small inner-city school that is fastly becoming one of the premier elementary schools in our nation's capital", said Cochran. The event co-chair and organizer, as well as the executive director of Hope International, Inc. had this to say, "I cannot express my sincere gratitude to Earl and DDF for their kind generosity and tremendous support. I was absolutely overwhelmed by the sheer amount of merchandise that Earl donated. Earl Cochran and DDF exceeded any expectation I could have conceived with their support. I am so grateful."
http://brentelementary.org/?page_id=264
http://www.hopeintinc.com
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Belk Charity Day Event
Divine Direction Foundation (DDF) participated in the Belk Charity Day Event held at Belk Riverchase Galleria in Hoover, Alabama on Saturday, May 3rd, 2008 from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 am. Tickets were sold leading up to the event date. The four-hour event consisted of special store-wide sales, refreshments, and a talent contest. DDF thanks De'Ron for representing the foundation in the talent contest. He is truly a gifted and talented singer. He placed 2nd in the talent show.
www.de-ron.biz
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Jess Lanier Yearbook
Divine Direction Foundation (DDF) proudly supported the Jess Lanier High School 2008 yearbook. DDF purchased a full-page advertisement in the 2008 edition of the school's annual. All ads benefit the school and the yearbook production.
http://lanier.bcss.schoolinsites.com
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Birmingham
During the 2007 Christmas Holiday Season, Divine Direction Foundation was proud to work with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Birmingham, Alabama to assist with purchasing gift cards for kids to go shopping for Christmas.
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Elementary students enjoy lunch with Texans
On Tuesday, December 18, 2007, Earl Cochran, along with teammates Ahman Green, Jason Simmons and Scott Jackson hosted a lunch at Amazon Grill for 30 students from Turner Elementary School, which is located in Third Ward. When the children walked into the restaurant, they found Texans Cheerleaders and players greeting them with team paraphernalia. The players provided each child with a new backpack and art supplies and helped the children construct holiday art projects. There were also team games. After the games, the group stopped for lunch, courtesy of the team, and the students got to learn more about the Texans. The players said they were having just as much fun as the children
http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=4057
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Cochran Supports Teammates
Cochran supported Texan Teammates wide receiver Andre Johnson and linebacker DeMeco Ryans as they gave back to the community. Johnson and Ryans partnered to provide Thanksgiving dinners for families living in the Third Ward. On Tuesday, November 20, 2007, Cochran was present to hand out Thanksgiving dinners to families.
http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=3932
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The Foundry - Bessemer, Alabama
Divine Direction Foundation was honored in providing thanksgiving turkeys and other items to The Foundry, a local Rescue Mission and Recovery Center in Bessemer, Alabama. The turkeys were delivered on Thursday, November 15th, 2007 just in time for Thanksgiving.
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