Upcoming Event: Men's Basketball versus St. Bonaventure on November 30, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
3:30 p.m.
Men's Basketball
vs. St. Bonaventure
Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Owls Visit Chris Everett Children's Hospital
12/22/2006 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Dec. 22, 2006
BOCA RATON, FL -- Florida Atlantic University's men's basketball team brought a little joy to the lives of many patients at Chris Everett Children's Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, FL on Thursday, December 21 by giving the youths an amazing gift. Although the children enjoyed the toys the team brought, more importantly, they enjoyed the time the athletes and coaches spent with them.
"Yesterday was a great day for us. We had a chance to give back and reach out to youth that are going through some tough things right now," said Head Coach Rex Walters. "I feel like our guys really got a lot out of it, and I appreciate Broward Hospital allowing us to spend time with their young men and women. Its very important to me that our players become a part of the South Florida community."
"To see the look on the children's faces when we walked in, that was the best feeling in the world. I can't wait to go back. All of us have talked about going back soon to visit with the children again," said senior guard Brent Crews.
Toys were collected at home basketball games throughout the month of December and were brought to the oncology and hematology department of the children's hospital, which opened in 1998.
 |  "To see the look on the children's faces when we walked in, that was the best feeling in the world. I can't wait to go back. All of us have talked about going back soon to visit with the children again." Senior Guard Brent Crews |
Some of the children even talked a little basketball with the players. Others were just happy to have a playmate to race "Hot Wheels" against. All the children were excited to have their new friends autograph a poster or two as well.
"It was a great opportunity. I feel like having a role model could really help some of these children, and I was glad we could give back and make that day special for them," said freshman guard Sanchez Hughley.
The student-athletes also felt the trip gave them some perspective on their lives in addition to helping the children.
"It was really nice. I was touched by it because it showed me how blessed I am to be able to do the things I do and to see those kids made me really think about life and how great it is to help people," said sophomore guard Paul Graham.
Players Mentioned
G
/ Men's Basketball
Guard
/ Men's Basketball
Forward
/ Men's BasketballHometown Team Series - Zion Sampaio
Friday, November 21
Postgame Presser vs. Pacific
Thursday, November 20
Weekly Presser w/ Head Coach John Jakus
Wednesday, November 19
Postgame Presser vs. Coastal Georgia
Monday, November 17