Lunch on Dre: Football star gives Gadsden City Schools teachers, aides gift
Dre Kirkpatrick is a product of Gadsden City Schools, and he expressed his appreciation to the system — and closed out Teacher Appreciation Week 2021 — in a big way.
Kirkpatrick, former Gadsden City High School and University of Alabama football star, who is currently an NFL free agent, through his 21 Kids Foundation provided a free lunch at Applebee’s for every Gadsden City Schools teacher and teacher’s aide.
Kirkpatrick’s foundation purchased 423 gift cards, at $15 each, from the local Applebee’s for his initiative called “Lunch on Me!”
He also emailed a video message to each teacher in the system, in which he expressed appreciation for the hard work and sacrifices they have made during the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, which he stressed won’t be forgotten. He also noted the impact that teachers — some of whom still are on staff and received free lunches — had on his own life.
Kirkpatrick, 31, in a news release thanked Gadsden City Schools Superintendent Tony Reddick and Technology Specialist Wendy Goodwin, and the BamFam Foundation (a nonprofit organization that celebrates, supports and raises awareness and funding for at-risk youth thru the use of team sports), for their assistance with the event.
His own 21 Kids Foundation, established in 2013, seeks to impact the lives of disadvantaged young people by, according to its website, providing opportunities and resources through education and mentorship programs and ensuring healthier lifestyles.
The foundation through the years has sponsored educational enrichment activities, shopping sprees and free youth football and cheerleading camps focusing on proper techniques and safety.
Kirkpatrick and his foundation board of directors are, according to the news release, currently working on initiatives to provide health, financial and relationship assistance to parents and children in Etowah County.
Kirkpatrick spent the 2020 season with the Arizona Cardinals after eight years with the Cincinnati Bengals, who drafted him 17th in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft.
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