Next Level Training proudly announces that, together with New York Giants punter Steve Weatherford, it has organized an upcoming luncheon to pay tribute to a group of Hurricane Sandy emergency responders, whose heroism and service in the face of devastation will never be forgotten.

 

Super Bowl Champion Weatherford will serve as a waiter at the luncheon, which will be held on November 19, 2013, soon after the first anniversary of Sandy.  Pinziminio Trattoria, located in Brighton Beach, has graciously offered to provide use of its facility for free and to do the lunch at-cost only. 

 

Next Level Training, Weatherford’s off-season training facility, is honored to fund all costs associated with the luncheon and to play a part in the community’s expression of gratitude toward all of the emergency rescue workers for their past and present service.

 

“We are truly humbled to be part of this event,” said Donald Shauger, owner of Next Level Training.  “As someone who has lived in New Jersey for my entire life, seeing the destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy last year was heartbreaking. We are indebted to all of the brave men and women for their sacrifices, selflessness, and leadership in a time of immense trial.” 

 

In attendance at the luncheon will be approximately sixty emergency rescue workers, along with Long Branch Township Chief of Police Michael Bradley and Ship Bottom Chief of Police Paul Sharkey. 

 

“On behalf of the Long Beach Island emergency responders we are very humbled and appreciative of the recognition that Next Level Training and Steve Weatherford are providing,” said Chief Sharkey.  “A year has passed since Sandy and our community continues to get stronger because of organizations like Next Level and people like Steve.”

 

At the luncheon, Weatherford will make a special announcement about an upcoming program, called Project Prom, which he devised in order to benefit students who live in some of the areas hit the hardest by Sandy.  The project, in its inaugural year, will give seniors at Southern Regional High School the opportunity to compose an essay about their personal experience with Sandy and the life lessons they took away as a result.  Weatherford and an independent panel will select five winners, who will have their prom expenses and their dates’ expenses fully covered.

 

“One of the hardest lessons in life is how to overcome adversity,” said Weatherford. “We are happy to provide a forum where kids can express their feelings about loss – and also gain strength on how to rise above. And we are also happy to provide a great evening that otherwise might not have been affordable to them.”

 

The luncheon, a fitting setting for the announcement of Weatherford’s heartfelt project, will begin at 1:00 p.m.

 

Next Level Training sincerely gives thanks to all of the emergency responders who unselfishly put others’ lives before their own during Hurricane Sandy.  Next Level Training is forever grateful for the dedication and courage of those responders, as well as of all men and women in similar service throughout the country. 

 

 

By Alexandra Gakos, Next Level Training