The Farriors’ big weekend

Former Matoaca High School and University of Virginia standout James Farrior believes strongly in giving back to the community and offers this simple message through his foundation: "Help others defy all adversities and overcome obstacles."

In a continuing effort to promote this ideal, The James Farrior Foundation will host its second Tackling Everyday Life weekend June 12-14.

Three events - a casino night that offers a $10,000 grand prize, a golf tournament and bowling - highlight the weekend, and participants can look forward to seeing as many as 30 NFL players and Iron City stars Jerome Bettis, Santonio Holmes and Hines Ward.

"I'm just looking forward to a laid-back weekend, having a lot of fun, and hopefully, we'll raise a lot of money for my foundation," Farrior said.

Established in June 2007 by the Pittsburgh Steelers all-pro linebacker and his brother, Matt, the JFF gives underprivileged youths the opportunity to rub elbows with professional athletes and participate in events that Matt says promote morale and awareness.

"We are here to help try to keep these kids involved," Matt said. "I know that some of these kids don't have the means. While us, being a positive resource . . . we can try and lend our hand out a little bit more."

Students from throughout the Richmond area were chosen to participate in the Tackling Everyday Life weekend based on success in the classroom.

"It's a great opportunity to reward kids for being positive all year," Matt said.

Those students will participate in a teen summit, where they will have the opportunity to ask James and Steelers coach Mike Tomlin questions "pertaining to football, life, whatever is on their mind" before the party moves to the first of three scheduled weekend events.

Those who wish to play in Saturday's golf tournament at Hunting Hawk Golf Club will have the opportunity to bid on their celebrity teammates at a silent auction during Friday's poker tournament.

Also Friday, Richmond Mayor C. Dwight Jones is scheduled to present James Farrior with the key to the city at the Arthur Ashe Center at 4:30 p.m. in a free event that is open to the public.

"I am very honored to accept the key to the city," James said. "It's a good thing for me . . . and hopefully, I'll be able to reach out to the younger generation, the kids in the Richmond area, and show those guys how we [the James Farrior Foundation] do things."