HOF Players Events have been lending a hand to help coordinate and raise funds for Shinsky Orphanage in Matamoras, MX. Its founder, John Shinsky, is the college roommate and dear friend of Joe DeLamielleure (Joe D.); Pro Football Hall of Famer/ Buffalo Bill.
Joe D. himself has two adopted children in addition to his four biological children. The story is told that during their freshman year in college John Shinsky told Joe D. that after growing up as an orphan when he could he wanted to create an orphanage so of course Joe D. said “count me in”. To help John accomplish his dream and complete the 12 building, 33,000 square foot facility that will provide a home, food, safety, love, education, bilingual and vocational training for hundreds of children who are abandoned, physically, sexually, and emotionally abused. Joe D. has lent his name in any way that would assist. In April 2009 John, Joe D. and another roommate from college Eljay Brown (former Director of the Secret Service) all made the 2000 cross country bike ride to raise funds to complete the orphanage.
What you don’t know is that Joe D. had never owned or ever even ridden a bike until six weeks prior to this ride. He also wore a football helmet on the ride rather than a bike helmet. CBS coverage https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8PBmUqkDSI&feature=player_embedded
Joe D.’s blog of the ride http://www.profootballhof.com/history/release.aspx?release_id=3208