By Patty Jo Sawvel

Hall of Fame Basketball Coach David Odom is the keynote speaker at the 9th Annual Kernersville Cares for Kids Lunch & Listen. Known as “one of the winningest coaches in the Atlantic Coast Conference History,” Odom has a few life lessons to share.

He stated in an interview at Wake Forest University, “We constantly remind our players to keep three things uppermost in their minds. Trust of each other. How much do they care? And, how strong is their commitment?”

Modeling by example, Coach David Odom has been deemed one of the most caring coaches by ACC journalist and U.S. Basketball Writers Hall of Fame member Bill Brill. This quality—genuine caring—makes Odom a perfect match for leading Kernersville Cares for Kids (KCK).

The annual luncheon, to be held on Thursday, April 28 is often called a community-hug, because it is a time when businesses come out to meet the town’s schoolchildren. The event specifically supports the work KCK does to promote drug-free students, drug-free schools, and a drug-free community.

Second year KCK Student-President Kyndall Dodd said, “When kids think that no one cares, they ask themselves, ‘Why should I try?’ That is why this event is so important. When we see our community, we see for ourselves that they care, and it encourages us to keep doing what we are doing.”

Kyndall has been to every KCK Lunch & Listen since she joined KCK in 6th grade. She says, “I learned a different lesson at each luncheon. I have learned to persevere, to be careful about who I chose as close friends, to forgive quickly, and to realize that it is not our mistakes that count—but how we get up and keep going.”

Molly Hignite, a sixth grade student at East Forsyth Middle School, just joined KCK this year and is already serving as the club historian. She is excited to attend her very first Lunch & Listen. She also treasures her volunteer work with the club. She said, “KCK has made me feel like I am making a difference with my peers.”

For Coach David Odom, that is what teamwork is all about—putting in the effort to really make a difference. He will take attendees to the next level with lessons he has learned and earned on the basketball court. While playing for Coach Jerry Steele at Guilford College, Odom learned that the coach-player relationship can extend off the court. He still considers Steele his coach! In serving as assistant coach under Carl Tacy, Odom learned that “you are what you practice.” And, Coach Terry Holland reminded him that there is no “one way” to do anything.

All are welcome to join students, business leaders, school administrators, town officials, and moms and dads at the 9th Annual KCK Lunch & Listen. Please see details below.

9th Annual Kernersville Cares for Kids Lunch & Listen
Keynote Speaker: Hall of Fame Coach David Odom
Date & Time: Thursday, April 28 at 11:15 a.m. Buffet Opens
Place: Glenn High School
Tickets: $35 each or $210 for a table with a student guest
For more information, call KCK President Doug Kiger 336.341.8214
www.KernersvilleCaresforKids.org