DeCotiis teamed up with the Kids Dream Foundation (“KDB”) – A non-profit organization that provides guidance to underprivileged teenagers – to host KDB’s First Annual “Footballs and Futures” camp. Nearly 100 kids attended the free camp, which was hosted by current and former NFL and Division 1 athletes. KDB was founded by NFL tight ends, Steve Maneri and Tony Moeaki, as well as former athletes turned professionals – Merrill Lynch financial advisor, Charles Princiotto and DeCotiis attorney, John Palumbo.
When asked about KDB’s mission, Mr. Palumbo explained, “Our mission is not to coach football – there’s nothing proprietary about that. We use football as a platform to preach the importance of hard work, dedication, sacrifice, teamwork and commitment – all attributes necessary to have success on the field. We want these kids to apply those attributes to every aspect of their lives, whether it is playing football, doing their school work or doing chores around the house. Simply put, we want to inspire kids to excel both on and off the field!”
When asked what inspired KDB, Mr. Palumbo responded, “there is an enormous problem with ex-athletes having an inability to transition from the football field to the corporate world. I made that transition; I understand the difficulties. Through KDB, I have an opportunity to inspire our youth to do the same.”
Prior to joining DeCotiis, Mr. Palumbo was a student-athlete at Temple University. Mr. Palumbo received a number of accolades, both on and off the field, as a member of the men’s football team. In addition to being a four-year starter, Mr. Palumbo was voted team captain, offensive MVP and was the recipient of numerous All-Conference honors before injuries cut his career short. For his efforts off the field, Mr. Palumbo was named the student-athlete community service leader of the month on three separate occasions.
Click here for KDB camp highlighs
Please read NJ.com’s article on the camp: Jets’ Steve Maneri sets goals, inspires athletes at ‘Footballs and Futures Camp’
For more information or to donate to KDB visit http://kidsdreambiginc.org/.
