What's that old saying, "a funny thing happened on the way to work", or something along those lines? Well a few months ago a gentleman by the name of Joe Arko contacted me through Facebook and what has transpired since has to be one of the most amazing and unbelievable moments in my life thus far! Joe's first few words to me included asking if we could do a fundraiser together because he found me on Facebook and when he clicked on our Josh Project Page, he believed there was some sort of "magical & mystical" connection that was bringing us together for this purpose. Since that day Joe and I have embarked on a partnership, friendship and brotherhood that has once again reminded me of how amazing this world and universe work.
Joe wanted to make good on a previous attempt to host a Pro's vs Joe's, no pun intended, Hockey event for charity and we were looking to host our first fundraiser, so after our very first meeting where it was clear to us both we were brought together for this specific reason, Hockey 4 Heroes (www.Hockey4Heroes) was born!
From the onset our backs were against the wall as every "party planner" company or individual we contacted told us we were crazy and that an event of this magnitude would take at least 8-12 months to properly pull off. This is when I of course smiled and told Joe that the world hadn't seen the likes of Joe & Josh yet and what we are truly capable of. Let's just say our event is scheduled for May 3, 2014 and we managed to get everything done in less than 2 months!! Side note because I am me, let this be a quick reminder of one of the lessons I preach, "Nothing in this world is impossible unless you believe it is!"
In an attempt to keep this blog short, I want to mention the amazing support from so many special individuals, including a very special shout out to Channa Serenity Bromley, who has been instrumental in assisting with this event in so many ways for no other reason then she has a huge heart and loves helping youth. None of what we are doing would be possible without each and every one of you. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us making our dreams a reality.
Lastly this is the informal launch of our new website at www.Hockey4Heroes.com and our very special "Wall of Heroes", which are a collection of supporters sharing their personal thoughts on what it is to be a hero. Our attempt is to get as many videos as humanly possible. On top of friends and family, we have been fortunate enough to have videos from Canadian Olympian Josh Binstock, UFC stars Nate "The Rock" Quarry & Cheick Kongo and a special video from Marco Belchier the goalie from the movie "Goon". It was one of these videos that led to a most amazing moment in my life.
Nate Quarry, who had always been one of my favorite UFC stars, not only provided an amazing video, but our follow up communications filled me with pride as for a moment it felt pretty amazing to be sharing thoughts and thank you's with someone I looked at as a hero and well accomplished man. I asked Nate if I could share some of the email he sent to me because if I had it my way I would shout his story from the tallest rooftops to get to the most people possible! I asked Nate if he could imagine all the people we could help if more celebrities, athletes, politicians and other members of the public spotlight shared stories of struggles, tragedy, pain and then the triumphs that followed and we both agreed it could be epic. That's when I decided screw "could", this WILL BE EPIC!!
Here is a look at some of what Nate shared with us and as always if there is anyway you would like to be involved, support or even add a video of yourself, that would be amazing and we can be reached at Info@Hockey4Heroes.com or you can contact me at Joshua@TheJoshProject.com
"Joshua,
More than happy to shoot a video for you and your great cause. Thank YOU for everything that you're doing to help kids. I WAS that kid that got picked on daily. I was skinny with acne, hair parted down the middle, big thick glasses that were broken constantly so they had black tape on them AND was in the cult of Jehovah's Witnesses so I wasn't allowed to have any friends at school or play any sports.
They were rough years but I got by by believing in myself and having interests outside of the battlefield that was my school. Without that belief in myself and being able to escape that I'm sure I would have been an angry alcoholic until I died. I'm sure you know people that are stuck back in school. Not me. The best thing about a crappy childhood is that every day afterwards just keeps getting better and better. I didn't "peak" in high school.
In fact, I was asked to speak at a TEDx talk in San Francisco. And the topic was bravery. And I was very honest about how un-brave I can be. But those feelings of fear or nervousness are very common, it's what you do with them that counts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjYX4iKgT7E
I think that talking to kids about overcoming bullying is great but then there's also talking directly to the bullies. Letting them know that their actions aren't cool or acceptable.
I know there's the whole, "it gets better" campaign but I feel that telling children to endure isn't a solution. You wouldn't tell an abused woman that men die sooner than them and just to wait it out. When a kid has interests that the bullies can't touch and a whole different world where his self esteem comes from then the bullies don't matter. Just like the haters on the internet. If you don't have haters you haven't done anything with your life. And I could get really angry at some loser on his couch that I'll never meet or I can ignore them. Because it really is a case of words never hurting me. And that all comes from self esteem.
Thanks for allowing me to be a part of the Josh Project. It's important work. And I'd be happy to attend events with you. That would be a great honor and gives me a chance to be a part of something bigger than my self.
Nate"
Please assist us with this amazing event and of course make sure you come!!! There will be Music, Entertainment, Kids shows, FunZone, Licensed Food & Beverage Area, www.MysticDrumz.com is bringing their renowned "The Legend of Marshmallow Island" show and did we mention the Road Hockey Tournament as well? The whole family needs to come on out and have an extremely amazingly fun day all in support of local youth!!
Joe wanted to make good on a previous attempt to host a Pro's vs Joe's, no pun intended, Hockey event for charity and we were looking to host our first fundraiser, so after our very first meeting where it was clear to us both we were brought together for this specific reason, Hockey 4 Heroes (www.Hockey4Heroes) was born!
From the onset our backs were against the wall as every "party planner" company or individual we contacted told us we were crazy and that an event of this magnitude would take at least 8-12 months to properly pull off. This is when I of course smiled and told Joe that the world hadn't seen the likes of Joe & Josh yet and what we are truly capable of. Let's just say our event is scheduled for May 3, 2014 and we managed to get everything done in less than 2 months!! Side note because I am me, let this be a quick reminder of one of the lessons I preach, "Nothing in this world is impossible unless you believe it is!"
In an attempt to keep this blog short, I want to mention the amazing support from so many special individuals, including a very special shout out to Channa Serenity Bromley, who has been instrumental in assisting with this event in so many ways for no other reason then she has a huge heart and loves helping youth. None of what we are doing would be possible without each and every one of you. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us making our dreams a reality.
Lastly this is the informal launch of our new website at www.Hockey4Heroes.com and our very special "Wall of Heroes", which are a collection of supporters sharing their personal thoughts on what it is to be a hero. Our attempt is to get as many videos as humanly possible. On top of friends and family, we have been fortunate enough to have videos from Canadian Olympian Josh Binstock, UFC stars Nate "The Rock" Quarry & Cheick Kongo and a special video from Marco Belchier the goalie from the movie "Goon". It was one of these videos that led to a most amazing moment in my life.
Nate Quarry, who had always been one of my favorite UFC stars, not only provided an amazing video, but our follow up communications filled me with pride as for a moment it felt pretty amazing to be sharing thoughts and thank you's with someone I looked at as a hero and well accomplished man. I asked Nate if I could share some of the email he sent to me because if I had it my way I would shout his story from the tallest rooftops to get to the most people possible! I asked Nate if he could imagine all the people we could help if more celebrities, athletes, politicians and other members of the public spotlight shared stories of struggles, tragedy, pain and then the triumphs that followed and we both agreed it could be epic. That's when I decided screw "could", this WILL BE EPIC!!
Here is a look at some of what Nate shared with us and as always if there is anyway you would like to be involved, support or even add a video of yourself, that would be amazing and we can be reached at Info@Hockey4Heroes.com or you can contact me at Joshua@TheJoshProject.com
More than happy to shoot a video for you and your great cause. Thank YOU for everything that you're doing to help kids. I WAS that kid that got picked on daily. I was skinny with acne, hair parted down the middle, big thick glasses that were broken constantly so they had black tape on them AND was in the cult of Jehovah's Witnesses so I wasn't allowed to have any friends at school or play any sports.
They were rough years but I got by by believing in myself and having interests outside of the battlefield that was my school. Without that belief in myself and being able to escape that I'm sure I would have been an angry alcoholic until I died. I'm sure you know people that are stuck back in school. Not me. The best thing about a crappy childhood is that every day afterwards just keeps getting better and better. I didn't "peak" in high school.
In fact, I was asked to speak at a TEDx talk in San Francisco. And the topic was bravery. And I was very honest about how un-brave I can be. But those feelings of fear or nervousness are very common, it's what you do with them that counts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjYX4iKgT7E
I think that talking to kids about overcoming bullying is great but then there's also talking directly to the bullies. Letting them know that their actions aren't cool or acceptable.
I know there's the whole, "it gets better" campaign but I feel that telling children to endure isn't a solution. You wouldn't tell an abused woman that men die sooner than them and just to wait it out. When a kid has interests that the bullies can't touch and a whole different world where his self esteem comes from then the bullies don't matter. Just like the haters on the internet. If you don't have haters you haven't done anything with your life. And I could get really angry at some loser on his couch that I'll never meet or I can ignore them. Because it really is a case of words never hurting me. And that all comes from self esteem.
Thanks for allowing me to be a part of the Josh Project. It's important work. And I'd be happy to attend events with you. That would be a great honor and gives me a chance to be a part of something bigger than my self.
Nate"
Please assist us with this amazing event and of course make sure you come!!! There will be Music, Entertainment, Kids shows, FunZone, Licensed Food & Beverage Area, www.MysticDrumz.com is bringing their renowned "The Legend of Marshmallow Island" show and did we mention the Road Hockey Tournament as well? The whole family needs to come on out and have an extremely amazingly fun day all in support of local youth!!
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