Heroes & Cool Kids

Anthony Minite

 On Thursday, February 24th, among Bentley Prince Street associates and 25 customers, I was privileged to be honored by Heroes & Cool Kids, an organization I have been passionate about since its beginning.

Heroes & Cool Kids is a non-profit co-founded by Bruce Harper, a former New York Jets player. Since 1998, professional football players, boxers and many college athletes have been using their personal life experiences to train high school student leaders, who are referred to as "heroes". These "heroes" then go on to mentor middle school students, who are referred to as "cool kids". Throughout the school year the athletes and high school students make three visits to the middle schools. On the first visit, the "heroes" begin building relationships with the "cool kids" by playing games, as well as talking about nutrition. During the second visit, the "heroes" lead discussions on sportsmanship and conflict resolution. Finally, on the last visit they address the perils of drugs and alcohol.

 Anthony Minite w/ Bruce Harper, former NY Jet & Heroes & Cool Kids founder

This program really strikes a chord with me because it is teaching both high school and middle school students to make positive lifestyle choices. This is very similar to what we strive to do within our organization by giving our associates the tools they need to become the best that they can be. Tools that include our wellness, sustainability and strengths training programs.

Anthony Minite w/ Dave Meberg & Dave White, Consolidated Carpet

At Bentley Prince Street we know, as well as use, our strengths everyday and I have seen the value in this. I used my speech to talk about strengths, the fact that kids have so many and that if we see the best in kids, they will continually amaze us.

Anthony Minite w/ Brian Herrera

The highlight of the night, however, was a speech given by a senior from Perth Amboy High School in New Jersey. He had amazing poise and presence as he spoke about the challenges of being an immigrant from El Salvador, his introduction to Heroes & Cool Kids and the profound effect it has had on his life.

Anthony Minite speaking

Heroes & Cool Kids has given me so many gifts over the past six years, which is why when they presented me with an iPad, I promptly gave it to the high school student from Perth Amboy that spoke. His reaction was priceless. I was also surprised and touched to receive a linen blue print of the old Yankee Stadium from Julio Braga of the New York office of IA.

Anthony Minite, Gerry Cooney, Bruce Harper

It was a wonderful evening of giving back and witnessing the power of helping kids. I intend to be a part of Heroes & Cool Kids for many years to come and look forward to helping kids in another way through our new partnership with the Moyer Foundation.

Joe Klecko, co-honoree, w/ Anthony Minite

Bentley Prince Street New York Sales Team (Suzanne Sullivan, Robert Gifford, Wendy Jorgensen) w/ Anthony Minite

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