Hudson Family Foundation inducts Legends, shares Thanksgiving cheer

AUBURN, Ala. – Tiger Walking into Neville Arena for the Hudson Family Foundation Legends Club Celebration, 1,200 elementary school students from Auburn, Opelika and Lee County high-fived Aubie Thursday morning while marching between the Auburn University spirit squad to their right and the pep band to their left.

Nominated by their teachers, each of the students received a $100 Kroger gift card to help provide Thanksgiving dinner for their families.

After a video displaying his 1992 Olympic gold medal performance in the 400-meter relay, Auburn track and field coach Leroy Burrell congratulated and encouraged the students.

“By being who you are and being the kind of kid who has overcome a thing or two, you are now a blessing to your family,” said Burrell, noting how he and his four brothers and sisters were raised by a single mother in Philadelphia. “If it wasn’t for people like the Hudson Family Foundation, I certainly would not have been able to cross that line, set a world record and win an Olympic gold medal.

“You are getting a reward for being an overcomer. I want to give you a hand and thank you for being an overcomer, for being an achiever, for being great when it mattered most. When nobody else was looking, you did the right thing.”

Burrell encouraged the children to continue to make the kinds of choices that resulted in their Legends Club nomination and induction.

“Do something for somebody,” Burrell said. “Help somebody. Take some time to do a little something to lift someone up: your teammate, your classmate, your teacher, your parents, brother or sister.  Do something to help somebody.

“Let’s keep doing what we’re doing, but let’s celebrate today. Because today, you are a blessing. Today, you are a legend.”

Master of ceremonies Andy Burcham introduced the Tim and Kim Hudson, who launched their foundation 15 years ago when Tim pitched for the Atlanta Braves.

“This is one of my favorite days of the year with our foundation,” Tim Hudson said. “I love what kind of example you are in the classroom. The fact that you were chosen by your teachers and principals is really special. It says a lot about you and what you have in your heart.”

Kim Hudson introduced a video starring current and former Auburn student-athletes, from Suni Lee and Bo Jackson to Syriah Daniels from women’s basketball, Sophia Groth from gymnastics and Max Hardin from track and field, who shared what being a legend means to them.

Men’s basketball’s Chad Baker-Mazara and baseball’s Eric Guevara spoke Spanish in their remarks, resonating with many of the bilingual children in attendance.

Jackson, near the top of anyone’s list of legends, congratulated the children, welcoming them to the club.

“I think I’m one of those legends, and it’s a good program to be in,” the 1985 Heisman Trophy winner said. “To be in this club, you have to be someone special. You have to be special in the classroom. You’ve got to be special when you go home. That’s why you’re here.”

Legends on the Plains, teaming up to celebrate local kids, and make the holidays brighter for their families.

Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on X: @jeff_shearer