It is with the deepest sorrow that I inform our friends of the passing of Ms. Christina Whidden on Friday morning, April 4, 2008. As All Sports’ Director of Grants and Scholarships, Chris showed all of our students unconditional love and respect. Her presence and contribution to the All Sports Community family will be truly missed.

Her physical heart may have weakened, but her true heart, her inner soul, will always live on. Chris used her special gifts to inspire All Sports students to seek their educational potential and return to the community to help the next generation. She was truly dedicated to the belief that when you are helped, it is your privilege and responsibility to come back and give back. She was always thrilled when an All Sports graduate reached out to help at least one student of the next generation. Just last year, Chris encouraged two of our students, Gilbert and Sergio, to establish the Perez Brothers Scholarship. She beamed as she watched the ceremony and saw the smiles of the young people who received their awards. It is a tribute to Chris that her life touched so many young people in our community.

As an expression of our love for Chris, the All Sports alumni have created a scholarship fund in her honor: THE CHRIS WHIDDEN ALUMNI AWARD

Chris helped the Perez Brothers return to their roots and give back to the students at Leto High School. This year, Chris’s vision will come full circle. At the 2008 Leto High School graduation ceremony, on May 21th following the presentation of the Perez Brothers Scholarship, a deserving high school senior will be honored with the first CHRIS WHIDDEN ALUMNI AWARD

If you would like to contribute in Chris’s memory, send your donation to:
THE CHRIS WHIDDEN ALUMNI FUND
or All Sports Community Services, Inc. P.O. Box 271506 Tampa, Florida 33688

Peace and Love, Tyrone Keys, Director, All Sports