Receiving to giving
Courtesy of Robert BarclayTory Humphrey, Green Bay Packers tight end and former Central Michigan University football starter, hopes to celebrate his 26th birthday with all of Mount Pleasant today.
The party is a fundraiser for his foundation, Humphrey Helping Hands Foundation, which was started to help senior citizens in Michigan and Wisconsin.
"We started the foundation because not only were me and Tory both raised by our grandparents, but we just have a big heart for elderly people," said Ebony Humphrey, Humphrey's wife.
She said it is traditional for NFL players to give back to youth, but the Humphrey's wanted to give back to a different group.
"There's no one really doing anything for senior citizens," she said.
Tory played as a tight end for the Chippewas from 2001-04, and caught 68 passes for 862 yards and seven touchdowns throughout his collegiate career. He was also named to the Freshman All-American team by The Sporting News in 2001.
As a tight end for the Packers, he caught his first pass and made his first tackle this season. He played all 16 games, started seven times and finished his season with 11 catches for 162 yards. He also played on special teams and made four tackles.
Ebony Humphrey said everything earned Friday will go towards the charity.
"Any proceeds that we make outside of the typical expenses are going to go toward the foundation," she said.
General admission tickets are $10 and VIP tickets are available for $40. The birthday party is from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the Student Activity Center. Festivities include dancing, autographed items and snacks.
Ebony Humphrey said the money from Friday's fundraiser will go toward planned seminars for seniors and help to pay for medical expenses and prescription drugs.
Tory and Ebony were both originally from Saginaw and graduated from CMU.
She said the organization was established in June 2008.
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