Quest ON THE ROAD TO SUCCESS

Written by Dontae Davis - Tampa On The Move

In 2003, while driving his car along I-275, Labrawn Saffold had no idea that his life was about to change forever. Saffold and his 11-year-old cousin were approaching Sligh Avenue and suddenly his tire blew out, sending the car out of control, and eventually over the guard rail. Saffold lost his car, his cousin, and his ability to walk.

Saffold was bedridden for three mind-boggling months; Saffold almost lost his life. Instead of feeling sorry for himself when he received news from the doctors that he may have to use a wheelchair for possibly the rest of his life, it didn’t stop him from returning back to his high school as class president and homecoming king. He co-founded a service club called Quest for Real and True Success, a program designed to help kids prepare for college and job opportunities.

After graduating from King High School, Saffold decided to attend Hillsborough Community College where he found an interest in mentoring kids. Recently, Saffold was selected as one of five people to receive the Tampa Bay Buccaneer Quarterback Award, an award that’s given to individuals that excel in community service.

Tyrone Keys, the founder of All Sports Community Service Program, said that he met Saffold a few years back when Yinkee Alege, a former All Sports student, and his nurse Miss Janice recommended LaBrawn for a sponsorship to college with the help of ASCS and the Knowles Family Fund.

Saffold has since graduated from Hillsborough Community College and has assisted more than a dozen students with scholarships through his partnership with the Will Allen and Michael Clayton Foundation. He now attends Florida State University and is currently majoring in Communications.

“Labrawn faced adversity and prevailed. He’s traveled all over the country with me and never complains. He’s very dedicated and an inspiration to many others. He is a person that you can really count on, and sometimes he forgets that he is in a wheelchair,” Keys said.

Saffold said that he is thrilled to be one of five people to win the award. “I got a chance to meet Doug Williams, have dinner at One Buc Place, tour the facility with friends, and was presented with $2,000 to donate to the charity of my choice. Without hesitation, I immediately donated it to All Sports Community Service.”

“This young man actually helped me witness a full circle cycle to One Buc Place, where I played after leaving the World Champion Bears 25 years ago. To see one of my students receive the Community Quarterback Award is amazing. That’s what Quest for Real and True Success is about, helping the next generation awaken the champion quarterback within themselves and return to help the next generation do the same thing,” said Keys.

About ASCS

Our Mission: To offer challenged youth the opportunity to determine their own destiny through scholastic achievement, community service, and sports.

Our Goal: To offer first generation college bound students and student athletes the opportunity to get accepted and graduate from college, become productive citizens, community servants, and mentors for others.