Shawn Weller really had no idea what to expect when he and his Kansas City Mavericks teammates visited the Independence Boys & Girls Club on Wednesday afternoon.
The annual event, which was canceled last year due to COVID-19, allows the Mavericks to meet and paint with local youth at the club. This year, they painted table runners that will be used at the upcoming Dinner on Ice charity event that benefits Boys & Girls Clubs in eastern Jackson County and the metro area.
As Weller and his table partner, Willie Corrin, dabbled in decorating their table runner, they watched 9-year-old Kennyeyae Butler, who was drawing a portrait of bearded Weller.
She drew his face first, then his powerful beard, and when she was almost done, she added some hair.
“Sounds like me,” Weller said looking at Corrin, who was doing his best to suppress a laugh. “And I love this hair.”
He then took off his cap to show Butler that he had no hair.
She laughed and danced and told him he needed to grow some.
“I know he doesn’t have hair, but I still love my design,†Butler said. “He’s so sweet, and I wanted to draw him (on our table runner). I think I’m a good artist.”
Corrin and Weller nodded.
“It’s an incredible event,†Weller said. “I’m afraid the girls at our table haven’t gotten a lot of help from me and Willie, but they are exceptional artists and did a great job. I may have to bid on my portrait. has hair, I can tell it’s a drawing of me, and I love it. “
It was hard to say who was having the most fun, the kids or the gamers.
“Well I know our guys ran, and you can tell the kids too,†said Mavericks head coach and general manager Tad O’Had as he walked from table to table for check the creations. “This is something we missed last year. When I interviewed for the role, Lamar (Hunt Jr., team owner) told me about the special relationship the team has. talks with the Boys & Girls Club and how special this event will be when you get back to normal.
“And you can tell by the way the guys interact with the kids, and the kids laugh and talk with our guys, they’re all having fun.”
It was believed that the only Maverick who had ever been part of a trip to the Boys & Girls Club was striker Loren Ulett, who took part in the event two years ago.
“I missed it my first season because I joined the team after it happened, but I went there two years ago, then we missed it last year, and I’m so happy to be back, â€said Ulett. “We all have fun and create great art.”
Bryan Lemos was creating a masterpiece because his detailed portrayal of Mac the mascot got everyone’s approval.
“I don’t think I’ll be quitting hockey anytime soon to go to art school,†said Lemos, “but it’s fun to come here and be with the kids, laugh and have fun.
Dred Scott, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City, and Hunt share the same passion for the event.
“These players are creating lifelong memories for these kids today,†said Scott, “and judging from what happens, the players are going to have great memories too. And I didn’t know we had so many times. artists with us today, I am very impressed.
Hunt added: “It’s been one of our most special relationships, and after missing last year it’s so special to come back here with our players. You can tell everyone is having a good time. . “
This article originally appeared on The Examiner: Mavericks relish return to Independence Boys & Girls Club to help
