PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – On Monday evening, the TORK Club at the Linc was reserved for a private birthday celebration for Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Haason Reddick.
He had some VIP guests present.
It was a very special birthday for Reddick, the Eagles’ Pro Bowl pass rusher.
“I haven’t had a birthday party in a while,” Reddick said.
Reddick’s birthday happens to fall at the beginning of football season and he said he rarely has anything to celebrate.
But this year, the ACME Markets Foundation threw an unforgettable party for the Camden resident, inviting dozens of foster children to wish Reddick a happy 29th birthday.
“Keep working hard, keep doing what you’re doing. You’re doing very well. Happy birthday!” said 12-year-old Aylani.
Judging by the giant moon jump, face painting and Eagles themed cake, it was truly a blast for the kids.
“It is very special for them to feel loved and appreciated,” says Angelis Rosa.
“I have family members who have come out of the foster care system. I have aunts who have adopted children into the foster care system so I can celebrate my birthday with children who need some support, who need some love,” Reddick said.
In Philadelphia, there are at least 5,000 children in the foster care system.
The agency Turning Points for Children said more resources are needed for parents to provide loving households.
Rosa and Stacey Gonzalez adopted their daughter Cailey when she was three days old.
“She needed us more than anything in this world and we needed her just as much. She certainly completed our family,” Rosa said.
Cailey is now 5 years old and already an Eagles fan.
“She’s a little shy now, but we talk about the Eagles every weekend, so this party here was so excited,” Gonzalez said.
And what’s a birthday party without party favors to take home?
Reddick gifted each of his little guests with duffel bags, an Eagles T-shirt, a hat and an autographed photo.
“With all the things that have happened to them in their lives, this is a joy for them,” said Deborah Croston of Turning Points for Children.
Aziza Shuller
