United Way of Saginaw County Hosts Inaugural Stylish Event

A student at La Lumiere School in La Porte, Indiana, Brian Lamar Bowen II is a highly ranked basketball prospect who plays for Meanstreets with the Nike grassroots league. During the summers, Brian Lamar Bowen II directs fundraising efforts for United Way of Saginaw County.

A volunteer-based organization established almost 100 years ago, United Way of Saginaw County works to create a safe community where all families can thrive. It focuses on offering health, financial, and educational resources to community members.

In 2016, the organization hosted its first annual Saginaw’s Most Stylish. Held on October 20, this inaugural event featured 18 community advocates who participated in a fashion show.

From September 19 through October 19, community members voted online for their favorite, or most stylish, advocate. For each vote, participants donated $5, which went toward various educational and literacy programs in the county. On the day of the event, these 18 advocates put on a 60-second fashion show, which gave them the opportunity to bring in last-minute votes.

At the end of the evening, Gene Pickelman came in first, followed by John Shelton. The event raised more than $27,000 for local programs.

Cam Newton, a Driving Force on the Field

 

Brian Lamar Bowen II, a student athlete at La Lumiere School in La Porte, Indiana, has participated in basketball, football, soccer, and baseball programs. As an important member of his basketball team, Brian is being actively recruited by colleges to join their teams. Brian Lamar Bowen II admires leading sports figures including football player Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers.

Born in 1989, Cam Newton pursued football throughout his childhood and high-school years. Early on, he was considered a standout in the game. Recruiters from notable universities such as the University of Georgia and Virginia Tech offered him attractive scholarships. Newton accepted an offer from Florida State and officially joined their football program in 2007.

Newton transferred to Auburn University as a senior and won the coveted Heisman trophy in 2010. Following his successful college career, he was picked up by the Carolina Panthers as the first overall pick in the 2011 draft. At the time, the Panthers were the worst team in the NFL, but Cam Newtown helped turn the team around, eventually leading them to a place at the Super Bowl in 2015 where they faced the Denver Broncos.

During his first season with the Panthers, Newton was named the Offensive Rookie of the year. Later, in 2015, Newton led his team to a 15-1 record and threw for an impressive 3,857 yards for 35 touchdowns. He only threw 10 interceptions the entire season.

In addition to his talent on the field, Cam Newton is credited with introducing “the dab” to mainstream popular culture. The dance move, used as part of his end zone celebrations, has taken the nation by storm.

Hoophall Classic: Brian Bowen

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