ATLANTA — Braves pitcher Tim Hudson has stayed busy as he's recovered from elbow reconstruction surgery — but much of his focus has been on helping others. He and his wife, Kim, are launching the Hudson Family Foundation, which will benefit organizations that serve children.
"I feel like I've been blessed," said Hudson, father of three children, ages 7, 5 and 4. "I just want to give back as much as I can. I found out early in my career that children's-based charities really strike a spot in my heart."
For a larger, high resolution image, click HERE |
To kick things off, the foundation will serve dinner June 1 at the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House. To volunteer that night or for more information about the foundation, see hudsonfamilyfoundation.com. We caught up with Hudson for a few questions about his new venture.
Q: How did this idea come about?
A: We're really passionate about children's charities. We've worked a lot with the Make-a-Wish Foundation and we've gotten involved with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. At the beginning of the year this year, my wife and I thought it was time to branch out and start our own family foundation. She has been the one that really got this thing going. God put it in her heart. With the way the economy is, it's probably not the best time to start a nonprofit, but God will make things happen.
Q: Who did you seek advice or guidance from when setting up the foundation?
A: Stephanie Clarke, our executive director, really helped us out a bunch. We talked to (former Falcons player) Keith Brooking about his foundation, Steve Nash with the Phoenix Suns. We've been really inspired by a lot of people throughout sports. It's definitely been a lot of work, but you know that at the end of the day, somebody's going to be helped out.
Q: Who were your role models growing up for charitable activities?
A: My parents, and for sure Kim's parents and grandparents, for her. I was raised in a hardworking household. We knew what it was like to turn a dollar. Growing up, my dad always made sure regardless of what the financial situations were, that me and my brothers were taken care of.
If there was someone on the street with a can out, he would take his last five or 10 bucks and help them out. That's what made an impact on me, knowing what it's like to have to work for something and not necessarily have what you might want, but what you need. I knew that if I ever had a chance to get to the big leagues ... I wanted to do whatever I could to help kids.
Q: Chances are your children — Kennedie, Tess and Kade — aren't going to have to endure financial hardships growing up. How will you and Kim teach them the importance of helping the less fortunate?
A: I was raised in a humble household and so was Kim. How we raise our kids is going to be vital to determine what kind of people they're going to be. We've taken our oldest daughter, Kennedie, on some of the visits to Children's Healthcare. You want them to understand what's important in life. It's not what you have or what you drive. Being a good person is the number one thing.
Jennifer Brett writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. E-mail: jbrett(at)ajc.com.
