Hyland, Dutton Awarded for Excellence in Community Service
August 6, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL) News Release
CHICAGO - Utah Blaze DB DAVID HYLAND has been named the National Guard Community MVP of the Year, the League Office announced today.
Each week during the 2012 season, the AFL spotlighted a player who not only contributed on the field but also made an effort to go above and beyond to make a difference in the community.
Earlier in the season, Hyland participated in a "Jump-A-Thon" at a local elementary school to promote staying active, an initiative that the Blaze sponsored throughout the season.
Also on March 31, Hyland and his teammates volunteered at a Muscular Dystrophy Walk in Salt Lake City. Hyland finished his second season in the AFL and his first with the Blaze.
Fans were given the opportunity to vote for the National Guard Community MVP on ArenaFootball.com last week. Cleveland Gladiators QB JOHN DUTTON was given the Al Lucas AFL Pulse Hero Award.
The Al Lucas AFL Pulse Hero Award is presented annually to the player who makes the most significant contribution to both his community and the game of Arena Football. The award was created in honor of the late Los Angeles Avengers lineman AL LUCAS, who believed in both giving back to his community and growing the AFL.
Dutton and his wife are the founders of "Heavenly Hope Ministries," which began in 2005 and supports children in Africa in a variety of ways. The ministry owns three orphanages and also supports a family sponsorship program that helps to fund struggling families' basic needs so that they can remain intact.
Dutton's personal program is called "Athletes for the Nations". First, Dutton tries to bring professional athletes to Africa in hopes they can use their resources and influence to help.
Another component of the program is the "JD Touchdown Club." The Gladiator quarterback encourages fans and the community to sponsor him by making a donation for every touchdown he scores. The club has raised $2,825 to date.
Last year, the ministry raised approximately $300,000 total. Dutton has visited Africa over the past six years and has plans to go on two more visits this year following the season.
Dutton has spent 12 seasons in the AFL and three with the Gladiators.
The AVITAE ArenaBowl XXV Championship game, featuring the Philadelphia Soul and the Arizona Rattlers, will take place on Friday, August 10 at 10:30 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcasted live on NFL Network.
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Arena Football League Stories from August 6, 2012
- Joe Sykes Named Afl's Gametape Exchange Defensive Lineman of the Year - San Jose SaberCats
- Sykes, Young Named Gte Defensive and Spalding Offensive Linemen of the Year - AFL
- John Dutton Named 2012 Al Lucas AFL Pulse Hero Award Winner - Cleveland Gladiators
- Milwaukee's Everett, Vasquez Named to All-Arena Team - Milwaukee Mustangs
- Hyland Named National Guard Community MVP of the Year - Utah Blaze
- Hyland, Dutton Awarded for Excellence in Community Service - AFL
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