“Even when somebody leaves, their impact will continue.” - King County Council Member Girmay Zahilay.

Last Wednesday, Zahilay and fellow Council Member Rod Dembowski were at Judkins Park to present the CD Panthers Youth Football and Cheer Program with a check for $100,000 to go towards the program in the name of the Keanna and D’Vonne Scholarship fund.

They met with players, coaches, and community leaders during practice, and Keanna Pickett was on hand for the check presentation. 

“I feel joy,” Pickett said. “There’s so many sad moments and times that to do something like this feels really good. I feel joy, happiness, and gratitude.:

For Girmay, it was a moment to honor a legend as well as support the youth and create positive change in the community through positive energy.

“This is our way of honoring the legacy of D’Vonne Pickett Jr and also supporting the youth that he mentored,” Zahilay said. He added that the money will go towards making the program as accessible as possible for all youth who want to participate. 

“People can use it to help pay for their jerseys, their equipment, their travel,” Zahilay said. “It’s a really great way of making sure D’Vonne’s legacy lives on through a program that he really cared about.

Current Seahawks VP of Community Engagement and Legends, Franklin High School Alum and former Husky and NFL Player Mario Bailey was there as well to hand out gear including backpacks and pins. 

“We came back to honor D’Vonne Pickett, and also to honor the kids,” Bailey said. “We want to show that as the Seattle Seahawks we support the Panthers as much as we can.”

He also added that members of the organization including players and the mascot will be present for the CD Panthers game on September 9th.

You can see the video above and find out more about the CD Panthers on their website: https://cdpanthers.sportngin.com/?fbclid=IwAR1nehRM-b85puZaEB5B2EgzewPodPefG9pR0PqbrAjJORvlGmmpZpQvXNE

Learn more about this story on Back2Besa Saturday at 10 pm on FOX 13 Seattle and again at 10:30 am on Sunday on FOX 13+