This is the fifth consecutive year Thomas held the event called “Who Needs A Bike.” Jermey Parnell, a former Cowboys offensive tackle, and Jamond Hackley of Definition Cigars teamed up with Thomas and Webb for the event.
“My dad was very compassionate,” Thomas said. “I remember hearing stories about him and from other NFL players. He would make visits to training camp and speak with players about giving. He spoke to a group in New Mexico. He always worked with a [charitable] group over at Walmart, really liked giving back to children and that’s where I got that from.”
This year, Thomas said a sporting goods sponsor, Scheels, donated gift cards over $200 and over 100 bike helmets.
The bike giveaway was held in the parking lot of Ekko Lounge, where kids showed up to get bikes, food and just have a chance to speak with the daughter of a former NFL player and two former pro athletes (Parnell and Webb).
“It adds to one’s life by giving [kids] something they may or may not have or an experience,” Thomas said. “This event in particular is from a health standpoint and social. It gives kids an opportunity to stay in shape, while having fun and they get to socialize with their friends over being always on their laptops or tablets or cellphones or playing video games. It’s a social gathering and it’s also healthy.”
It’s not the first time area NFL players have provided free bikes to kids. Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott donated bikes last year to kids as part of his leadership program through a local police department.
“A lot of times the southern sector is sought of as far as assistance of various things from clothes and bike giveaways,” Thomas said. “Jamond and Jermey created ‘Who Needs A Bike’ five years ago and they brought me on board to produce it and take it to the next level and make if more of an event from kids activities with my father being a former Dallas Cowboys player. I was really excited to work with them.”