Kaepernick helps his kids at fourth Camp Taylor fundraiser in Modesto
Colin Kaepernick stood above his Camp Taylor children, admiring them not unlike a proud papa, as they belted out their favorite song.
“We are Camp Taylor!” they sang. “Mighty mighty heart kids!”
Kaepernick, 28, is fighting for his NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers. It seems important until he pours out the love in a more authentic drama – children fighting for their lives.
The Pitman High School graduate never seems more happy than when he serves as the host of the “Against All Odds” golf tournament at Del Rio Country Club. All football woes, the offseason surgeries and the pursuit of a trade, melted away Monday during his fourth annual fundraiser for Camp Taylor, a nonprofit that offers free camp programs for children and families of children with heart disease.
If Kaepernick’s football career has reached a crossroads, his affection for the Camp Taylor kids remains constant and sincere. He again was surrounded by the stricken boys and girls, the beneficiaries of about $915,000 from the tournament over the first three years.
“It gives you that perspective on what’s really important in life, what really means the most and where focus and time should really be spent,” Kaepernick said during pre-tournament activities.
“These are kids that from the time they were born were dealt a difficult hand,” he continued. “They’re succeeding. They’re winning. I don’t think you can put a price or a priority above that.”
Kaepernick’s loss of weight, the result of months of non-training as he rehabilitated from his surgeries, was apparent. His father, Rick, believes he’ll be fine for this season if he can add 20 pounds. The gifted athlete who led the 49ers to within a few yards of a Super Bowl title only three years ago braces for a preseason fight with Blaine Gabbert for the quarterback job.
The downgraded support from the 49ers could not be missed at Del Rio. Absent were regulars from the recent Camp Taylor tournaments – 49ers cheerleaders, Kaepernick’s teammates and other team employees.
What was present, more than ever, was grass-roots support. Forty-three foursomes (172 golfers), one more foursome than last year, signed up for the golf and dinner and auction Monday night.
These are kids that from the time they were born were dealt a difficult hand. They’re succeeding. They’re winning. I don’t think you can put a price or a priority above that.
Colin Kaepernick
True to Kaepernick’s “Against All Odds” motto inked across his chest, he and his family continue their love for Camp Taylor. He has acted on the pain he felt years ago after his parents suffered the loss of two infant sons to heart disease.
“I know how much it affected my family, my parents, my brothers and sisters, and how much it affected me,” Kaepernick said. “To be able to give back and help families that are in similar situations is amazing for me. I’m very excited, very blessed and very grateful to be a part of it.”
Kimberlie Gamino, the Camp Taylor executive director and founder, believes the nonprofit is only a year from moving into its new home at the former Stanislaus County Honor Farm on West Grayson Road.
“We hope to be running camps there next year,” Gamino said. “Colin’s support means a lot to the progress on that.”
Kaepernick’s playful swipes at a plastic golf ball with an undersized club kicked off the latest Camp Taylor fundraiser. It promised to be a good day for children in need.
“It’s become a family activity and something we love to do,” he said. “We love to help these kids and their families.”
Ron Agostini: 209-578-2302, @ModBeeSports
This story was originally published June 20, 2016 at 4:19 PM with the headline "Kaepernick helps his kids at fourth Camp Taylor fundraiser in Modesto."