News & Events
February 25, 2013
Paying It Forward
By Kira Weinstein (from BackSportsPage.com)
When Moise Fokou, a linebacker with the Indianapolis Colts, thought about how to give back to his community, he only had to look back at his own life. He remembers when an organization came to his hometown and took local kids, including him, on a shopping spree for new school supplies.
That event still sticks out in his mind and became a driving force for his foundation. “I kind of looked back at myself growing up and thought about the things I wanted and how I wanted people to help me,” Fokou stated. “I want [kids] to feel positive about going to school and help them along the journey of education like I had gotten help as a kid.”
From that inspiration, the Root 53 Foundation was born. Started last year, the foundation aims to aid the growth of children in highly urban areas both intellectually and emotionally.
For Fokou, the foundation is deeply personal and he refers to it as his baby. Fokou has had a hand in everything, including naming the foundation. He could have simply named it after himself but instead took the time to come up with something more meaningful.
“[The name I had to] think long and hard about it,” Fokou explains. “Root [is] your base, your roots. [We want to] teach these kids some strong foundations. 53 is my number and [there’s] 53 men on a roster.”
Although in its infancy, Fokou’s Root 53 Foundation has already started to make an impact. In December of last year, Fokou’s foundation hosted the First Annual Great Indiana Culinary Clash featuring notable local chefs. The money raised at the event allowed the foundation to purchase much needed science and math equipment for two Indianapolis area middle schools.
More events are on their way, in both Indianapolis and Maryland, where Fokou grew up. Next up is a cooking demonstration for underprivileged kids. The goal is to teach them healthy eating and to inspire teamwork – just like on the 53 man roster. “I’m reaching out, trying to make a change the best way I know how,” Fokou said. “Although we’re new, we’ve got a great view on things. [And] seeing these kids…their faces light up…” Fokou trails off.
His ultimate goal is to build media libraries in local schools so the kids have all the necessary resources to succeed. Fokou’s eagerness to really get the foundation rolling is perceptible in his voice. He knows how one event from his childhood still positively affects him today and he can’t wait to pass that along.
When Moise Fokou, a linebacker with the Indianapolis Colts, thought about how to give back to his community, he only had to look back at his own life. He remembers when an organization came to his hometown and took local kids, including him, on a shopping spree for new school supplies.
That event still sticks out in his mind and became a driving force for his foundation. “I kind of looked back at myself growing up and thought about the things I wanted and how I wanted people to help me,” Fokou stated. “I want [kids] to feel positive about going to school and help them along the journey of education like I had gotten help as a kid.”
From that inspiration, the Root 53 Foundation was born. Started last year, the foundation aims to aid the growth of children in highly urban areas both intellectually and emotionally.
For Fokou, the foundation is deeply personal and he refers to it as his baby. Fokou has had a hand in everything, including naming the foundation. He could have simply named it after himself but instead took the time to come up with something more meaningful.
“[The name I had to] think long and hard about it,” Fokou explains. “Root [is] your base, your roots. [We want to] teach these kids some strong foundations. 53 is my number and [there’s] 53 men on a roster.”
Although in its infancy, Fokou’s Root 53 Foundation has already started to make an impact. In December of last year, Fokou’s foundation hosted the First Annual Great Indiana Culinary Clash featuring notable local chefs. The money raised at the event allowed the foundation to purchase much needed science and math equipment for two Indianapolis area middle schools.
More events are on their way, in both Indianapolis and Maryland, where Fokou grew up. Next up is a cooking demonstration for underprivileged kids. The goal is to teach them healthy eating and to inspire teamwork – just like on the 53 man roster. “I’m reaching out, trying to make a change the best way I know how,” Fokou said. “Although we’re new, we’ve got a great view on things. [And] seeing these kids…their faces light up…” Fokou trails off.
His ultimate goal is to build media libraries in local schools so the kids have all the necessary resources to succeed. Fokou’s eagerness to really get the foundation rolling is perceptible in his voice. He knows how one event from his childhood still positively affects him today and he can’t wait to pass that along.
February 24, 2013
We had a great turn out at the Root 53 Kids Cooking Event yesterday, February 23rd at City Market, from 2-4 PM.
Moise was joined by 60 kids, parents and chaperones from both Longfellow IPS Middle School and the Concord Neighborhood Group. Moise and his teammate Drake Nevis had fun working with Big Joe Staysniak, who emceed the event, and four wonderful restaurants and chefs: Padraig Cullen of the Colts Grille, George and Angela Stergiopoulos of Greek Island Restaurants, Matt Wahl of Sullivan's Steakhouse and Vicki Higuera of Three Figs!
Moise was joined by 60 kids, parents and chaperones from both Longfellow IPS Middle School and the Concord Neighborhood Group. Moise and his teammate Drake Nevis had fun working with Big Joe Staysniak, who emceed the event, and four wonderful restaurants and chefs: Padraig Cullen of the Colts Grille, George and Angela Stergiopoulos of Greek Island Restaurants, Matt Wahl of Sullivan's Steakhouse and Vicki Higuera of Three Figs!
Thank You to Cassandra of TourTheMap.com for these wonderful photos!
The kids had a chance to learn about the importance of healthy eating and try their hand in making things like applesauce muffins to veggie burgers to Greek salads.
"It was so fun to work directly with the kids," said Fokou, "I was so impressed by how much they wanted to get involved in helping the chefs make the food. I hope that they will go home and remember some of the things they learned today about healthy eating."
"It was so fun to work directly with the kids," said Fokou, "I was so impressed by how much they wanted to get involved in helping the chefs make the food. I hope that they will go home and remember some of the things they learned today about healthy eating."
February 21, 2013
On Saturday, February 23 from 2-5 PM at City Market, Moise Fokou, Root 53 Foundation and local chefs Vicki Higuera of Three Figs!, George and Angela Stergiopoulos of Greek Islands, Sullivan's Steakhouse and Colts Grille will work directly with kids from an IPS Middle School and the Concord Neighborhood Group to teach them how to cook simple and healthy foods that they can make on their own.
The goal of the event is to inspire teamwork and the joy of eating. Come down to City Market on Saturday if you want to see the action and meet Moise.
To our Wonderful Chefs: Thank You for your Support!
The goal of the event is to inspire teamwork and the joy of eating. Come down to City Market on Saturday if you want to see the action and meet Moise.
To our Wonderful Chefs: Thank You for your Support!
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February 5, 2013
January 28, 2013
December 3rd, 2012
Thank You for a Wonderful First Annual Culinary Clash! Here are some photos from the event.
December 21, 2012
Moise on SportsCenter Tonight to talk about Root 53, the First Culinary Clash and his school supplies donation in Indy!
October 23, 2012:
We are excited to announce the First Annual Root 53 Great Indiana Culinary Clash on December 3rd from 6-9 PM at City Market in Indianapolis.
Join us as we watch famed local chefs Valerie Vanderpool of Zest! Exciting Food Creations, Vicki Higuera of Fire by the Monon, Brad Gates of City Market and Brock Jenkins of Divvy show off their culinary skills and compete for Best Chef in Indiana.
Come meet fellow Colts players and other local celebrities and help us raise money for Root 53. Purchase Tickets HERE!
Join us as we watch famed local chefs Valerie Vanderpool of Zest! Exciting Food Creations, Vicki Higuera of Fire by the Monon, Brad Gates of City Market and Brock Jenkins of Divvy show off their culinary skills and compete for Best Chef in Indiana.
Come meet fellow Colts players and other local celebrities and help us raise money for Root 53. Purchase Tickets HERE!
June 23, 2012:
Moise on the Paul Gant Radio Show talking about Root 53 and more...
May 20, 2012:
We are happy to announce the First Annual Moise Fokou Root 53 Foundation Football Camp.
Date: June 30th, 2012
Time: 9 AM- 2 PM
Location: Richard Montgomery High School
Cost: Free
Please contact writetojsypr@gmail.com to see how you can get involved!
Date: June 30th, 2012
Time: 9 AM- 2 PM
Location: Richard Montgomery High School
Cost: Free
Please contact writetojsypr@gmail.com to see how you can get involved!
