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Ve`.- re Tirrasr: , Cfriy wirer: s rid pay of fat .c.tage s vaid r mrs,res e w , xo sa-orn s s accarm e331.4e1;_ Seas 1-tx,e trazr.s.Ter-! See rrcrr.t. parent as C :6E 9 - Mai rct te. ccr-ame r¢^ a",r oter aedi. pra-cvya. ‹cra NA Seas :Sysacrs racs ae essLed by rt C Ed* Ne,ata :! Cita, agearett frx deists trizing are, re cetut r- de mss_ Seas ta- Seas Sacs tedsered and Lta: _ sass 1523050 ' 30 August 6 • 2009 Health & Fitness WELLNESS A Winning Team A businessman and a former Globetrotter join forces to help children at risk. Robin Schwartz Special to the Jewish News T decades ago, when his eyesight began to fade from macular degeneration, Richard Bleznak, 82, of Birmingham had no idea the medical condition would ultimately lead to a moment of clarity. But through a chance encounter that grew into a lasting friendship, it did. As his vision worsened, the retired real estate investor hired a driver to help him get around. That driver, Ernest Wagner, 76, of Detroit, a former member of the Harlem Globetrotters basketball team (from 1954-1967) just happened to be embarking on a journey of his own. At the time, \\raper and Michigan High School Athletic Association referee Ernest Winchester were in the process of starting up the Motor City Youth Initiative (MCYI). Founded in March 2006, the non-profit program that is centered around basketball provides structured extracurricular activities for young people at risk. During one of their regular car trips, Wagner and Bleznak struck up a conversation about the project. "Our goal was to start out by teach- ing boys and girls the fundamentals of basketball, sportsmanship and team play," Wagner said. "We got to talking about it, and the more we talked about it the more Richard seemed to want to get involved." So they kept talking. Before long, the men discovered how much they have in common. It turns out Bleznak was once a basketball player, too. He played for Michigan State University as a college student in the late 1940s. Both men devel- oped strong feelings about teamwork during their time on the court; both are also passionate about giving back to the community. "I've dedicated my life to doing things for other people," Bleznak said. "I got involved because I wanted to help keep the kids off the streets, and show them what life is all about:' WO Game On! With Bleznak on board, the men focused on fundraising. \\ Taper says his friend single-handedly coordinated a fundrais- ing drive, bringing in enough money to fund the MCYI for its first fiscal year. With cash on hand, the group was able Richard Bleznak of Birmingham and Ernest Wagner of Detroit to rent space at various facilities. They're now settled at Faith Lutheran Church on Philip Street in Detroit where more than 100 children ages 7-16 participate in the weekly program. "He really changed things dramatically when he got involved financially;' Wagner said about Bleznak's participation. It's something Bleznak also does for other organizations. In April, MSU's Hillel recognized him and his wife, Phyllis, as inspiring Jewish leaders for their years of generosity and support. Bleznak has served on the board of trustees of Congregation Shaarey Zedek of Oakland County, where he oversaw several build- ing projects. He also served on the board of Clover Hill Park Cemetery, Birmingham. But right no he's focused on helping the MCYI continue to grow The group recently received a donation of 22 com- puters to set up a lab where participants can get tutoring and spend supervised computer time doing homework. When the organization held its second annual banquet June 27, Bleznak was honored for his hard work and dedication. "Some of these kids never saw a com- puter before',' he said. "This program leads to a good education. I tell these kids they're the future leaders of Detroit and I come from the heart doing this. It's a great pleasure for me and it makes me feel good about myself': Both men look back fondly at the cir- cumstances that brought them together. "It had to be fate; it was in the plans," Wagner said, "I know God played a part:' Now, they share a bond only true team- mates could understand; teammates who continue to keep their eyes on the ball. "We're like family," Bleznak said."We're on the phone, talking all the time. And we're always finding new ways to raise money!"