IN THE KNOW: Raider Family Giving Back

Raider Family Giving Back

BY SHERYL THORNTON-BURNHAM

The Raiders organization is second-to-none when it comes to philanthropy in their community. Those values hold strong with current and former players. It is something that is instilled in them when they proudly wear the Silver & Black. Family, camaraderie and love are not just words — together, they’re a way of life!

One of the most giving couples that I know are Jeff “JB” and Anetha Barnes. JB is by far one of the most notable and recognized of the Raider legends. You can rest assured that you will see and hear him at every Raiders home game, usually hanging out in the East Side Club at O.Co Stadium. JB played for the Silver & Black for 10 amazing seasons, in a career was split between Northern and Southern California: five seasons in Oakland, and five in L.A. Over his impressive career, Jeff played a total of 157 games, intercepted five passes and recorded 6.5 sacks. However, nothing tops the two championships that Barnes won as a key playmaker for the Raiders in Super Bowls XV & XVIII.

To know Jeff is to love Jeff. His personality supersedes itself — and the stories of the glory days are some of the most animated. Jeff has the ability to transport you back in time and to have you visualizing his game making plays as a linebacker. Sometimes the commentary is a bit more colorful than the original versions, but the passion is ever prevalent.

Today, Jeff, his beautiful wife Anetha, and their daughters Janel & Jennifer are still supporting the Silver and Black family through their philanthropic efforts. The Barnes Family hosts an annual cruise called the “Raider Legends Cruise for a Cause.” This cruise normally consists of Jeff and several of his former teammates, such as Rod Martin, Kenny King, Mike Davis and Dokie Williams. This cruise is strongly supported by the Raider Nation with many flying in from across the nation just to attend and enjoy the festivities. It is a true blessing to see how strong and supportive the Raider Legends and the Raider Nation are of the Barnes Family. My husband and I have had the privilege of attending the last two cruises, and we are looking forward to attending next year’s “8th Annual Raider Legends Cruise for a Cause” on March 1-5, 2020, departing from the Port of Long Beach on a cruise to Catalina Island and Ensenada. This year’s cruise raised over $11,000 through raffles and silent auction items. All of the proceeds are donated to local charities and the Ronald McDonald House in Bakersfield, CA.

I am extremely proud and honored to be a part of a group that continues to show love for each other and who will always put others first. We indeed are a Nation…RAIDER NATION!

Once a Raider Always A Raider.