THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, September 8, 1995 TAG: 9509060148
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SUSAN W. SMITH, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 81 lines
Darren Perry was a quarterback for Chesapeake's Deep Creek High School and a defensive back for Penn State University before being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. This season, Perry will be carrying the ball for Chesapeake's free medical clinic as well as for his team.
Through a project called ``Intercept for Care,'' each time Perry intercepts the football, he's going to donate $500 to Chesapeake Care.
In last Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions, No. 39 made his first interception of the season in the Lions first drive of the game and the clinic earned its first $500.
From now through the Super Bowl in Phoenix, Ariz., each of Perry's interceptions will help the clinic raise the money it needs to stay open and grow.
Dr. Juan Montero founded the clinic in 1992 when he became concerned about medical care for Chesapeake's ``working poor.'' Although many of the people who visit the clinic are employed, they often cannot afford medical insurance and they do not qualify for Medicaid or Medicare.
Doctors, nurses and community volunteers who give their time have treated almost 9,000 patients in the past three years. Medical attention, surgeries and hospitalization arranged through the clinic have totaled nearly $1.4 million in assistance for the needy.
Commerce Bank has announced they also want to play in the ``Intercept for Care'' game. Each time Perry takes the ball, Commerce Bank will also donate $500.
In 1992, Perry was named first all-rookie by the Pro Writers of America after leading Pittsburgh with six interceptions. In 1993, he had four, and last year he led the Steelers with nine interceptions, which placed him third in the league.
According to Tracy Clymer, who serves on the board of directors for the clinic, Perry hopes to break all league records this year.
``All pledges and donations will go 100 percent to the clinic,'' said Clymer. ``That means each dollar will go for bandages, medicine and equipment for treatment. This past weekend, Perry had a good game and the clinic has about $1,500 toward more help for others.''
Perry also has challenged businesses and community members to take up the challenge and make a commitment to ``Chesapeake Care'' as the AFC Central Champions, the Pittsburgh Steelers, defend their title, while striving for their fifth Super Bowl.
As families, business and corporate gifts make financial commitments to the clinic, they will receive T-shirts, autographed pictures of Perry and chances to win additional prizes. After each of Perry's snares, there will be a drawing for an autographed football or game jersey and other items.
Michael Ellis of Virginia Beach donated banners and signs highlighting the clinic and cheering on the Steelers.
``I'm a diehard Steelers fan and an admirer of the Chesapeake Care Clinic,'' said Ellis of Kwik Sign. ``This is my way of helping out.''
Bubba's Beach Club, Phil's Grill and Winners Sport Club in Virginia Beach, where Steeler fans gather, also have offered their assistance. Chesapeake Care banners and pledge cards will be available for fans who want to watch the games and vie for chances on game and airline tickets to Three Rivers Stadium for a Steeler home game or even tickets to Jacksonville, Fla., where the Steelers will play the NFL's newest team, the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Steelers have two Monday night games and one Thursday night game this season. Nine of their 16 games are against teams that were in the playoffs last season.
``Since defensive player Rod Woodson is out for the rest of the season with torn ligaments, this could be Perry's time to shine,'' said Clymer.
After the football season, the Holiday Inn Greenbrier has donated a reception room, where all donors are invited to celebrate the end of the football season along with Perry and some of his NFL buddies. MEMO: For more information or to make pledges or request banners for
``Interception for Care'' call the Chesapeake clinic at 366-0303 or page
Tracy Clymer at 680-1933.
ILLUSTRATION: A poster of Darren Perry, who was a quarterback for Chesapeake's
Deep Creek High.
by CNB