Chris Spielman, Former NFL All-Pro, to Highlight Pathway Billboard Campaign Promoting Foster Care

CANTON, Ohio (April 5, 2000) - Chris Spielman, a Massillon native and four-time All-Pro NFL linebacker, demonstrates once again his commitment to family values in a new billboard campaign urging local residents to get involved in the lives of children who need homes.

Pathway Caring for Children, a private agency that provides foster home care for abused and neglected children, expects to kick off the billboard campaign using Spielman's picture in the Canton and Cleveland areas.

"Chris Spielman is not only an exceptional athlete, but an exceptional example for family values," said Jim Bridges, executive director of Pathway, which has offices in Stark and Cuyahoga counties. "We are very pleased to have Chris participate in this campaign, and we hope we can raise greater awareness about the dire need for families who can provide care for children."

Spielman, a high-school All-American linebacker at Massillon Washington High School and a two-time collegiate All-American at Ohio State University, has repeatedly demonstrated the importance of family in his own life. In 1998, when his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer, Spielman took a season off of football to spend more time with her and their children.

Last August, when an injury left him briefly paralyzed, he retired from football to avoid risk of further injury for the sake of his family. Last fall, Spielman joined Fox Sports Net as a studio analyst.

The billboard campaign features a photograph of Spielman and a message encouraging individuals to "Be an MVP (most valued parent) to a foster child." The campaign will rotate among billboard locations throughout the Canton and Cleveland area. Production of the billboards was donated to Pathway by Innis Maggiore Group of Canton.

Pathway Caring for Children is a private social service agency based in Canton. It provides foster homes for abused and neglected children in Stark, Cuyahoga, Tuscarawas, Summit and Portage counties.

If you are interested in learning more about foster care and how you can help children in your community, please call Anne DeGraffinreed or Pat Romito at Pathway Caring for Children, 1-800-838-7284.