The Houston Texans, BHP Billiton and United Way recognized Bryd Larberg, grand prize winner of the Community Quarterback award, at the Houston Texans YMCA on Wednesday.
The Community Quarterback initiative celebrates the spirit of volunteering and giving back in the Houston Community. Larberg was selected as the recipient for this award for his exceptional volunteer work with the YMCA of Greater Houston.
Upon learning the news of being named this year's Community Quarterback via email, Larberg had an unusual reaction.
"I thought it was a scam," he said with a laugh. "It said, 'Congratulations, you're the grand prize winner," and I erased it. When my wife called me and said 'No, no this is a real thing!' I was really surprised, and I'm really grateful."
Larberg is humbled by the recognition and appreciative of all who made it possible.
"I really haven't done that much; it's all the people around me at the Y that have put in all the hours. But I'm really happy that the Y gets the recognition and the money from BHP. That's awesome."
Present at the event was another kind of quarterback, Matt Schaub, who is also familiar with lending a hand in the community. Schaub's Gr8 Hope Foundation has raised over one million dollars for the emergency care center of Texas Children's Hospital, a cause he and wife Laurie are very proud to be a part of.
"It's all about helping others and doing what you can," Schaub said. "Some people, it's financially doing something, others it's giving your time. Whatever it is, whatever you can do to help the community and make it a better place, I'm all for it."
David Powell, CFO of BHP Billiton, relishes in the opportunity to honor Larberg for his volunteer work and service to Houston.
"We're glad to be participating in this celebration," Powell said. "Reading about Byrd and the contributions he's made to the YMCA and what the YMCA does in the community, it's excellent. And the excellent partnership with the Texans makes it all that much more special."
Texans team president Jamey Rootes echoed Powell's sentiments.
"BHP has been a tremendous partner with us, taking our Community Quarterback program from a $20,000 contribution to a $100,000 contribution," Rootes said. "There are so many ways that they are making a difference for Houston, and we are proud to be aligned with them.
"There are so many stories out there of volunteers that are making a direct impact in our community, it's just an honor for us to hold them up as shining examples of good people in Houston making it a better place."
