Globetrotting alum contributes to a doggone good cause
Derick “Dizzy” Grant was one of a handful of celebrities and athletes who were photographed with their pets as part of Baltimore’s “Show Your Soft Side” campaign, which is aimed at curbing the incidence of animal abuse among the city’s teens.
If you’re in Baltimore any time soon, don’t be surprised to see Harlem Globetrotter and Class of 2005 alumnus Derick “Dizzy” Grant and his dog, Saber, looking down on you from a billboard, or staring back at you from the side of a bus shelter. Grant was one of a handful of celebrities and athletes who were photographed with their pets as part of the city’s “Show Your Soft Side” campaign, which is aimed at curbing the incidence of animal abuse among the city’s teens.
According to officials from the mayor’s Anti-Animal Abuse Advisory Commission, many recent acts of animal cruelty in the city were perpetrated by teens, who often “view the maiming and torturing of defenseless dogs and cats as a sign of ‘toughness’ or ‘manhood.’” The campaign sought to change that mind-set by letting young people know it is OK to have a “soft side” when it comes to animals.
Other celebrities who took part in the campaign included Orioles’ centerfielder Adam Jones, Ravens’ linebacker Jarret Johnson, and rocker Tommy Lee.
According to Sande Riesett of Outlaw Media, the firm that did the creative work for the “Show Your Soft Side” campaign, Grant was on tour with the Globetrotters when the photo shoots took place in Baltimore. So Grant, at his own expense, scheduled his own shoot.
“This is a guy who isn’t from Baltimore, doesn’t live in Baltimore, and yet went out of his way to help,” said Riesett. “Needless to say, we are big fans!”
Posted on September 13, 2012