Volunteer Jeff Novak writes...

Terry, the driver from James Limo, showed up on time and was great and Austin promptly insured he was properly adorned with Green Football Beads. We went to the Hard Rock Café and had a great meal, meeting Scott the manager and Andrew, a superior waiter that kept us on schedule. We arrived at the Linc a little early so the kids tossed a ball in the parking lot. While waiting, Austin met New Jersey Senator Steve Sweeny who knew Terry the driver.

Julie from the Eagles came and got us - she was incredible throughout the night. She was great with Austin and looked after us all very well. The whole group went down on the field for the pre-game warm-up. Austin and I were taken to the 50 yard line on the sideline where Austin met Hugh Douglas and had a chance to sit on the team bench!

After the warm-up I took the family to their seats while Austin and his grandmother returned to the game field to cheer on the team as they entered the stadium. During half time we all went down to the pro shop and stocked up on souvenirs. Julie met us all when there was a few minutes left in the game and we headed down to the locker room areas. Austin and his grandmother again went to the field area and watched the players as they exited the field when the game ended, and Jevon Kearse gave Austin his glove that he wore during the game. The glove was huge and Austin was amazed, he probably slept with the glove on last night.

Austin decided to "high five" everybody he saw with his gloved hand, and a smile bigger than the stadium could contain. We were taken to an area where the players exit after interviews etc to wait for Brian Dawkins. While waiting for Brian, many other players came out and signed things for Austin and posed for pictures. Julie had help from another Eagles associate Craig who was great with making sure we were all in the right place at the right time.

Julie had everybody sit down on a golf cart they use to transport stuff, with Austin in the front seat and the rest of us on the rear portion of the cart. Brian Dawkins came out and sat down next to Austin for some one on one time. Austin proudly showed him the glove, and gave him some of the green football beads I had given everybody to wear.

Brian Dawkins was the most amazing guy, he spent lots of time, signed loads of stuff, and was happy that Austin hugged him. Mrs. Dawkins was there with 2 of their children, and it was obvious that everybody was touched by the moment. At one point Austin went back over and told Brian "I love you B-DAWG", I think tears welled up in everybody’s eyes. Brian was so touched, that he took his own personal dress hat (not a football cap), removed it and signed the top, placing it on Austin’s head.

After a long visit with Brian that included numerous hugs between them, Brian left and Julie & Craig took us out to our waiting limo.

Terry took us all home, and then the excitement was re-lived as Austin told his dad & friends and neighbors about the incredible evening he experienced.

For me, it was one of the absolute best wishes I ever participated in, certainly the best celebrity wish, Brian Dawkins was genuine, compassionate, fun and a great role model.

It was a very incredible night.

The Glove

Austin with Hugh Douglas

Austin with Mike Bartrum & Chad Lewis

Austin with Michael Lewis