That Korean Hines Ward helmet.

In a post on November 16th about Hines Ward's charitable work in Pittsburgh and for biracial Koreans, I mentioned that a line in a local write-up caught my eye. Regarding a piece going up for auction last week in the Deshea Townshend Black & Gold Art Show:

Hines Ward had his South Korean kids, who visited a few weeks ago, paint Korean words on his helmet.

Here are a couple pictures of the helmet from Steelers.com under "2009 Deshea Black & Gold Art Show," although they're hard to see:




Though he's in the news now for maybe suggesting starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger not teach Dennis Dixon how to throw back-breaking interceptions play on Sunday instead of sitting out because of a concussion, he recently went to school with an eighth-grader and wrapped-up a Thanksgiving dinner in Pittsburgh. There's a write-up here

Tyler was among the families from the Salvation Army Homeless Family Crisis Center and Steel Valley Corps who were treated to dinner by Ward at his restaurant, South Side 86, on Thanksgiving Day.

“They are all so excited,” said Salvation Army Major Asenath Clark. “It’s an opportunity of a lifetime for them. This is a time when they can come face-to-face with the Steelers. They will never forget this experience. This is a real blessing.”

This is the second year that Ward has served up Thanksgiving dinner for families, providing the meals which were cooked by Big Mamma’s House of Soul. And there was plenty to go around, as everyone had full stomachs and smiles on their faces as the plates were cleared.

“I have a lot to be thankful for,” said Ward. “I have been here for 12 years. I enjoy doing it, just giving back. Being in a position to give back is great. It gives you a sense of feel good to do something positive for people who may not be in the best position to do it themselves. It’s special to sit down and enjoy it with them, and enjoy everything about Thanksgiving.”

. . .

“Hopefully we bring a little enjoyment to their Thanksgiving,” said Ward. “Pittsburgh has given me so much. I can’t repay everyone back, but this is my way of helping, bringing excitement to them on Thanksgiving.

and you can find pictures of the event here on Steelers.com.