Kiara Walker's car couldn't be trusted.
The unreliable vehicle often failed to start, adding repeated challenges to Walker's already demanding schedule. When not pursuing a degree in counseling and human service at Hillsborough Community College, Walker was busy caring for her six-month-old daughter, who has battled health issues and an irregular heartbeat.
On some days, Walker was forced to miss class. Others, she would struggle to get much-needed medical care for her child. Walker had aspirations to become a drug abuse treatment counselor and, ultimately, start her own non-profit organization to help young women in need, but her rundown car was a constant hurdle to overcome in achieving her goal.
Then the Tampa Bay Buccaneers heard her story, and everything changed.
Last March, Walker was selected from more than 180 nominees for the inaugural Buccaneers' "Road to Success" program, a community initiative that aimed to provide one individual in need with the keys to a new car. As a result, Head Coach Raheem Morris, along with Buccaneers players and Captain Fear, surprised Walker outside her class with the keys to a brand new vehicle.
Now, the Buccaneers are in search of the next "Kiara Walker" story, and they need your help. The team is currently accepting nominations for the second-annual "Road to Success" program.
If you have a friend, coworker or family member who would truly benefit from a new vehicle, the Buccaneers want to know. Please act quickly: All applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. ET on Monday, January 31, 2011. Only complete applications will be considered and only one entry per person is allowed.
Following an initial screening process of all nominations, a panel will select finalists for in-person interviews to determine the car recipient. Click here for a complete list of details and requirements to help one lucky person get back on the road to success!
Nominee must be 18 years old at the time of nomination to be entered. Void where prohibited.
