Titusville Native, New York Jets Safety JT Hassell to Appear at ‘SMILE AGAIN!’ Event on March 13

By  //  March 3, 2021

free event set 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Gibson Youth Center football field

Former Florida Tech Panther and now pro football player JT Hassell has teamed up with “All Black” to host the SMILE AGAIN! event set for Saturday, March 13 in Titusville.
HALL OF FAME SPOTLIGHT: Panther MVP JT Hassell Named to Four All-American Teams, All Gulf South ConferenceRelated Story:
HALL OF FAME SPOTLIGHT: Panther MVP JT Hassell Named to Four All-American Teams, All Gulf South Conference

BREVARD COUNTY • TITUSVILLE, FLORIDA – Former Florida Tech Panther and now pro football player JT Hassell has teamed up with “All Black” to host the SMILE AGAIN! event set for Saturday, March 13 in Titusville.

This single-day, free event will be held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Gibson Youth Center football fields, located at 835 Sycamore Street in Titusville.

The event will reinforce healthy dental hygiene habits, provide community resource information and provide giveaways.

Participants will receive a free food ticket for food truck items after attending a 15-minute dental educational presentation (one presentation per hour), hosted by a licensed dental professional, Sonya Dunbar, known nationally as the Geriatric Tooth Fairy.

The event will include educational presentations, a live DJ, food and ice-cream trucks, swag grab bags for the first 100 attendees, and a Kahoot! Contest giveaway. CDC guidelines will be followed.

Tara Gibson, CEO/Co-Founder of All Black, was inspired to create this event from her personal journey with oral health care.

The organization’s mission is to strengthen minority communities through partnering with corporations and notable sports and entertainment figures to foster long-lasting healthier lifestyle choices.

“The power of a healthy smile is underrated,” said Gibson.

“It can change someone’s entire outlook on life, uplift their self-esteem and confidence. We want to change the negative narrative by promoting a healthier way of living, and we believe that the first step is practicing daily self-care.”

SPACE COAST DAILY TV: JT Hassell, a 2019 Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame inductee, set Florida Tech records for total tackles and solo tackles in a game and was named to four All-American teams, which included first-team All-America by both the American Football Coaches Association and the D2CCA, and a second-team All-American by the Associated Press.

Hassell, a second-year NFL player with stints in Cleveland, New England and with the New York Jets is a former Titusville Terrier and Astronaut War Eagle, recently authored, “Ups and Downs,” chronicling his football journey.

A devoted father and co-founder of the Keep Going Foundation, Hassell was born with only two fingers on his left hand. Against all odds, he achieved his dream of playing in the NFL.

Hassell supports and advocates for others with similar disabilities through his involvement with the Lucky Fin Project. This 2021 offseason, he raised over $1,400 for the organization, using his Instagram platform.

“Teaming up with All Black was a no-brainer,” said Hassell, a Titusville native.

“I grew up here, and regardless of my NFL success, I always planned to do my part to inspire people to live healthier lives. Self-care is so important; it is the gateway to personal success,” adding “Smiling is contagious, and it can change your whole vibe. This is a great way to help people regain self-confidence, especially during these times.”

To donate or volunteer for the event, contact Gibson at 386-451-5678 or visit allblackab.com

HALL OF FAME SPOTLIGHT: Panther MVP JT Hassell Named to Four All-American Teams, All Gulf South ConferenceRelated Story:
HALL OF FAME SPOTLIGHT: Panther MVP JT Hassell Named to Four All-American Teams, All Gulf South Conference

CLICK HERE FOR BREVARD COUNTY NEWS