Davidson College scores big for Nothing But Nets!

Last Saturday, I was invited down to Charlotte, NC to speak at a benefit dinner at Davidson College. The dinner was organized by Bryant Barr, a former Davidson student — who I quickly learned has an amazing heart and compassion for people all around the world. 

Bryant first became interested in global health issues on a mission trip and, as they say, the rest is history. After his trip, he returned to Davidson and used his passion for basketball to engage his teammates and local students in a 3-on-3 tournament to raise money for bed nets. Now, just a couple of years later, Bryant feels there’s still more he can do, so he’s inspiring his community to send even more life-saving nets.

This year was the third annual “Buzzkill” Tournament to benefit Nothing But Nets, and it was bigger than ever! At a gala dinner — which was widely attended by students, the greater Davidson community, and Bryant’s whole family — I was happy to speak to attendees about the Nothing But Nets campaign, where their donations are going, and why the need for life-saving bed nets is so great, especially right now in Liberia.  But it was Bryant who stole the show! His enthusiasm and passion was contagious, and the Davidson community was happy to jump on board. 

To get people excited about sending nets and saving lives, Bryant organized an auction with some fun prizes — NBA player and Bryant’s former roommate, Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, auctioned off the sneakers he wore in an NBA tournament game. In total, Bryant and his NETwork raised enough to send 4,700 bed nets! 

As we honor our Champions in the fight against malaria, it is wonderful to see people like Bryant doing their part to end malaria deaths.  To learn more about Bryant and the work he’s doing, check out his page on Champions.NothingButNets.net – he’s been nominated in our contest to find the 25th Champion!