New England Patriots linebacker Dekoda Watson will sponsor the fourth-annual Koda's Kids Foundation Gala at 6:30 p.m. June 19 at Woodside Plantation Country Club.
Founded by Watson in 2012, the nonprofit organization provides a scholarship to one student from each of the seven high schools in Aiken County and surrounding areas each year. Students do not have to be athletes to receive a Koda's Kids scholarship, but they must be accepted into a college.
"I am proud to give back to the Aiken community that gave so much to me," said Watson, a 2006 graduate of South Aiken High. "We always have such wonderful support of the gala, and our goal with Koda's Kids Foundation is to provide support for deserving students in Aiken-area schools."
The gala will include dinner, drinks and dancing with music by The Dream Team, featuring Aisha Kenyetta, from Charleston. The night also will include a silent and live auction.
Guests are asked to dress in white for the semi-formal event.
Last year, Bobby Robinson, Watson's alter ego, made a special appearance. Guests can expect another appearance by Robinson of the Punching Penguins this year.
A seat at the gala is $75 per person. A table for eight can be reserved for $550. All money raised will go to Koda's Kids.
Watson also will hold the second Koda's Kids Foundation Golf Tournament, sponsored by Bridgestone, on June 19 at Woodside Plantation. Watson's Youth Football and Cheerleading Camp for students ages 7 to 18 will be from 8 a.m. to noon June 20 at South Aiken High.
While at South Aiken High, Watson earned All-State honors as a senior and was named Defensive MVP in the 2005 North Carolina-South Carolina Shrine Bowl. After high school, Dekoda went to Florida State University to play for the Seminoles and earned a Bachelor of Science in family and child sciences.
He signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League in 2010 under a four-year contract. He is currently with the New England Patriots.
For more information or to reserve a spot at the gala, visit www.kodaskids.org.