One Citadel Bulldog is giving thanks and giving back

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – In the last two weeks of their season, The Citadel’s Javonte Graves-Billups helped the Bulldogs offense get on the scoreboard.

Lending a helping hand is something he’s always done.

“No matter what it is, homework, helping somebody with the playbook, in general. Just being a great person, best brother, best teammate,” Graves-Billups said.

The redshirt junior from Alabama scored against Wofford and Clemson. Throughout the season, he’s been racking up points in a different way.

“It’s been a great opportunity to help out childhood cancer foundation with Alex’s Lemonade Stand.” said Javonte. “And honestly, been doing challenges like the lemon top challenge, balancing a lemon on your head. I’ve been getting a lot of my teammates to do it. It’s been a blessing in disguise to be a part of them and represent them as well as The Citadel.”

The challenge is part of Northwestern Mutual and FCS Nation’s partnership to raise funds for this childhood cancer foundation.

JGB is one of 11 FCS players taking part in this year’s fundraiser.

“And it’s something Northwestern Mutual has been passionate about for a while. Really doing anything with children and tagging on to Alex’s Lemondade Stand and helping raise money and treat childhood cancer, raise awareness for childhood cancer. Most importantly create research hours for that is something we’ve been apart of for a while,” said Chrys Kanos with Northwester Mutual.

With over a month to go before the fundraiser ends, Kanos and Graves-Billups are in the top three in funds raised as they’ve already exceeded their goal.

Both are proud to be taking part for this good cause.

“Our goal was $2,500, we didn’t know what to expect the first year but we’ve raised $5,000. Javonte’s been awesome,” Kanos said.

The Bulldogs military captain is using the values of honor, duty, and respect instilled in him at El Cid to help fight childhood cancer.

“My coaches have been very supportive in this. And my parents, I know my mom talked about this a while back. It’s been a great opportunity and its a blessing in disguise to have this opportunity.”

To donate to Javonte’s campaign follow the link below:

https://www.alexslemonade.org/2024/the-citadel-x-worrell-network-office