MAY 9, 2026
Walk of Love: Sports Edition
Student-athletes chose a cause to walk for, like positive attitude, sportsmanship, and humility, and learned that the greatest legacy an athlete can leave is how they treat people.
BELIKECJ SCHOLARSHIPS
Five years. 10 student-athletes. One incredible legacy of love.
A special milestone for the BeLikeCJ Foundation!
With this year’s recipients, Sydney Woods and Nate Castle, we have now awarded scholarships to 10 outstanding student-athletes who exemplify the character traits CJ lived every day: kindness, humility, leadership, compassion, resilience, and service to others.
In just a few short years, what began as a way to honor one remarkable young man has grown into an opportunity to invest in the next generation of leaders.
Ten student-athletes. Countless lives impacted. One legacy of love.
PREVIOUS BELIKECJ SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Lead with love. Live like CJ.
Each year, the BeLikeCJ Student-Athlete Scholarship recognizes two student-athletes, one young man and one young woman, who lead with love in academics, sports, and life.
It’s more than a scholarship. It’s a legacy. It’s a movement. It’s Be Like CJ.
Thank you to every donor, sponsor, volunteer, and supporter who has made this milestone possible. Because of you, CJ’s light continues to shine, his love continues to inspire, and his legacy continues to make a difference.
CHRISTMAS TOY & BIKE GIVEAWAY · DECEMBER 17, 2025 · WESTLAWN ELEMENTARY
100+ bikes. 100+ smiles.
Third-graders at Westlawn Elementary School in Texarkana, Texas, earned the school’s highest collective attendance, and the BeLikeCJ Foundation surprised them with more than 100 brand-new bikes, along with basketballs, art sets, dolls, and games. Before the reveal, Cedrick and Marie shared CJ’s story, and members of the Texarkana Texas Fire Department offered words of encouragement.
“This is a moment rooted in love, joy and CJ’s heart for people. This is more than a giveaway, it’s a reflection of who CJ was and how he lived.”Marie Ferdinand-Harris, in the Texarkana GazetteSponsor a Bike
CHRISTMAS 2024 · SEASON OF GIVING
The magic of Christmas, the BeLikeCJ way.
A stage filled with gift bags. A cafeteria full of pajamas, laughter, and squeals of joy. Every student received a holiday gift bag packed with toys, treats, and cozy surprises, and some even took home a copy of Be Like CJ.
It took a whole community: Texarkana Arkansas School District Superintendent Lloyd Jackson, teachers in their Christmas pajamas, firefighters, Arkansas High School football players, and volunteers. Together, they made every child feel seen.
Pure joy
Families together
It took a whole community
THANKSGIVING
A seat at the table for everyone.
Every November, the BeLikeCJ family serves Thanksgiving meals and hands out turkeys so local families can gather around their own tables.
Volunteers, students, and neighbors come together to cook, serve, and celebrate, because no one should feel left out at the holidays.
COMING UP · TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2026
BeLikeCJ Feeding Families & Turkey Giveaway
Every Thanksgiving, the BeLikeCJ Foundation partners with a local school district to serve meals and give away turkeys to families in our community.
This year, we’re proud to partner with the Texarkana Arkansas School District (TASD), the Arkansas High School Student Council, and Arkansas High School student-athletes. Together, we plan to serve meals to local families and give away more than 100 turkeys.
4:00–6:15 PM · Arkansas High School Student Union, Texarkana, AR
Volunteer or Donate
BACK TO SCHOOL · AUGUST 2022
A fresh start for every student
The Be Like C.J. Back to School Clothing Giveaway celebrated CJ’s legacy by helping local kids start the school year with new clothes and confidence. KTBS was there to share the story.
Watch the KTBS StoryLEGACY DINNER & AWARDS · JUNE 11, 2026
Honoring a legacy. Building a future.
On CJ’s birthday, family and friends gathered at Crossties in Texarkana for a night we’ll never forget: a tribute to CJ, a message from Cedrick, recognition of our 2026 scholarship recipients, awards honoring coaches, and a CJ legacy cake to close the night.
Every ticket and auction item supports CJ’s legacy and the future of youth baseball.
CJ’S LEGACY
A leader on and off the field. A friend to all. A voice for kindness. A heart for service. A legacy that will live forever.
BELIKECJ MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT · NOW THE LEGACY CLASSIC
Play with heart. Lead with character.
Our 5th annual baseball tournament brought 40+ teams to Texarkana. At every game, coaches chose one player who lived out CJ’s character to receive the BeLikeCJ Sportsmanship Award: kind to others, a friend to all, humble in victory, and gracious in defeat.
In 2027, the tournament returns as the 6th Annual BeLikeCJ Legacy Classic, April 17–18.
Save the Date
WALK OF LOVE: SPORTS EDITION
Choose your cause.
Every walker pinned on the value they would carry onto the field: good sportsmanship, put team first, ultimate teammate, team over self. Former Miami Dolphins great Earnest Rhone shared a powerful message with the students.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Together, we’re building brighter futures.
In October 2024, Walmart Store #4373 awarded the BeLikeCJ Foundation a $1,500 Spark Good grant at its grand reopening, lifted high by the kids it will serve.
Partners like Walmart, SWEPCO, Chick-fil-A, Chicken Express, and Texas Roadhouse help turn kindness into real meals, bikes, scholarships, and seasons on the court.
Become a PartnerHelp us write the next chapter
Every gift of $24, the number CJ wore, helps another child feel seen.