Column

Ex-Buc's big heart makes for big party

By ERNEST HOOPER
Published October 26, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT [Times (2004)] Ian Beckles learned about the Children's Cancer Center four years ago when radio partner Ron Diaz introduced him to the local nonprofit that provides support to cancer-stricken children and their families.

Like a lot of former NFL linemen, Ian Beckles doesn't carry the 300-plus pounds that helped him play for 10 seasons.

But that's not the only way he's changed since retiring in 1999. Simply put, he's smaller in stature but bigger in heart.

Consider the fundraising event Beckles will stage next month for the Children's Cancer Center. Or better yet, consider Sunday afternoons at his home. When the Bucs are on the road, Beckles turns his house into party central.

Such revelry would make you think the former Bucs guard has been party maestro since his days at Indiana University. But this is a new role for the husband and father.

"I didn't always like hanging out with people," says Beckles, 40. "I've changed as I've gotten older."

Beckles' love of family and affection for parties aren't the only changes that make defining the Montreal native difficult.

He teaches a spinning class at Extreme Fitness. On many weekday afternoons you can find him in his AS-I-B sportswear clothing store in South Tampa or coaching his son's youth football team.

Mornings are devoted to co-hosting the Ron and Ian Show on WDAE-AM 620 with radio veteran Ron Diaz. Beckles doesn't shy away from challenging caller opinions.

Beckles learned about the Children's Cancer Center four years ago when Diaz introduced him to the local nonprofit that provides support to cancer-stricken children and their families. Beckles was immediately touched by the plight of the patients, parents and siblings.

He thought of his own kids. He knew he had to help.

"I wanted to come up with ways to raise money for the Children's Cancer Center," Beckles says. "I do a few things well, and one is throw a good party. It was either that or go back to playing football, and that wasn't happening."

And this is how the "Blue and White Party" blossomed into one of the most anticipated events of the season.

Now in its fourth year, the gala has drawn a huge mix of celebrities and well-wishers to the Seminole Hard Rock Casino's sprawling deck.

He expects this year's Nov. 10 party to be even better, with 2,000 revelers soaking in decorations, fashion shows, dance troupes, DJs and mermaids in the pool.

Yes, live mermaids.

Beckles assures the party will feature the same degree of warmth you find at his house on a football Sunday.

As a player, Beckles moved mountain-sized men so tiny running backs could run to daylight and receive all the adulation. Today, he paves the way for us to be stars by helping some of the Tampa Bay area's most deserving families.

It just goes to show that in football and in life, you gotta have heart.

That's all I'm saying.

If you go

The Blue and White Party

When: Nov. 10, 8 p.m.-midnight.

Where: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino poolside.

Why: Benefits the Children's Cancer Center.

Tickets: $30-$90, $1,000 for VIP cabana.

Information: www.theblueandwhiteparty.com.

[Last modified October 26, 2007, 01:14:19]