Founder

A Man Dedicated To Our Youth

On April 18, 2008, Craig Burris fell asleep in the Lord, at the age of 60. He left behind a legacy, “our youth are our future and we must nurture, educate and help them become better young men and women.”

Craig lived most of his life in the South Bay area, spending his life dedicated to family, community and the youth. Giving of his time and talent was always important to him. He ran a successful Insurance company while also being on the Lawndale Elementary School Board for 12 years.  At various times he served as President of the Lawndale Chamber of Commerce, President of Lawndale Rotary Club and member of the Lawndale Planning Commission. He started the Redondo Beach Youth Football and Cheer program and was on the board for 17 years and established the Gardena and Lawndale Youth Football and Cheer programs. During his life he was given countless awards such as; Lawndale man of the year in 1989 & 2002, Volunteer of the year in 1999 for his work with youth programs, in 2003 he was elected into the American Youth Football Hall of Fame and in 2004 NSSA-USA Football Champions Award.  He felt the biggest award he was ever given was the smiles and laughs of the children.

He began his journey when he became a coach and referee for his children’s sports. He saw that there were so many children in the community that needed help that in 1987, he formed the Pacific Coast Youth Football and Cheer Conference (PCC) dedicated to the youth of Southern California and established a Little Scholars Program into the PCC knowing how important education is. He sat as the Executive Director of the PCC for 21 years until his passing.

There may only be 24 hours in a day but Craig believed there were 25 hours and used each one with one thought on his mind, “THE CHILDREN and what more we can do to help them.”

In his memory the 418 Foundation has been established to continue his legacy of helping the youth of this community.

May Craig’s memory be eternal