MASON, Oh. (WLWT) – Even though the Bengals don’t open up the 2018 football season for another few weeks, Andy Dalton and his wife JJ scored a winning touchdown for area families.
NBC affiliate WLWT reports that the couple hosted their fifth annual "King for a Day" celebration for families with children fighting illness. The Bengals eighth year quarterback said the day is all about having fun for the families.
"This is our King for the Day for 40 families, and it just gives them a chance to come to Kings Island and enjoy being a normal kid and ride roller coasters and have fun."
JJ Dalton said giving back is just a part of her and her husband’s character.
"Its so heartwarming. That’s why this is one of our favorite events. Not only do we get to interact with the families and the kids are so happy, but they get to be treated like a king for the day."
King For a Day, gives families a timeout from the everyday blitz and a chance for kids like Willa and Harvey Stephens to be kids for a little while.
Andrew Stephens is overjoyed watching his son Harvey have a good time with the Bengals quarterback.
"We were already on the roller coaster, and the first thing he said was, ‘can we do it again?’ It’s probably the biggest smile I’ve seen from him in the longest time."
King for a Day is a full day of face-painting, food and fun along with some autographs from a redheaded quarterback, but it’s also a true supper bowl for some families who have faced some fourth-downs in life.
"It’s very special because we have a lot of things going on medically, so to have a day that’s just about having fun is a really nice break," Heather Stephens said about enjoying the day with the Daltons."
The Daltons started the foundation after the Bengals drafted the quarterback in 2011.
Since its inception, the Daltons have helped hundreds of area families.
