In addition to providing some fun football action, the LEAP Center’s 7th Annual Charity Football game also provides half-time activities for the young (at heart), brings town and gown together, gives current Ambassadors a chance to connect or re-connect with LEAP alumni, and old friends to reunite.
Of course, we had the whole obligatory football game to play…
But once that rigamarole was out of the way, we had a real chance to unite for good causes. Actually, the uniting began much earlier. The practices began in January, and served not only to improve our meager football skills, but also to build some bonds–bridging social capital, as Political Scientist Robert Putnam would put it. The lineups include Democrats and Republicans, students, SHSU alumni, and community leaders, as well as two of SHSU’s staff. After 10 practices, people who otherwise would never have even met, now are are friends.
This disparate group then sets out to raise money. They do this by donating $100 (students) or $150 (non-students). This year, we were able to raise $1,700 just starting with the players. Our goal is to then bring the community in to raise much more. This year, that worked well, with some impressive community support.
Sometimes that community support pays off–even for the community members. Judge Mike Countz, for example, won the raffle, winning a football signed by the SHSU football team.
The raffle, though, is small potatoes compared to the rest of the half-time activities. Everyone loves the wheelbarrow race…
Although some loved it more than others…
A smaller hit was the spoon races, which drew limited participation.
…and necessitated a ridiculous amount of coaching.
The sack race was a bigger hit…
…and much more competitive!
Of course, what would a fundraiser for the YMCA (and John Holcombe Scholarship) be without the YMCA Dance?
In addition to bringing different people together, the game also brings out people who have never before danced…
…but it was a lot of fun…
…And we even had a little Russian dancing going on.
This dance sequence is even more impressive when you realize that some of these people are Republicans (see Ryan, far right, above)!
Thomas Haase was johnny-on-the-spot, and he got a video of the whole affair…
Of course, as noted above, the real reason for the get together was to raise funds for local causes…the YMCA…
…and John Holcombe Scholarship…
At the time we made the check order, we had raised $6,000. By the end of the game, we raised $6,500. In the seven years we’ve held this game, we’ve raised a total of $26,500.
Some of the people who participated in the game in earlier years were back on hand. Blake Roach and his girlfriend, Jaclyn Coles.
…and Justin Beiser and Annel Gonzales…
…and some new faces, such as Alvin Casimere…
…and Kaden Leaf!
Who knew raising money and having Democrats and Republicans together could be so much fun?
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 