What: Altoona Mirror Turkey Bowl XXV
Date: Wed., Nov. 26
Time 7 p.m.
Place: Mansion Park
Who: Bucks vs. Ducks
Benefits: Easter Seals Central Pennsylvania
Admission: free
Notable: All fans in attendance will receive a free beanie cap and be registered for a halftime giveaway.
For the past 24 years, come rain, shine or snow, two teams coached by and comprised of area businessmen have played a for-fun flag football game on Thanksgiving eve to raise moneysupporting local programs and services provided by Easter Seals. Now, the Altoona Mirror is teaming up with Easter Seals Central Pennsylvania to reinvigorate the Turkey Bowl, a Blair County holiday tradition in its 25th year.
The Altoona Mirror Turkey Bowl, supporting Easter Seals, will be played this year at 7 p.m. Wed., Nov. 26, at Mansion Park.
Its such a great event and great cause and we just want to help remind people of that and put the spotlight back on the game," said Altoona Mirror General Manager Ray Eckenrode of the newspapers involvement, which will include a more high-profile advertising campaign, the giveaway of free commemorative beanie caps to everyone who attends and the addition of a halftime prize giveaway.
Also new this year is the Snap Fitness Turkey Bowl Youth Football Challenge. The first round of the competition will be held before the game at 6 p.m. and the final round will be held at halftime. This will be a kick, pass, and punt competition for children 7 to 16 years of age. The cost will be $10 and all the proceeds go to benefit Easter Seals.
Jim Watt, senior development associate for Easter Seals said the Mirror, other supporting sponsors, players and coacheshave generated wonderful energy and support for Turkey Bowl XXV and its exciting to see such a fantastic Blair County tradition continue.
The renewed energy and support afforded the event could not have come at a better time given the challenges of our current economy and the increasing demand for Easter Seals services right here in our community, said Watt.
The game features the Ducks, coached by Mark Martino and Shane Strobel of the Altoona Police Department, versus the Bucks, coached by Tim Cassidy of New Pig Corp., Tipton.
In addition to the free caps and halftime prize giveaway, spectators will be treated to hot dogs and hot chocolate, while supplies last. Easter Seals T-shirts and other door prizes will be awarded throughout the game.
Announcers on game day include Tommy Edwards of Altoona radio station WRKY-FM and Skip Dry from the Altoona Mirror. Pregame interviews will be conducted by Kellie Goodman, marketing director at the Allegheny Mountain Convention and Visitors Bureau. The game will air on the Altoona Public Access channel on Thanksgiving Day.
Other sponsors of the event include WRKY, WTAJ-TV, Altoona Area School District, Altoona Public Access and Jethros.
To compete in the Turkey Bowl, football players raise a minimum registration fee of $250 per player to benefit Easter Seals Central Pennsylvania.
Donations from the event help to provide therapeutic programs for more than 3,000 children and adults with disabilities and special needs in the region.
To sponsor a player or to volunteer, call 944-5014. For more information about Easter Seals, visit www.eastersealscentralpa.org.
