Spirit Of Giving Distributes More Than 10,000 Free Tickets To Boca Raton Bowl
The University of Toledo wasn’t the only winning team of the second annual Marmot Boca Raton Bowl. Spirit of Giving, a local nonprofit organization, partnered with 60-plus nonprofits and community organizations to bring more than 9,000 children and their families along with 1,000 veterans, their families and caretakers to the game. The Division-1 collegiate championship football game took place on Tuesday, December 22nd at FAU Stadium, drew more than 25,000 attendees and was televised nationally on ESPN.
“On behalf of Spirit of Giving, we were so honored to return as the Official Charity Partner of the Marmot Boca Raton Bowl for the second year in a row,” said Ann Rutherford, Board President of Spirit of Giving. “Between our annual Holiday Gift Drive and the Marmot Boca Bowl falling just days before Christmas, Spirit of Giving works tirelessly to make the holiday season special for thousands of at-risk children, veterans and their families during what can be a very difficult time for those who don’t have much.”
Spirit of Giving is a nonprofit organization that acts as an “umbrella” to its 60+ member organizations, that are charities in need based in Southern Palm Beach County. By collaborating with other local charities as well as the community, Spirit of Giving streamlines the flow of both knowledge and resources to its member organizations. Through its partnerships, Spirit of Giving creates alliances and programs that promote lasting change.
Through collaboration with dozens of nonprofit organizations and community groups, Spirit of Giving worked tirelessly to collect names of those who wanted to attend the Marmot Boca Raton Bowl. Both tickets and transportation were provided, making the experience hassle-free and truly special.
“Our motto is: Charity. Community. Collaboration. We are able to do charity in our community through our collaboration with ESPN West Palm Beach and the Marmot Boca Raton Bowl,” remarked Wendy Friswell, Executive Director of Spirit of Giving. “The heart of our mission, especially during the holidays, is to give. But the greatest gift [Spirit of Giving] can receive during the holidays is to see the smiling faces of all those we were able to help attend the game for free.”
In 2014, Spirit of Giving provided 5,000 tickets to at-risk children and their families to attend the Boca Bowl. This year that number doubled to 10,000, with an additional 4,000 tickets distributed to children and their families and 1,000 additional tickets distributed to veterans.
“With such a large military population in our community, it was important for Spirit of Giving to include veterans in our ticket distribution this year,” said Rutherford. Rutherford’s son, David, served as a Navy Seal and was able to attend the game with the entire family, including his wife, two daughters, brother and his parents.
Spirit of Giving was also part of the Marmot Boca Raton Bowl pre-game festivities, including the University of Toledo pep rally at Mizner Park on Monday, December 21st. The University of Toledo marching band and its cheerleaders graced the Mizner Amphitheater stage for an hour of fight songs and even renditions of current hit songs and classic favorites, like Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train.” After the pep rally, the football team and band marched down Mizner Park to Lord & Taylor, where the store hosted an exclusive after-hours shopping party for Toledo fans and family with wine, cookies and special gift bags.
“Even though the holiday season is coming to an end, a new year means new opportunities for Spirit of Giving to give back,” said Spirit of Giving board member Karen Krumholtz. “We are planning for an exciting spring in 2016 and can’t wait to share the details with the community!”
