Ann Rutherford (center) poses for a family photo on Veterans Day. Son David holds 5-year-old Blair, and daughter-in-law Kirsten holds Heather, 2. Photo provided
By Amy Woods
The Boca Raton Bowl enters its second year at Florida Atlantic University Stadium on Dec. 22 and so does the Spirit of Giving Network as the college-football event’s official charity partner.
ESPN tapped the nonprofit that supports needy children and families in Palm Beach County based on the organization’s strong mission statement and feel-good vibe.
“I was impressed with them from day one,” said Doug Mosley, the bowl game’s executive director. “We like what they do.”
This year, ESPN, which owns and operates the Boca Raton Bowl, will find more to like about the Spirit of Giving Network when the media outlet makes its repeat gift of 5,000 tickets. The board of directors has extended an invitation to the matchup between the American Athletic Conference and Mid-American Conference to local veterans — in addition to underprivileged youths and adults.
President Ann Rutherford pushed the idea.
“It’s dear to me,” Rutherford said. “My son was a Navy SEAL and served in Afghanistan after 9/11. When that happens to you, your life is changed forever.”
David, 43, made it home safely and now gives motivational speeches around the country.
Other veterans aren’t so lucky.
“We would like to add some services for them, and I’ve been reaching out to different people I’ve met,” Rutherford said. “Eventually, that will be part of our goal, to bring them and their families under our fold.”
For the inaugural bowl game, the Spirit of Giving Network distributed 5,000 tickets and aims to increase that number to 7,500 with the addition of the veterans. The tickets include access to a tented area with free food, drinks and tailgating activities.
“We felt this was a nice way to start with the veterans — to get to know them by bringing them to this game,” Rutherford said. Sponsorships are needed for transportation to and from the stadium, as well as underwriting the cost of the food, drinks and entertainment.
“This is a huge task,” Rutherford said. “We’re just taking baby steps at this point.”
Veterans or veterans groups interested in attending the Boca Raton Bowl can call Wendy Friswell, executive director of the Spirit of Giving Network, at 385-0144.
If You Go
What: Boca Raton Bowl
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 22
Where: Florida Atlantic University Stadium, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton
Cost: $28 to $146
Information: Call 800-515-2171 or visit espnevents.com/boca-raton-bowl
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