It’s been nearly three months since a historic storm system swept through the South and devastated many, many towns, including Tuscaloosa, in several states. While most of the rest of the country has moved on, those victims of the tornados are still trying to pick themselves up off the ground both physically and emotionally.
In an effort to help those who still need it — and there are many — former members of the Alabama and Auburn football programs have banded together in the hopes of providing both a bit of financial relief as well as an emotional escape, even if it’s just for a couple of hours.
According to Jon Solomon of the Birmingham News, the ex-players have organized what’s being called the HeartinDixie Alumni Day Flag Football Game, which will be played on Aug. 13. Tickets for the game, which will be played at Spain Park High School in Hoover (Ala.), cost $20, and there will be a $5 parking charge as well. Ticket sales will be limited to 12,500.
Somewhere in the neighborhood of 40 players, who have yet to be named, are expected to be involved in the game, which will actually be part of a three-day event. The proceeds raised will go to the HeartinDixie Foundation, which is, the News writes, a non-profit organization comprised of Alabama and Auburn supporters united in relief efforts following the April 27 tornadoes.
Bo Jackson, Cornelius Bennett and Pat Dye are among the former players and coaches expected to be in attendance for the activities, which will also include an autograph session as well as a charity golf outing.
“HeartinDixie is a chance to show the nation and the world that we are united and committed in helping Alabama rebuild and recover,” Auburn athletic director Jay Jacobs said in a statement. “We learn the most about each other in difficult times, and what we have learned about Alabamians since the devastating tornadoes is that what binds us together is much bigger than what sets us apart.”
“While the world has moved on, we still have much work to do,” Jacobs UA counterpart, Mal Moore, said in his statement. “Events such as this not only serve as a reminder that we still have much to do, but also provides us with an opportunity to come together to accomplish a single goal.”
For those interested, the News reports that tickets for the flag football game will be sold online at www.alumniday.com once the site becomes operational.
We are buying tickets and we have spoken with numerous business people here who are still dealing with water flood damage due to the Mississippi through the Morganza and these precious folks are buying tickets as well. None of us will be able to attend, but we all want to buy tickets to support the wonderful ongoing effort there.
If you are able, please buy some tickets and keep them as souvenirs or donate them back.
Thank you John Taylor for all you do. You are a wonderful writer and host, a wonderful man. God bless you!
My prediction is that Auburn wins 28-27 and Alabama fans state-wide find oak trees to poison, quit their jobs to file FOI requests to look at the Auburn players finances, and then spend all day refreshing their browser at SportsByBrooks.com
thompgk, you are an unbelievable jerk. Why would you pick a story like this to spew such venom? Yeah, one sad, disturbed man who poisoned some trees is comparable to all those people losing their lives and homes. Thank God most of the people in your community aren’t sick in heart as you are. You really are a pathetic creature.
@southernpatriots …
As usual, you are the class of the site.