Saturday night, dozens of first responders from around Northeast Georgia battled it out on the gridiron in support of charity. The 8th Battle of the Heroes pitted a joint team from Banks and Habersham counties against their counterparts from Hall County.
Hall County won the trophy and bragging rights, beating the Banks/Habersham team 38-0.
But if you want to measure the true success of Saturday’s event, you won’t find it in the numbers on the scoreboard, but rather, in the final amount donated by those who attended.
The football game and the classic car cruise-in held before the game were fundraisers for the Easton Foundation. Named in memory of Habersham Central High student-athlete Easton Singleton who died in a wreck in 2012, the foundation supports teens in crisis and awards scholarships to Northeast Georgia area students.
MORE PHOTOS: 8th Battle of the Heroes
“This was a record year for many areas of the event, and a record amount of money was brought in,” says Easton Foundation spokesperson Colin Lacy.
This year’s event raised over $18,000, with an estimated record turnout of more than 1,000 people.
The game at Raider Stadium in Mt. Airy also included a prayer rally for Habersham Central High’s head baseball coach. Chris Akridge — affectionately known as ‘Coach Ak’ — has been in the hospital battling COVID for weeks.
The players and foundation members signed a football for Coach Ak. They inscribed on the football a Bible verse, Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Inspiring and uplifting others is a hallmark of The Easton Foundation’s annual event. While the purpose is to raise money for charity, it also raises spirits by spotlighting those within our community who have persevered through tragedy and challenges. It gives those individuals and families a chance to shine — to be recognized and remembered.
In the past, The Easton Foundation has honored a child cancer survivor, families who’ve lost loved ones in accidents, and the family of slain Dekalb County Police Officer and Habersham Central graduate Edgar Flores.
Cornelia entrepreneur Faith Baird, co-owner of Brownies by Faith, served as Grand Marshal for the pre-game ceremonies this year. Faith was chosen for the honor last year, but the game was canceled due to the pandemic.
Although the pandemic is again surging, The Easton Foundation elected to continue with this year’s event, encouraging the unvaccinated to wear masks and for attendees to social distance.
John Arrendale’s 1950 Ford F1000 took best of show at the cruise-in. Habersham Central’s Band of Blue brought energy to the festivities. And a fireworks display after the game added the final spark to keep this year’s event glowing in people’s hearts for a while.
This article has been updated with new information
