(Alto) – The Easton Foundation announced today it is canceling this year’s Battle of the Heroes game. Organizers decided to cancel the longstanding local charity event after public safety officials hesitated about first responders playing in the game because of concerns over COVID-19.
The annual flag football fundraiser features law enforcement and emergency personnel from Habersham, Banks, and Hall counties. This is the first time in its eight-year history the game has been canceled.
Organizers had planned a car show to coincide with the game. The inaugural Cruise-In has also been canceled as well.
“This is an extremely sad and difficult decision the Easton Foundation Board had to make,” foundation board chairman Glenn Ingram. “We felt as if we had taken every measure in order to keep everyone safe, but also fully understand and support the hesitation of having first responders play in the game by their superiors.”
The football game, cruise-in, and fireworks were scheduled for August 15. Local entrepreneur Faith Baird was to have served as Grand Marshal for the halftime parade. Now, instead, the foundation will set up a booth at the Habersham Central football scrimmage on August 21. Habersham Central High School has extended an invitation to Baird to serve as the honorary scrimmage game captain.
The Easton Foundation will host the Habersham Chamber of Commerce in the VIP area at Raider Stadium during the home scrimmage at Raider Stadium. Foundation representatives say they plan to resume the Battle of Heroes fundraiser next year.
The Easton Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) based in Habersham County. It was established in memory of Easton Singleton, a local teen who in 2012 died in a car accident. Singleton’s friend, Casey Lizama, started the foundation as a way to help teens deal with pain and loss and to encourage them to connect with their community and become leaders. The Easton Foundation provides assistance to young people in times of need and awards annual scholarships to help teens in the northeast Georgia community pursue their dreams of higher education.
