The Easton Foundation will hold its 9th “Battle of the Heroes” charity flag football game on August 6th at Habersham Central High School’s Raider Stadium. Kickoff for the Battle of the Heroes Game is set for 7 p.m. with first responders from Habersham and Banks counties taking on first responders from Hall County. The evening will be capped off shortly after the game ends with a newly revamped fireworks extravaganza.
This is the foundation’s ninth game in ten years. The Easton Foundation hosted the Battle of the Heroes Event for seven consecutive years until the 2020 game had to be canceled due to COVID-19. Last year’s game saw a record turnout with more than 1,200 people on location for the game and the events surrounding the day.
“It’s so special for us to get to host our hometown heroes every year and this year we’re looking forward to the community showing up to what we recognize as the biggest back-to-school fundraising event for our community’s teens,” says Easton Foundation Board of Directors Chair Glenn Ingram.
Revive Church in Cornelia is the presenting sponsor for this year’s game. Ingram says the foundation relies heavily on sponsors and the community to support its main fundraiser.
“We’re so grateful for our partners and individuals in our community for giving us the tools to put on this event every year and their support is what allows us to help so many teens.”
Helping teens in memory of one
The Easton Foundation is a public charity that supports teens in crisis. It provides financial assistance in times of need and also awards college scholarships. Casey Lizama established the foundation in honor of his friend, Habersham Central High school student-athlete Easton Singleton, who died in a car accident in 2012.
Since its inception nearly 10 years ago, the foundation has reinvested close to $100,000 back into Northeast Georgia through its community programs, says Ingram. Roughly 57% of that has been allocated to fund college scholarships and helping families in need during the holidays. An additional 39% has been distributed to assist families coping with the loss of a loved one, Ingram says. Additional funds are dispersed on a case-by-case basis to help teens with everyday needs.
“It’s just unbelievable what God has done for the community through this foundation,” says Lizama. “Our board of directors and many volunteers behind the scenes drive this event to go off without an issue and we’re eager to see the turnout this year.”
Pre-game festivities at Raider Stadium in Mt. Airy will include local vendors and raffles. A Circle of Honor Ceremony will be held at halftime honoring area first responders and veterans who have died in the line of duty. Also at the half, organizers will present a special tenth-anniversary ceremony honoring the foundation’s namesake.
Fans are encouraged to stick around after the game for the fireworks extravaganza, sponsored this year by Clarkesville’s Carr Law Group. The fireworks extravaganza will begin about 10 minutes after the end of the game.
The foundation is still searching for volunteers and game sponsors. Email [email protected] or visit eastonfdn.org for more information. The Easton Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity. All donations are tax-deductible.
