Area rivals team up Friday to “Tackle Hunger”

CAMERON PARK — The Food Bank of El Dorado County is proud to announce the first ever “Tackle Hunger” football game tonight in El Dorado County, pitting host Oak Ridge against intra-county rival Ponderosa.

The teams are partnering with the Food Bank to benefit the county’s most at risk children, seniors and families.

“Oak Ridge High School is proud to partner with the Food Bank of El Dorado County to support those in need within our county,” Oak Ridge Principle Stephen Wehr said. “We hope everyone will come out and enjoy a great night of football and support a worthy cause at the same time on.”

While the 2012 Tackle Hunger Game has been the brainchild of Wehr, Ponderosa Principle Lisa Garrett is alsoy excited to be a part of this event .

“This charitable event is a wonderful opportunity to come together in support of families in need from within our own community,” Garrett said. “When students and community unite to help fight hunger and poverty, blessings occur to those on the receiving and the giving end. In the end, it is all about the people and the relationships we are able to build and maintain. We are most fortunate to be in this together!”

The inaugural “Tackle Hunger” game will be the second fundraising event this year in which Oak Ridge has partnered with the Food Bank of El Dorado County.

For many years, Mike Sproull, Executive Director of the Food Bank of El Dorado County has witnessed the continued support from the students and staff of Oak Ridge which is one of many schools in the area that participates in the KCRA Kid Can Food Drive which kicks off the same week as the upcoming big game.

“I am very excited regarding the Tackle Hunger Football Game in 2012,’ Sproull said. “In a time when everyone is struggling for funding, Principle Wehr continues to stress the importance regarding the community supporting El Dorado County’s at risk population. Together we can make a difference to our neighbors who struggle to put food on the table.”

The Food Bank of El Dorado County is asking the community to get involved tonight’s game. Members of the business community are welcomed to become involved with event donations and sponsorship which will publicize their support of the Food Bank of El Dorado County and the inaugural Tackle Hunger Game, an event that is sure to grow bigger each year between the two schools.

You, your friends and family tare encouraged to attend tonight’s game to show support for the Food Bank of El Dorado County and the local youth athletes that are committed to bring hunger awareness to a new venue with this football game.

For additional information on the Food Bank of El Dorado County, visit foodbankedc.org or like us on Facebook today. If you would like to get involved with the Tackle Hunger Game send an email to bills@foodbankedc.org.