Alto, Ga. - The Easton Foundation announced Monday that they will hold their 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 presented by Revive Church is set for 7 pm with first responders from Habersham County and Banks County taking on first responders from Hall County. The evening will be capped off shortly after the conclusion of the game with a newly revamped Carr Law Group Fireworks Extravaganza. 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 in which more than 1,200 people were 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,” said Glenn Ingram, the chairman of the Easton Foundation Board of Directors. “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 and this game is our number one fundraiser.”
This year's event marks the 9th game in 10 years with just 2020 being the missing year canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I can't say enough about our community as a whole. While this is the 9th game, this is the 10th anniversary of the foundation itself and to look back and see how far we've come.. It's just unbelievable what God has done for the community through this foundation. A large portion of what we fundraise assists with our scholarship program, our Christmas program, and the ability to help teens with everyday needs, ” said Casey Lizama, the President of the Easton Foundation. “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.”
As in years past, the evening will begin with pre-game festivities by public address announcer Devin Thompson. The pre-game ceremonies will include the National Anthem, introducing some VIP guests including WCON's Kathy Nicholson as the on-field emcee once again. Fans will also be able to enjoy local vendors on the concourse, raffles, and more.
At halftime of the game, The Easton Foundation will once again put on a Circle of Honor Ceremony in order to honor those who have lost their lives in the line of duty protecting our community. Halftime will also include presentations from members of the Easton Foundation including a special 10th anniversary recognition honoring the foundation's namesake, Easton Singleton.
Fans are encouraged to stick around after the game for the Carr Law Group Fireworks Extravaganza, Habersham's largest fireworks display around the back-to-school activities. The fireworks extravaganza will begin around 10 minutes after the conclusion of the game.
The Battle of the Heroes game is the main event for the Easton Foundation that began in 2013, and has been put on and grown each year outside of 2020.
The foundation is still searching for volunteers and sponsors for the game. Email contact@eastonfdn.org or visit eastonfdn.org to get more information on how to support.
The Easton Foundation 501 (c)(3) is based out of Habersham County, Georgia. After losing Easton Singleton, a beloved friend and teen to a car accident in 2012, the community rallied together to turn tragedy into triumph. The Easton Foundation was founded by Casey Lizama shortly after Easton’s passing in 2012 as a way to help other teens with pain and loss, and also encourage youth to connect with their community and become leaders. Each year the Easton Foundation not only provides assistance in times of need in the community, but also awards numerous scholarships to help teens in the northeast Georgia community pursue their dreams of higher education.