Annual Chowder Bowl to benefit Shriners

Date: 6/22/2009

The ninth annual Shrine Chowder Bowl Football Classic will be played on June 26 at Springfield College. Kick-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Quickly becoming a premier event, the Chowder Bowl features the best of the just graduated seniors from Central Massachusetts playing against those from Western Massachusetts. Sponsored by the Melha Shriners, the Western Massachusetts and Joseph Mewhiney chapters of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, the game not only promotes football but benefits what has often been referred to as "the World's Greatest Philanthropy," Shriners Hospitals for Children.

In the eight year history of the game, over $63,000 has been donated to Shriners Hospitals, a system of 22 hospitals that provide the best of medical care to children with orthopedic conditions, severe burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lips and palates. There is never a charge to the patient or the family for any service received at Shriners Hospitals.

Of the eight games played, there has been one tie, one win for the West and six wins for Central Massachusetts. In spite of the record, there has never been a point spread of more than eight points. The teams are well-balanced, and the game is one that is played for a purpose. For many of the players, it will be their last organized game. But they all look forward to the event, and they play hard, clean football. It is high school football at its best.

Tickets are $5 and may be purchased at the gate. For further information, contact the Melha Shrine Center at 736-3647.