MEDINA TWP. — An annual gridiron classic aims to raise another $70,000-plus by Thanksgiving Day for local people in need of a helping hand.

The 21st annual Meadows Turkey Bowl kicks off at 8 a.m. Thursday at the home of Mike Meadows, 3075 Hood Road. The football competition includes four teams of 12 play­ers who each raise money from sponsors to go toward the St. Vincent De Paul Society.

Bill Doraty, one of the captains for the 21st annual Meadows Turkey Bowl on Thanksgiving Day, participates in the 2009 event that raised about $70,000 for the St. Vincent De Paul Society to help needy people in Medina County. This year’s goal is $70,001. (STEVE GARCIA PHOTO)

“This all started out as a backyard football game,” said Meadows, an organizer of the 2010 Turkey Bowl. “But now it’s about going out and raising money to help (our) fellow man.

“That’s the game within the game.”

The match-up dates back to 1989 and all proceeds benefit the society, Meadows said. Last year, the Turkey Bowl brought in about $70,000 to the society, which in turn helped to feed, clothe and offer funds for home heating to many needy folks in Medina County.

“A lot of people who are helped lost their job and now have medical issues,” Meadows added.

So far, fundraising for the 2010 Turkey Bowl is lagging behind the 2009 pace, Mead­ows said.

Donations typically range from $10 to $1,500, he said.

“The fundraising is behind and off pace from last year,” Meadows said. “But we’re still hopeful to meet our goal (of $70,001).”

The eight captains for the 2010 Turkey Bowl are Al Melchiorre and Nate Totten; Bill Doraty and Dave Krause; Tim and Terry Blas­cak; and Erin Cureton and Tom Judson.

This year’s corporate sponsors of the Turkey Bowl include Hyde Park Steakhouse, the Cleveland Indians and Weymouth Golf Club.

The Highland High School Marching Band is scheduled to attend and play music before the competition and during game breaks.

People interested in making a donation to benefit the St. Vincent De Paul Society via the 2010 Turkey Bowl can visit the event’s website at www.meadowsturkeybowl.com.

Contact Steve Grazier (330) 721-4012 or sgrazier@medina-gazette.com.

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