The traditional Coginchaug versus Cromwell Thanksgiving Day football game will take on an added importance this year that will extend far beyond the results on the field. The teams have partnered with the Homes for the Brave veterans’ transitional housing program in Bridgeport to dedicate the game to help raise awareness about the issue of homeless military veterans.
The first annual “Homes for the Brave Bowl” will be played at Cromwell’s Pierson Park at 10:00 A.M. on Thanksgiving, November 28.
“I loved the idea from the very beginning,” said Cromwell coach Chris Eckert. “Thanksgiving is about giving thanks for what we have while also thanking the people that provided those things for us. The Homes for the Brave Bowl commemorates our thanks to all the service men and women who have fought for us, past and present.”
Said Coginchaug coach John Bozzi: “Chris and I wanted to dedicate the game to a local cause, to something that touched both communities, and nothing is more local than raising awareness about veterans’ issues. Members of the military don’t fight for a particular zip code. They fight for all of us and so we all owe a debt of gratitude to veterans everywhere, especially those who need our help to regain their rightful place in society. The “Homes for the Brave Bowl” is our small effort to help make that happen.”
Fans are asked to make a donation by check or to bring an item from the program’s wish list to the game. The Homes for the Brave accepts a wide range items including food, new clothing and new bedding.
To make an online donation or view the program’s complete wish list of items, please go to www.homesforthebrave.org.
The captains and coaches from both teams will deliver the donations to the Homes for the Brave in December.
