MCWC hosts annual flag football tournament

Turkey, stuffing and a wide variety of pies and desserts are a few things most think of when Thanksgiving rolls around. But you can’t forget about the football games played at the high school and professional levels.

The Moorestown Charitable Works Club (MCWC) is hosting its 5th annual charitable flag football tournament on Saturday, Nov. 24. The proceeds from the event will go to the Boys and Girls Club of Camden County (BGCC).

Inspired by Diane Sawyer’s ABC 20/20 special comparing children in Moorestown to children in Camden, MCWC founder Joe Ehrline wanted to find a way to help the children of Camden and involve the residents.

Considering Moorestown’s proximity to Camden, Ehrline said it was amazing to see the differences in Moorestown’s environment verses Camden’s.

“Our kids didn’t have much exposure beyond what they see in Moorestown,“ he said.

The MCWC was formed with the intention to teach children about the value of charity while helping children in Camden and other organizations.

The flag football tournament is the largest MCWC fundraiser designated for the BGCC, Ehrline said.

The first year, $7,500 was raised at the event. Last year, approximately $19,000 was raised, and Ehrline said the goal is to reach $15,000 this year.

BGCC serves more than 3,000 children, and since 2008 the event has raised approximately $54,000 for the club, MCWC’s spokesman Dan Carrigan said.

According to Carrigan, Ehrline came up with the idea to host the flag football fundraiser in 2008, and since it started the event’s participation rate has grown.

This year, the organization added another donation feature.

Carrigan said a homeless shelter in Camden is in need of clothing and other supplies. The organization is asking for any donations possible to help benefit the shelter.

Approximately 50 volunteers, EMT, and other necessary services will be at the game.

For the past two years, president and COE of Holman Automotive in Moorestown, Mindy Holman, donated $10,000 for operating expenses at the flag football game.

She said the organization “targets the involvement of youth in their philanthropy,” which is the main reason she chose to support MCWC.

“By teaching our kids to be cognizant of the needs of others, and then have them participate in trying to help meet those needs, they are more likely to develop into compassionate and generous adults,“ Holman said via email.

Carrigan said high school students could also earn volunteer credit hours to fulfill community service hours.

Third and fourth grade and the seventh and eighth grade divisions are still in need of teams, while the other divisions are full, Ehrline said.

Between football, a fundraising event and physical fitness, Carrigan said it’s definitely an event promotes physical fitness and generosity.

“[We] wanted to get the kids involved in learning the life of service and giving to others,” Ehrline said.

There are different divisions, and each division is divided by age. Six to 10 players make up one team. Divisions will be made for children in third and fourth grade; for fifth and sixth grade; a co-ed division for participants in ninth to 12th grade; and an adult co-ed team.

There is a $200 donation fee per team to participate.

For more information and to register for the event, visit www.moorestownfootball.org.

The games will begin at 9 a.m. at the Wesley Bishop football fields, and will be played based on age group.

The rain date for the event is Sunday, Nov. 25.