Photo credit: Sam Polgreen
On July 26th, the Firebirds will transform their home game against the Falmouth Commodores into a community-driven event with a cause and hopefully, a sea of red.
Firebirds Event Management intern, Aubrey Keegan, in discussions with other creative minds on the Orleans staff, brainstormed an event that would positively impact the Orleans community while also creating a memorable fan experience at Eldredge Park.
"While working with Cole Cook and the media team, Cole mentioned an idea about creating a themed night for the crowd - something to really highlight how amazing it is when the hill at Eldredge is jam-packed with fans," said Keegan.
"In discussions with Cole Cook and Jay Banfield, we decided that combined with our school supplies drive, a unified Orleans community on the hill could create a night to remember at Eldredge. From there, 'Pack the Hill' was born."
The Cape Cod Foster Closet (CCFC) provides clothing, shoes, school supplies, baby gear, and community support for children (NB to age 18) who are being raised by someone other than their biological parent, including the more than 3,800 grandparents who are raising their grandchildren on the Cape & Islands.
In preparation for the upcoming school year, CCFC is collecting new backpacks, markers, pens, and spiral notebooks, for their back-to-school giveaway event in August.
To do their part in benefitting the CCFC, the Firebirds are placing donation boxes around the park and accepting donations of backpacks, pens, markers, notebooks, and other unopened school supplies. An effort that Keegan is looking forward to seeing pay off.
"As part of my sociology major at Notre Dame I have taken a deep dive into research on educational inequality, which is a cause I am very passionate about," said Keegan.
"I'm hoping the community’s enthusiasm around the Firebirds can be channeled into our school supplies drive for CCFC. We are aiming to make it a memorable event for all."
The 26th falls on Red Shirt Friday, when the home team wears a special red jersey to honor veterans and first responders, while spotlighting one as that night's 'Hero of The Game', making it the perfect night to deck out the hill in red.
No red in your wardrobe? No problem. At the Firebirds new merchandise tent located behind the press box, red Firebirds shirts will be for sale at a reasonable price point of $15 to ensure all can be included in what Keegan hopes is a night like no other.
"I want to create a night at Eldredge when the players can look to the hill and see interns, fans, and organization members wearing red along a crowded hillside," said Keegan.
"In short - July 26th. Wear red. Bring a backpack. And pack the hill."
The Cape Cod Foster Closet is a program of Nurturing Foster Families, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
