CHaD game moved to August

By rbrown
- Tweet
- Pin It
Updated: April 23, 2020

Due to the uncertainties related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock (CHaD) is moving its annual all-star football game to Saturday, Aug. 1. The move is based on a desire to play the CHaD NH East-West High School All-Star Football Game under as normal circumstances as possible.

The new game date is the only change to the fundraiser that has generated over $2 million for CHaD over the last eight years, thanks in part to the efforts of the lead underwriter, Bedford and Nashua Ambulatory Surgical Centers. Kick-off
will remain 4 p.m. at Grappone Stadium on the campus of Saint Anselm College.

The game will still feature more than 80 of the best players and over 20 outstanding coaches from across New Hampshire.

“There were many factors that went into the decision to move this event from June to August, paramount among them the safety of our players, fans, and community.” said Dr. Keith Loud, physician-in-chief at CHaD. “But we also wanted to acknowledge and reward these seniors for their outstanding high school careers and their fundraising efforts for CHaD. Many of them are experiencing a very different spring than previous high school classes and we felt it was important to do our best to provide this opportunity for them.

“It is, however, important to note that health and safety will always lead the discussion on the status of the game. While trends are moving in the right direction, we will continue to monitor the situation over the coming months. If
physical distancing measures need to remain intact, we will make the appropriate decisions when necessary. Fundraising for CHaD is critical to operations but we will not play the game if there is a health risk to players, fans,
volunteers, and the community.”

The original game date was June 27, following the graduation of these all-stars. Now, the game will be held days before players head off to the next phase of their lives, whether college, the workforce, or the armed services. The new date
will also give players the opportunity to reschedule fundraising events they planned before stay-at-home orders were issued in late March. These were expected to be big fundraisers for the players, who have already raised more than $38,000 for the game.

Fans who purchased tickets to the game already will receive new tickets in the mail in the coming weeks. Fans interested in supporting CHaD can purchase tickets at CHaDAllStarFootball.org. There are two options for tickets: $10 general admission and $30 for the Tuckaway Tavern Pre-Game BBQ, which includes a general admission ticket to the game and a pre-game meal courtesy of Tuckaway Tavern. Ticket purchases can be credited to individual players to support their fundraising mission.

Fans can also make a donation to their favorite all-star (or a player from their community) while visiting the website, CHaDAllStarFootball.org.