ATLANTA — As tens of thousands of fans prepare to fill Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the Aflac Kickoff Game between Baylor and Auburn, organizers say the event is about much more than college football.
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Leaders with the Peach Bowl and Aflac say the annual game has become a major fundraiser for the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, helping support treatment, research and services for children battling cancer and blood disorders.
“We have a commonality — that is giving back to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta,” said Virgil Miller, President of Aflac U.S. “We’ve raised $1.2 million [through] the fourth year of our upcoming game.”
The game is expected to generate even more support this year through ticket sales and fan participation.
“As exciting as college football is to each of us emotionally, we feel like it can be used for a greater good,” said David Epps, President and CEO of Peach Bowl, Inc.
Epps said proceeds from the event help benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and its patients.
“We like to say if we do well at our jobs, we can do good, and tomorrow we’re gonna do good for CHOA, Aflac and Peach Bowl,” Epps said.
In addition to ticket sales, fans can contribute through the game’s annual 50-50 raffle.
“Through our 50-50 raffle in the game, which we expect to raise $80,000 directly to the cause,” Epps said.
One of the most powerful moments of the event comes when patients and families are recognized on the field.
“When you see those 200 people come out on the stadium — resilience and what they’ve gone through — and stand with us to give back,” Miller said.
The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta treats more than 500 new patients each year.
The community’s support extends beyond game day. In July, the WSB Radio Care-a-Thon and the WSB family raised $2.3 million for the center.
The Baylor-Auburn Aflac Kickoff Game airs Saturday on Channel 2 at 3:30 p.m.
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