The sky will be raining mini footballs on Friday before the Marysville Monarch home football game against Grove City.
The high school will host the first mini football drop to benefit The United Way of Union County at the Memorial Sports Medicine Tailgate.
The Marysville Fire Department will bring a truck and drop the mini footballs from a 100-foot ladder at 6 p.m.
The tailgate begins at 5 p.m. and will be held in the field adjacent to the softball complex near the Senior Rock.
The idea for the drop came from The United Way of Hardin County. It holds an event at Kenton High School and it’s become an annual tradition.
United Way supporters pledge $5 to reserve each football. The football (s) that land in the helmet win or split a $500 prize. The rest of the money collected will go to the United Way of Union County’s 2018-19 Fall Campaign that kicks off this month.
“As a school district we have partnered with the United Way for a long time,” said MHS athletic director Ryan Walker. “The idea of centering an event around our home football game seemed like a cool way to show what the school is doing to support the United Way and what the United Way of Union County is doing to support the community.”
The United Way of Union County supports 27 local partner agencies and more than 40 programs through its annual campaign. Agencies include six area pantries, four senior centers, two shelters, drug prevention education, drug recovery and hospice care.
Marysville Fire Chief Jay Riley said he is happy the department can participate in the event.
“United Way impacts so many people in Union County,” he said. “We are glad to help in any way we can.”
After the footballs are dropped and the winner is announced, the mini footballs will be distributed to those attending the tailgate and football game, while supplies last.
Footballs may be reserved by texting 51555 with the message UWFOOTBALL or contact The United Way of Union County at uwuc.corinne@gmail.com or by calling 937-644-8381. Footballs may also be reserved at the high school through the athletic director’s office.