PSFCA Hosts First Big 33 Buddy Dance On Friday, March 15 At Capital Area Intermediate Unit In Summerdale Thanks to UPMC
Written by: Big 33 Staff on March 4, 2024.
Mechanicsburg, Pa – The PSFCA Big 33, whose Football Classic is presented by Renewal by Andersen of Central PA, is excited to host their first BUDDY DANCE on Friday, March 15, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Capital Area Intermediate Unit, 55 Miller Street, Summerdale, Pa. Children/Individuals ages 5 and up with special needs, along with present and past Buddies and friends can participate. This event is generously funded by UPMC, who is the 2024 Buddy Sponsor for the PSFCA Big 33.
“This special Big 33 Buddy event will include time to dance, eat and to enjoy the company of Big 33 Buddy Families. We are grateful to UPMC and to all of our sponsors for helping us to host these special outings for our Buddies and what promises to be a fun evening for all. In addition to the Big 33 Buddies and Friends joining us, we are excited to also have area football players and cheerleaders from Mechanicsburg High School as well as their school mascot and the Buddy Team Mascot ‘Canine Hope’ participating,” said Garry Cathell, PSFCA Big 33 Executive Director.
The popular Big 33 Buddy Program features individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This program was started in 1985 and was designed to team up a child with special needs with a Big 33 athlete. This program has grown through the years and continues to partner Big 33 Buddies with Big 33 Players and Cheerleaders, where Cheer Buddies participate in the halftime routine. All Buddies enjoy time with their players and cheerleaders during Big 33 weekend. Year-round Buddy activities also include a Mini Golf and a Bowling outing.
Renewal by Andersen of Central PA is the title sponsor for the PSFCA Big 33 Memorial Day Weekend events slated to start on Wednesday, May 22nd and conclude on Memorial Day Sunday, May 26th with the 67th Big 33 Football Classic known as one of “the best All-Star games in the country.” Pennsylvania and Maryland players and cheerleaders will all practice at Cumberland Valley High School’s (CVHS) Chapman Field. Other special events being planned over the holiday weekend for CVHS include: Big 33 Buddy Day, Big 33 Pep Rally, Big 33 Recognition Program, Big 33 Fan Fest, military participation, youth clinics and family-friendly activities. PSFCA East West all-stars will play their Big School and Small School all-star football games, also at CVHS’s Chapman Field, on Sunday, May 19th at Noon (Small School) and 5 p.m. (Big School). These games will feature seniors from Pennsylvania, as well as all-star cheerleaders.
For more information, go to big33.org or follow them on Facebook @Big33FootballClassic, Instagram @PFSCABig33FootballClassic or on Twitter @psfcabig33. Some well-known Big 33 alumni and NFL greats include: Joe Namath, Joe Montana, Dan Marino, Jim Kelly, Ricky Waters, Tony Dorsett, Ben Roethlisberger, Kyle Brady, Miles Sanders, Jordan Hill, and Damar Hamlin. Money raised from the game helps support all PSFCA Big 33 programs, including the Big 33 Buddy Program. Proceeds also assist in supporting military appreciation aspects of the Memorial Day Weekend. Big 33 PA and MD Players will stay with host families again this year. Any potential host families or Buddies or interested sponsors can contact Nicole Whitmire at nwhitmire@big33.org.
