By: Community Magazine | November 21, 2017 | Local , Events | Fair Haven , Little Silver , Rumson , Shrewsbury
This November 24, 2017 at Count Basie Field in Red Bank will mark the 16th consecutive “Black Friday” when Little Silver and Shrewsbury residents will square off in a flag football match, formerly known as “The White Road Cup”.
The game had always been played on White Road in Little Silver where Red Bank Catholic football practices, which happened to be the border of the two towns. What started in 2002 as a pick-up event among a few friends, has now grown into a colossal community fundraiser helping to tackle hunger with Lunch Break as its sole benefactor. In recent years, the participants have raised over $25,000 and donated trucks full of clothing and non-perishable goods to those in need.
Over the years, the event has expanded by offering more and more flag football games to children, men and ladies who want to represent their town and support a great cause. Hundreds of players from all ages and skill sets come out for the fun every year. This November, the event will have doubled! What used to be a one-game match-up for all the age groups between Little Silver and Shrewsbury, with a winner declared for each game, has now become a four town tournament called, “The Rivalry Series”, which will include a Fair Haven vs. Rumson match-up for all ages. The winner of Little Silver vs. Shrewsbury and winner of Fair Haven vs. Rumson first-round games will play immediately after in a ‘peninsula playoff’ championship game. The losers of the first-round games will play in a consolation game as well, providing everyone with two games.
The event founder and organizer Rick Brandt said, “Amongst the four towns, everyone knows that there are friendly rivalries between us all, which makes for the exciting match-ups, and regardless of who hoists the trophy at the end, the true winner of the event is Lunch Break who helps those in need by providing food, clothing and fellowship!” Brandt went on to say, “I am so confident in adding the Fair Haven vs. Rumson component to the tradition because of the excellent football pride those two families have.”
Registration for the event is now open and the organizers are actively seeking sponsorships from families and businesses. All of the proceeds go to Lunch Break. Those interested in playing can register today for $100 each at www.TheRivalrySeries.com. Personalized, custom town jerseys with each player’s last name on them will be provided to every player! There will also be an after party at Val’s Tavern in Rumson featuring The Haven for all families! If there are questions about the event, or if you would like to sponsor the event, you can call or email RickBrandt80@gmail.com or 908.675.7646.
