Community Corner

Tailgate for a Cause at the Forum

The 12th annual benefit for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation takes place this Saturday, Sept. 7 at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

Love tailgating? Love giving back to the community? Why not combine the two this Saturday as the 12th Annual Tampa Tailgate gets under way? The Tampa Tailgate: Kick-Off to a Cure is an annual event to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. It combines Saturday night college football with food, drinks and a fundraiser for the organization.

The annual benefit was founded in honor of Logan Bauder, a Westchase boy who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when he was 5 months old. Cystic fibrosis is a “chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States,” according to the foundation’s website.

“I've never known what it's like to just wake up or go to bed without doing treatments, even if I'm really tired,” Bauder said in a media release about Saturday’s event. “The only way for better medicine and more than anything a cure, is money for research. That's why I want to tell you that you can help make my dreams come true through your donations.”

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Tampa Tailgate has grown in leaps and bounds since its first run 12 years ago. In a previous Patch interview, Heather Bauder, Logan’s mother, said she’s amazed at the support the community has shown and she’s also happy the event is designed to be fun for those who don’t care too much for football.

“Tampa Tailgate is a good time for everyone, not just football fans,” Heather Bauder said. “It’s casual with lots of food from the best restaurants in Tampa, and lots to drink, not to mention the best auction items around. It's a fun way to do something unselfish and make a difference.”

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Saturday’s fundraiser takes place from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. It includes food and drinks from such area restaurants as Hooters, MacDinton’s, Yard of Ale, Grille 116 and Smokey Bones. A silent auction is also planned that includes sports memorabilia and vacation getaways in the offerings.

For sponsorship and ticket information just visit the Tampa Tailgate’s website or call 813-374-9041.




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