More than 500 guests attended charity drive and tailgate party held before the Yale vs. Dartmouth football game at historic Yale Bowl
The annual Walter Camp Day at the Yale Bowl was held on Friday, October 5th, when the Yale University Bulldogs hosted the Dartmouth University Big Green in the third night game ever in the stadium’s 105-year history. Berchem Moses PC sponsored the pre-game event for the tenth consecutive year to support the Walter Camp Football Foundation (WCFF). This year, the event benefitted the Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center Homeless Program (CSHHC) and the Cardinal Shehan Center’s youth programs. Fans, friends and firm clients were asked to bring a gently used coat or a new toy to support these very worthwhile causes, and in return, received a free general admission ticket to the game. Attorneys and clients of the law firm donated hundreds of warm garments, toys and games.
Additionally, guests had the opportunity to have their photo taken with the Walter Camp Player of the Year Trophy and the Heisman Trophy won by Yale football player Clinton Frank in 1937. The Walter Camp Player of the Year Award is given annually to the collegiate American football Player of the Year as decided by the NCAA Division I-A head coaches. Walter Camp played college football at Yale College from 1876 to 1882 and is known as the “Father of American Football”. The Heisman Memorial Trophy Award is awarded annually to the most outstanding player in college football in the United States whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity.
“The Walter Camp Football Foundation is very appreciative of Berchem Moses PC’s generous support over several years,” said Michael Madera, WCFF President. “Each year the charity drives sponsored by Berchem Moses PC have grown exponentially, bringing hope and happiness to thousands of people throughout Connecticut who are suffering from poverty and homelessness,” Madera added.
The Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center’s Healthcare program provides medical care for those affected by homelessness in the Greater New Haven area. More than 3,380 people are homeless on the streets of Connecticut on any given night, and the CSHHC’s team helps them where they are living … in parks, under bridges, and in shelters. Care is available regardless of age and length of homelessness. Many of these services are offered free of cost. Additionally, site locations have services available which include, primary care, mental health counseling, substance treatment, emergency dental services, nutrition counseling, eye care, vaccinations and prescription medications. Case Management is also available to help people who are homeless with issues related to employment, education, housing, legal matters, food, clothing, transportation and childcare.
The Cardinal Shehan Center is a non-profit organization located in Bridgeport, CT. For 55 years, the Center has served the recreational, educational, and social needs of moderate and low-income families and young people of lower Fairfield County, particularly inner-city Bridgeport. Their mission is enriching lives through learning. This is accomplished by offering an After School & Saturday Youth Development Program, Summer Day Camp, various basketball leagues, Sign-Up Programs, Physical Education classes to grammar schools, and alternative education programs. The Center commits itself to offering a clean, safe environment where positive, growth-enhancing opportunities are offered regardless of race or religious affiliation.
The Walter Camp Football Foundation – a New Haven-based all-volunteer group – was founded in 1967 to perpetuate the ideals of Walter Camp and to continue the tradition of selecting annually an All-America team. Walter Camp, “The Father of American football,” first selected an All-America team in 1889. Camp – a former Yale University athlete and football coach – is also credited with developing play from scrimmage, set plays, the numerical assessment of goals and tries and the restriction of play to eleven men per side.