8 Ways to Give Back on Game Day

By Laura McNamara | January 24, 2011 at 1:10 pm

Photo from GiftCardGiver.com

More than 100 million people are expected to tune in to the big game on Feb. 6. Super Bowl XLV just might draw the largest viewing audience in the history of television. St. Jude Children’s Hospital is hoping to reach such a large and valuable audience, encouraging football fans to become involved in Game Day. Give Back. The children’s research hospital is urging viewers to host a party, collecting donations for St. Jude at their event. Participants can even register online and St. Jude will host a website to help facilitate the party.  Fans can also become involved simply by hosting a “virtual party,” where donors can log in from anywhere in the world to donate to your Game Day. Give Back. party.

In addition to a Game Day. Give Back. party, here are more ways you can win big for charity during the Super Bowl 2011.

1. Donate your fantasy football winnings to your favorite charity.

2. Charge a “charity cover” at your super bowl party. Most party-goers won’t fuss over a few bucks when they learn the cash will go toward a good cause.

3. Host a “Donation Potluck,” where participants bring food, school supplies, books and other items that can be donated to local shelters and schools.

4. Instead of wearing your favorite jersey, wear a shirt that promotes your favorite charity. Have a tin to collect donation from family, friends and fellow party-goers who feel inspired to help support your cause.

5. Host a charity poker game. Each player picks a charity to represent. The winning player then donates the winnings to the charity he or she selected.

6. Host a charity trivia night. Charge a small entry fee, then quiz party-goers about how much they really know about football and the history of the super bowl. The winning team gets to pick which charity will receive the trivia plunder.

7. Celebrate at a shelter. Money isn’t the only way to give back. Instead of hosting the party at your home, host a potluck party at a local shelter. Invite friends and family and encourage them to bring a couple dishes to share with those living at the shelter. Use football to connect with people who have less means and learn more about how to best serve their needs.

How are you celebrating game day?