The EagleBank Bowl has a charitable mission, as well as a sporting one.
The Wounded Warrior Project, a nonprofit founded in 2003 to raise awareness and aid for severely injured service men and women, is a major partner in bowl week activities. WWP, established in Roanoke but now based in Jacksonville, Fla., provides programs and services for the wounded and their families, to aid in their recovery and smooth their transition back into civilian life.
The organization raised nearly $42 million in fiscal year 2008. Though it is best known for providing hospitalized soldiers with backpacks of essential care and comfort items — CD player, calling cards, clothing, playing cards — WWP also tackles physical rehabilitation, education and career counseling.
“Once they leave the hospital, that’s just step one,” said Ayla Hay, WWP spokeswoman. “It’s a life of transition and changes and creating a new normal. It’s a lifelong journey and we hope to be there every step of the way.”
Hay could not say Monday what the value of the partnership would be. Steve Beck, executive director of EagleBank Bowl, said the group will receive two national television commercials, valued at $18,900 each, plus a massive sign at RFK that cost $6,000 to put up.
In its inaugural year, the EagleBank Bowl donated nearly $280,000 to charities, in cash and in-kind contributions.
More important than the money, Hay said, is the public awareness factor.
“For the general public to see some warriors face to face, that has always been something very important for us,” she said. “Making the commitment to the military community and wounded soldiers, it means a lot.”
