School spirit on display at Bell Center Tailgate Challenge

The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs in Homewood hosted its annual Tailgate Challenge fundraiser on Saturday, Aug. 26, in front of the center.

The event provided football fans and local corporations the chance to set up tents, serve their own tailgate food and show their excitement about the upcoming college season.

The event also raised money to support The Bell Center’s mission of maximizing potential in children at risk of developmental delay.

“With next weekend being the start of football season, everybody is ready for it, so people are coming out in droves,” said Kelly Peoples, marketing and developmental director of The Bell Center.

Typical turnout at the Tailgate Challenge has been about 1,500, according to Peoples.

There were 34 tents, with about 25 representing college teams, Peoples said.

Almost all of the SEC schools were represented, as well as UAB and Samford. There are also such schools Penn State, Georgetown and Oklahoma.

“It’s a big, fun event with all of the mascots here, so everybody’s just gearing up,” Peoples said.

Among the mascots on hand to pose for pictures and entertain kids and adults were Blaze the Dragon (UAB), Aubie (Auburn University), Big Al (The University of Alabama) and Spike (Samford Bulldogs).

Celebrity judges judged each of the teams on most team spirit, best-tasting food and best all-around.

The judges included Jim Dunaway and Ryan Brown from the WJOX RoundTable; Will and Reed Lochamy and Scott Register from Birmingham Mountain Radio; Ashlee Jones from Coca-Cola and Lauren Sisler from AL.com, according to Peoples.

These judges used a point system to decide winners, and attendees could take part by voting for their favorite tent in the “People’s Choice” category.

All proceeds go to The Bell Center, mostly for general operations, according to Peoples.

“But that includes all the therapy services for our kids – if they need splints for their physical therapy or if they need speech devices because they are speech-delayed,” Peoples said.

The winners of the awards at the event will be posted as post the winners thebellcenter.org and at facebook.com/thebellcenter.