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| Vol. 17, No. 32 | May 21, 1998 |
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| Vol. 17, No. 32 | May 21, 1998 |
When daughter Lindsay was selected as Gold queen of the Blue-Gold All Star Football Game in 1994, Gwen Davis, personnel records, and her husband, Jim, a vice president with CoreStates Bank, did not know they would become involved in what now amounts to another full-time job.
This year, the couple is serving as second vice chairpersons of the annual Blue-Gold Game, to be in the Delaware Stadium June 27 to benefit the Delaware Foundation for Retarded Children. They will be first vice chairpersons next year and will chair the event in 2000-the first couple to do so.
The Davises are involved in organizing many of the ongoing activities culminating in the football game. "What we don't do this year, we will do next year, so we will be prepared for the big job in 2000," Davis said.
"Blue-Gold is such a worthwhile organization with wonderful people and does so much good. At the same time, it's a lot of fun for everyone, from high school students to their buddies, the kids who are linked with the participants through the Hand-in-Hand program," Davis said.
Lindsay, now a UD senior is planning to a become a special education teacher. She was matched up with Katie Loehr, who has since graduated from high school and also is on the UD campus continuing her education in a Red Clay School District life skills program.
"We have gotten to know Katie and her family and have truly enjoyed our friendship. The relationships made through Hand-in-Hand frequently continue for years," Davis said.
In their spare time, the Davises also coach a Special Olympics bocci ball team, the Thunder Bears.
The Davises visit high schools to present programs about the Blue-Gold Game and the activities it supports, such as the Delaware Special Olympics, the Mary Campbell Center and the Easter Seal Society through the Delaware Foundation for Retarded Children.
The first game, organized by sportsmen Bob Carpenter Jr. and Jim Williams, was played in 1956 to support programs for those with mental retardation. The event is unique to Delaware, and more than $4 million has been raised with all funds used within the state, Davis pointed out.
"Part of the program we present is awareness," Davis said. "I stress that kids with mental retardation are just like kids everywhere-with the same hopes, desires and dreams. They just have to work harder to meet the challenges they face."
High school football players, cheerleaders, band members and ambassadors (who have replaced the game queens) from all over Delaware participate in the program.
High school students also help out with fundraising. For example, St. Mark's High School had a Blue-Gold Week with a fashion show, a faculty/ student basketball game, a dance and other activities that raised $16,000.
The kick-off event leading up to the June game is a party in March for participants, buddies and families. A picnic is held in April, a bowling party in May and a Blue Rocks baseball game in June. There also are Blue-Gold events in Dover and Newark.
The high school students and buddies also interact on a one-on-one basis-going to the movies, having a hamburger or pizza together or just having fun.
In June, the pace picks up as the two teams come to campus for two weeks of practice. Before the game, a pep rally in Rehoboth and a parade and pep rally in downtown Wilmington heighten the excitement.
Game day itself is fabulous, Davis said.
The event begins at 4 p.m., with games for kids and food for sale, and families are encouraged to bring picnics.
At 6 p.m., all the high school participants are introduced on the field, followed later by their "buddies" who rush out to join them. "It is a moving moment," Davis recalled.
At 7 p.m., the teams face off, wearing blue or gold uniforms, but their own high school helmets. Half time features a fantastic show, she said, and, after the game, buddies and teenagers unite again to watch fireworks.
"All this for only $6 for a great cause. We hope as many people as possible will come for a fantastic, family-oriented night and support the Blue-Gold Game and all that it represents," Davis said.
For more information or tickets, call the Davises at 738-0827.
-Sue Swyers Moncure
Photo by Robert Cohen
