Sertoma Club seeks to overcome Classic cancellation

Regarding the Sertoma Football Classic:

The Sertoma Club of Charleston deeply regrets having to cancel this year's Football Classic.

A rain-out of this Lowcountry tradition has occurred only a very few times in the past 38 years. This year's games were cancelled not only due to the excessive amount of rain that had accumulated on the playing field at The Citadel's Johnson Hagood Stadium but also due to water that had accumulated in several public areas of the stadium creating unsafe conditions. The parking lots were turned into temporary lakes that, with use, would have transformed them into quagmires as vehicles attempted to park and maneuver through them.

The Sertoma Football Classic has been held in August every year for the past 38 years and is the acknowledged kickoff event for the high school football season. It is anticipated with enthusiasm and excitement by the football teams, the cheerleaders, the bands and spectators. More importantly, this event over the years has raised approximately $3.4 million for local charities and schools.

The cancellation of our game means a significant loss of revenue and funding for our local children's charities. These funds are needed even more this year as individuals and businesses have reduced contributions to charities because of the faltering economy and high gasoline prices.

Last year's designated local children's charities included Windwood Farms, Special Olympics, Eagle Harbor Boy's Ranch, Happy Days and Special Times, Charleston Therapeutic Riding and Halos, among others. The amount donated last year to our children's charities and schools was almost $100,000.

Due to certain fixed expenses associated with the Classic that we have to pay regardless of the cancellation, the amount available for distribution this year will be about 20 percent of last year's donations.

We would welcome donations from individuals and businesses to help us make up the difference. One hundred percent of donations will go to our children's charities and schools. Checks should be made payable to Charleston Sertoma Charities, Inc., and mailed to P.O. Box 30635, Charleston 29417. Charleston Sertoma Charities, Inc. is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.

To the loyal fans who purchased tickets for the Friday games, we feel your pain. We are grateful and uplifted that we have heard from so many fans, who while disappointed, understand why the games could not be held and who support our decision.

They know their money is still going to good causes even though they may have lost the opportunity to enjoy a fun-filled night of great high school football.

We are indebted to The Citadel, our partner, which offered free admission for all ticket holders to the Classic for The Citadel's first home game at Johnson Hagood Stadium and offered a two-for-one special for the following two home games.

In the months ahead, the Sertoma Club of Charleston will be actively considering alternative events to help replace this year's loss of revenue for our children's charities.

In the meantime, rest assured that the Sertoma Football Classic will continue its proud tradition of ushering in next year's high school football season and continue its theme, "Kids Helping Kids."

ROBERT H. NUTTALL Sr.

President

The Sertoma Club of Charleston

Venning Street

Mount Pleasant