VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - The 46th annual "Charity Bowl" will allow a large number of children in Hampton Roads have merry Christmas. The football game, played at Landstown High School in Virginia Beach, featured some of the area's most prominent names and raised $150,000.
All the proceeds went to the Joy Fund, which buys Christmas presents for children who otherwise might not have any come Christmas Day.
One of those prominent football names was Old Dominion Head Football Coach Bobby Wilder, who suited up in full gameday gear for the first time since his college playing days ended at the University of Maine in 1982.
Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell helped open up the festivities with a few words, presented the check, and conducted the game's ceremonial coin toss.
Before the game started, Wilder jokingly said fans may see the Montana Miracle all over again. His first of three plays was instead picked off.
Naturally, the results of the game meant nothing, but it's impact meant everything.
"This is something our football team at Old Dominion is a part of," said Wilder after playing, "We'll be there in a week to hand out gifts to kids. It's a special thing to do and it should make us all feel grateful and fortunate for what we have."
Joining Wilder were legends William Fuller, Bob Windsor, Ed Beard, and Chesapeake Sheriff Jim O'Sullivan. Fuller, an one-time All-American at the University of North Carolina, played 13 seasons in the NFL. His career included stints with the Houston Oilers, San Diego Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles.
Windsor played nine years at the pro level; four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and five with the New England Patriots. Beard, a Chesapeake native and Oscar Smith High School graduate, helped the San Francisco 49ers win three NFC West division crowns in the 1960s.
Made in the U.S.A.