The Turkey Bowl ritual was first created in 2017 by four dads, each with two sons and a strong passion for flag football. They created the event as a way to continue the fun football season and give back to the community. However, the event was just for boys…
After seeing the success of this event over the past few years, and seeing how it can benefit the community, it was time for the girls to get involved… and take over, of course.
In 2019, four different dads of daughters, Adam Goldman, Bryan Krul, Danny Levine and Scott Blackman, who had a combined 14 Super Bowl trophies in their families, put together an event for the Girls as well.
From 2019 going forward, the Parkland Turkey Bowl will be for specially invited boys AND girls. Although the games and events are separate from each other, we are all coming out for the same thing. Football, Fun, and Family!
Besides the good time and memories made on the football field, the event also raises donations for charity.
In 2019 the Girls game provided over 80 pairs of pajamas and 30 board games for the Pajama Program. www.pajamaprogram.org.
In 2020 the game took an even more personal note as the game raised donations for the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in the name of Emma Sorensen, an MSD student who lost her battle with cancer earlier in the year. Emma was a friend to many of the players in the games and it is an honor for us to be able to #spreadhersparkle and help others who need it in her honor. – www.facebook.com/EmmaStrong.
In 2021 the game again took on an even more personal note as this time 1 of the teams would be named in honor of Emma, with the formation of the Emma’s Sparkle Team. This team was coached by girls who have aged out of the Turkey Bowl, but still want to be a part of the game. The first team had the honor of being coached not only by 2 parkland girl legends in Morgan Goldman and Rebecca Stember, but Morgan was also one of Emma’s best friends. This is truly an honor for us to carry on Emma’s legacy and spirit! Again, the game was able to raise donations for the LiveLikeEmma foundation and Joe Dimaggio Children’s Hospital and donated numerous lego sets and comfy socks for the children to enjoy.
2022 was the biggest year yet as we had an amazing 62 girls play in the games. Although each team had 15 or 16 players, the coaches did a great job of getting all involved and making sure everyone had a great time. Again, the coaches included some girls that have aged out as Emma’s Sparkles was again coached by PFFL Legends Morgan Goldman and her assistant Savanaha Tenore. Another Legend, Rebecca Stembe and Blake Backman helped assist Scott Backman with the Backman’s Buffets. The other head coaches were Todd Light, who due to travel schedule had to have Interim coach Mike Rachimi and Bryan Taylor handle the duties, and former NFL star Laurant Robinson. Robinson along with his assistant Evan Gerard would guide his first year team to the championship over the Buffets. Besides the great games which included 2 OT games, the event raised over $1,000 for #LiveLikeEmma as well as thousands of dollars in donated puzzels, board games and art supplies.
Win or lose, just being invited, playing the games, and supporting a great cause is the real reward here.
Of course, we wish we could invite everyone, and for those not invited but wish to participate in the future, please contact us at parklandgirlsturkeybowl@gmail.com
This event is NOT AT ALL affiliated with Parkland Flag Football. The event is for the purpose of family fun and to support a great cause.
The 2023 Turkey Bowl takes place on November 23rd from 8am to 11am at Pine Trails Park. Come out and encourage these talented young women.
