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WELCOME TO...
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The North End ZoneBy Mark Dau The Tailgater Publisher |
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Big House, Michigan’s famed football stadium. But tailgating isn’t all that they do there. In fact, it’s almost secondary to helping local children in need. Through the “T. Wall Foundation,” Tom and his crew make one day out of the year a very special day for hundreds of local kids.
“I started it 15 years ago,” says Tom, a retired special education teacher. “The foundation is dedicated to helping special need kids have a more fulfilling life.” The foundation is made up of several programs for children and adults. Programs include the All-Star Hot Dog Stand for Special People, 3 on 3 Basketball Carnival for Special Athletes and Super Athlete Day. Supporting these programs, Tom has raised thousands of dollars and organized countless volunteers.
All Star Hot Dog Stand
Sams Club donates. Saturday football games have become something to look forward to these Special Staff members. The chance for them to get out and interact with people is more valuable than anyone can imagine. Some of the Special Staff are non-verbal and some are in wheel chairs. All of them are enriched by doing something useful. Each December a banquet is held to honor the volunteers and to make decisions about the appropriate use of the proceeds from the sales. Teachers submit letters from their students’ families about financial hardships and the Special Hot Dog Staff and their volunteer buddies allocate monies accordingly. This unique staff despite their disabilities is able to give to others less fortunate puts smiles on all their faces.
Super Autograph Day with the U of M Athletes Every Spring Tom brings over 500 Special Students from Washtenaw and Livingston Counties to walk down the Crisler Arena Tunnel to meet University of Michigan athletes. The special athletes putt, dribble a basketball, knock around a volleyball and experience a host of other sports at various stations. The athletes receive a t-shirt donated by M DEN of M’s clothing retailer, where every special athlete seeks signatures from any Wolverine in sight. The Michigan student-athletes gladly accommodated each one, leaving memories to last a lifetime.
3-on-3 Basketball Carnival for Special Athletes
The 3 on 3 Basketball / Carnival is hosted by Greenhills School. Each November, for the past 15 years a special spirit bonds the students of Greenhills with 400 Special Athletes (Special Olympic Athletes, Make a Wish and Physical Disabilities, as they buddy up for a day of carnival events and a 3-on-3 basketball tournament. Participants receive a t-shirt, prizes (cakes from the cakewalk), trophies, and food items donated by Kroger’s.
Financial support is received from (its largest contributor) Esperance Family Foundation, Ann Arbor Pediatric Dentistry Raymond A. Amaturo, DDS, Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Department, Bank of Ann Arbor, All Star Driver Education, and the T. Wall Foundation. The T. Wall Foundation goal is to position 3-on-3 Basketball Carnivals in every state.
Support
the Big House. The tailgating area is a secluded, wooded setting with picnic tables, a large bluestone patio with a Commercial Weber grill, seven-foot projection television with high quality sound and outdoor speakers to play the team’s fight song and make announcements to fans. The 1,000 square foot club house has a barrier free bathroom, complete kitchen facility with a large fieldstone fireplace. Alumni Groups from the University of Oregon, Notre Dame, Indiana, San Diego State and Northern Illinois all say the North End Zone is like tailgating in your own back yard,” says Tom. “Our slogan has always been ‘it's your home away from home.’ It's very private. You feel more relaxed. Those we have hosted at the North End Zone say it’s the best tailgating spot in and around the Big House.” Quite often the band and cheerleaders of the away team find their way to the North End Zone. “It’s wild when you host an away team and the cheerleaders and band members show up to entertain their fans.” Tailgating People are The Best
“Tailgate people are the best,” says Tom. “My job is to make sure their needs are met and have a great time. The University of Oregon fans were wonderful. They went through 18 kegs of beer in two hours. Over 950 Duck fans showed up.” Tom also loves the Wisconsin Badger fans who he calls “the best!” Unfortunately Tom doesn’t attend too many Wolverine games because he is always working the North End Zone. “I recently attended the Michigan-Northwestern game at Evanston in Chicago,” says Tom. “I played football for Eastern Michigan University in the late 60's early 70’s but Northwestern was the only Big Ten school who recruited me. So when I got to Evanston, I bought a t-shirt that said Northwestern Football. After the game I put it on and walked around joining the great Wildcats Tailgate Parties. I didn't mention that I was cheering for U of M. Nobody asked because I had my Football Shirt on.” “If the world could be as friendly as the tailgate families of the America we wouldn't have any wars.” And Tom Wall is a man who knows a lot about creating peace. # # # # For more information or for booking an event at a Michigan game, you can reach Tom Wall at www.northendzone.com. While you’re at the website, check out the T. Wall Foundation four minute video. The Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 non profit organization # 20-4957746, just in case you might want to make a donation to a great program.
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"When tailgating, we're all on the same team!" Tailgate Media, LLC, 252
Orchard Street, Westfield, NJ 07090 |
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