More importantly, Florida fans' interest in the helmets will provide a hefty donation from the University Athletic Association to The Grit Foundation, a local non-profit organization that supports first responders in Alachua County and neighboring communities.
The UAA plans to present a check worth $58,625 to The Grit Foundation to benefit the work it does in the community.
"The goal was not to profit for the UAA,'' said James Slagle, Florida's assistant athletic director of revenue generation. "The goal was to find an organization that was deserving of a donation for this type of themed initiative."
Prior to Florida's 42-20 win at USF, the Gators announced a limited amount of white helmets with a red-white-and-blue-themed Gators script logo were available for purchase. Fans purchased 100 prior to kickoff and when 130 more were made available, they all sold out be the end of the day.
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— Gators Football (@GatorsFB) September 9, 2021
The initiative started with an idea from Jeff McGrew, director of football equipment. McGrew worked with helmet manufacturer Ridell to secure the helmets. Rick Hurtado, a former Marine and the Florida football team's assistant director of communications, helped in identifying The Grit Foundation in conjunction with campus groups as a local organization that worked closely with first responders.
"They are big partners with Alachua County Fire Rescue,'' Slagle said. "It fit really well because it's local first responders."
Not only did the Gators win on the 20-year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on America, so did The Grit Foundation.
"We are proud to partner with the University Athletic Association to raise critical funds for our local first responders,'' board members Avery Roberts and Phillip Pritchett said in a joint statement. "Our local firefighters and law enforcement officers are the backbone of our community and we are proud to see the Gator Nation come together to stand with them during these difficult times."
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Carter's Corner: Gators' 9/11 Tribute Helmets a Big Winner for Local Non-Profit - Florida Gators
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