STUART — It’s a rivalry that’s legendary in Martin County. And now it’s for charity too when the Martin County Tigers meet the South Fork Bulldogs as they face off for bragging rights at the Inaugural Martin Bowl Charity Football Game.

The game will benefit CASTLE, a local child abuse education and prevention organization that assists some 3,000 families annually throughout the Treasure Coast. The coaches say even though the games are for charity, the players take this rivalry seriously. “Our players love to play football and our boys have been looking forward to this game all year. When they can play for a good cause, it’s even better”, said South Fork Athletic Director Charlie Moody. The charity portion of the game is the brainchild of Moody who is hopeful that this will be the beginning of an annual tradition to benefit CASTLE. “CASTLE has positively impacted the lives of many people in this community, so anything we can do to help is great. No matter what the score, it’s a win-win for everyone,” he said. And this is a part of the teams’ regular schedule so it counts as part of their overall season record.

Ticket Prices are $8 for general admission and $25 for VIP Tickets which includes end zone bleacher seats and a catered tailgate party before the game. Monies raised from the game will benefit programs and services of CASTLE. The match up begins on Friday, Sept. 2, at 7 p.m. at South Fork High School, 10205 SW Pratt Whitney Road, in Stuart. Tickets will be available at the gate or call 772-219-1840 to buy tickets in advance. Each of the schools’ fans can support their team and CASTLE by purchasing a commemorative t-shirt which has been designed specifically for this game. Fans can buy the t-shirts pre- game through the school and at the game, however there is a limited number of t-shirts available. All proceeds from the t-shirt sales benefit CASTLE.

Although CASTLE receives a portion of their funding from federal, state and local government agencies as well as United Way, much of their funding has been cut or drastically reduced, which impacts the services they can offer to the more than 12,000 children and families who will seek their services this year. Some of the programs offered are Safe Families - in home parenting to teach parents how to raise their children in a loving, nurturing and safe environment; High Hopes for Kids, a program offered in our local schools for children who are struggling with the emotional impact of their parent’s divorce; and Valued Visits offering a safe and pleasant environment for children to meet and visit with their non-custodial parent; as well as programs to educate families who are at risk for abuse or neglect.

For more information about the game or about CASTLE and its services, call Chris Robertson at CASTLE 772-465-6011, extension 236 or e-mail him atcrobertson@castletc.org.

About CASTLE

CASTLE is a Florida non-profit child abuse prevention organization serving the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee for more than 30 years. Their mission is to improve the quality of family life and prevent child abuse and neglect while teaching parents to love, nurture and discipline their children safely. CASTLE is a United Way partner organization and is supported by the area Children's Services Councils. CASTLE facilities can be contacted by calling: St. Lucie County (772-465-6011), Martin County (772-781-4510), and Indian River County (772-567-5700) and Okeechobee County (863-467-7771). You can also visit them on-line at www.castletc.org.