The third annual Spring Game Tailgate was held on April 13, and it was filled with excitement as former Florida Gators punter Johnny Townsend gathered with his supporters. The event raised $43,000 for the renovations of units 44 and 45 at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital.
During the tailgate, fans mingled and shared memories while supporters secured autographs and snapped selfies with their football heroes. Some of the special guests included Scott Stricklin, University of Florida athletic director, former Florida Gators Head Football Coach Steve Spurrier, and UF mascots Albert and Alberta. Event sponsors included Stuart Building Products, Pepsi Co., Precision Construction Solutions, Meldon Law, and Southern Wine & Spirits.
The silent auction featured coveted Gators memorabilia such as a football signed by Heisman trophy winners, a Traeger Grill package, and trips to Greece, Spain, and Iceland.
Townsend shared that supporting the community has been important to him since he was a student at UF where he participated in service programs that inspired him to establish the foundation six years ago. He said “The children are my inspiration.” He wanted to find a way to provide as much help and hope as he can for these deserving patients and their families. The real winners of the Johnny Townsend Tailgate are the brave pediatric patients who inspire everyone to keep pushing for the win both on and off the field.
