Burls Kids
The "Burls Kids" will always be our signature program. This is one goal that Brandon had already planned when he knew the NFL would be in his future. He wanted to make an impact on the children who grew up with family hardships and to give back to the community. Since 2000, the BBF buys 30 tickets to each Arkansas Razorback home football game. The Burls Kids program is also active in Indianapolis, Indiana where Brandon was drafted to play for the Indianapolis Colts just days before his tragic death.
In Arkansas, underprivileged children from all over the state get the opportunity to experience Razorback game day in Fayetteville and Little Rock. The games are distributed through Razorback Clubs across the state on a first come, first serve basis. The children are given an official “Burls Kid” t-shirt and replica glasses similar to what Brandon wore on the field. They are taken on a tour of the Broyles Complex and then get to march out on the field and be within inches of those huge football players. Players, as well as cheerleaders, mascots and even some special guests on the field autograph their shirts. The eyes of the children tell it all. These are the underprivileged of Arkansas. On that day over 70,000 people are looking at THEM and wishing they were on the field like the BURLS KIDS. Then they get to walk the sideline, past the Arkansas Razorback Marching Band and are taken to their special section in Reynold’s Razorback Stadium.
Papa John’s Pizza donates a personal pizza and drink to each child and their sponsors. Minutes before half-time they are shown on the SmartVision screen and announced to the entire stadium. It is an experience that any child [or adult] would envy. One child is chosen to tape a segment for the Bobby Petrino Show which is aired weekly around the state. The letters and thank-you cards we receive because of this program are heartfelt and the kids have one day that they will never forget.
"Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me…" Mark 9:37
In Indianapolis, a similar program has been set up and 10 tickets are purchased and given to groups [Boys/Girls Club, Family Shelters, Church Bus Ministries, etc…] in the Indiana area who work with the underprivileged children.
Please join us in supporting this very worthy work. Your generous donations and support will help touch the lives of Burls Kids.
Below are the seven Razorback Clubs who have been awarded games for the BURLS KIDS for 2009.
Date | Hogs Play | At | Group Sponsored By |
September 5 | Missouri State | Little Rock | Saline Co Razorback Club |
September 18 | Georgia | Fayetteville | Baxter County Razorback |
October 10 | Auburn | Fayetteville | Greers Ferry Lake Area |
October 31 | Eastern Michigan | Fayetteville | Ft. Smith Razorback Club |
November 7 | South Carolina | Fayetteville | Petit Jean Razorback Club |
November 14 | Troy | Fayetteville | Spa City Razorback Club |
November 21 | Mississippi State | Little Rock | South Ark Razorback Club |