Moorestown Turkey Bowl Gobbles Up Donations

What started out as a fun way to kick off (pun intended) the Thanksgiving holiday, has grown into one of Moorestown’s most successful—not to mention entertaining—charitable enterprises.

Back in 2009, members of the Moorestown 2 soccer team—part of the South Jersey Masters Association—and the township’s 35+ Rec Soccer program squared off in a friendly exhibition the day before Thanksgiving.

The first game wasn’t very competitive—Moorestown 2 dominated the rec soccer players in a 6-1 blowout—but it started a tradition that took on a philanthropic complexion the following year.

Scott Cooper, captain of the rec soccer team, said he and the captain of the Moorestown 2 team decided to solicit canned food donations from players and spectators in the game’s second year.

“I felt it was just something we oughta be doing … We oughta just turn that event into something positive for the community,” said Cooper.

In its third year, the “Turkey Bowl,” as it’s known, grew even more—in spectators and donations—and this year they’re looking to expand even further.

“We realized we had kind of maxed out on the amount of food we could get from players and spectators,” he said. “The only way to get more food is to get more people to come to the game.”

Fortunately, as the charitable aspect of the event has grown, the games have gotten much more competitive as well, according to Cooper—although he’s less concerned with the quality of the play than the quantity of the donations.

“I just want more food brought for charity,” he said.

Everyone who plans to attend the game is urged to bring a canned food donation. All donations benefit the First Presbyterian Church food pantry.

The event starts at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21, at the turf field at Wesley Bishop North. Those who can’t stay for the entire match are encouraged to drop off food at the field at 7 p.m.

“We get all levels of generosity,” said Cooper. “There’s no quota.”

Prior to the start of the game, spectators will be treated to a routine from the Moorestown cheerleaders, the presentation of the nation’s colors and the singing of the national anthem.

For more information, contact Cooper or Moorestown 2 captain Bill Vanwagenen at cooper@blankrome.com or bill.vanwagenen@ch2m.com.