On Sunday, October 21, before the Buccaneers take on the Cleveland Browns, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation and the Tampa Bay community will once again team up to support the fight against breast cancer with the Sixth Annual Treasure Chests 5K + Fun Run, powered by Jabil. The annual event has become an October tradition for the Buccaneers and helps kick off the NFL's A Crucial Catch: Intercept Cancer initiative in support of the team's commitment to raise funds for patient services and breast cancer research in the Tampa Bay area. This year's event, led by Owner / President of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation and Glazer Family Foundation Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, will feature the fan-favorite 5K and family-friendly Fun Run, with each participant finishing inside the team's indoor practice facility at AdventHealth Training Center. Over the previous five years, the event has contributed more than $190,000 from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation towards breast cancer research and patient services through the American Cancer Society, Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation, Moffit Cancer Center Foundation and Florida Hospital West Division Foundation.
The team will continue its support of cancer awareness on gameday with special apparel as well as field stencils and banners throughout the stadium. In addition, the Buccaneers will honor military heroes throughout the game.
HONORARY FLAG RUNNER: SUSIE ALLEN, MOTHER OF DEFENSIVE TACKLE BEAU ALLEN
For team introductions, Susie Allen, breast cancer survivor and mother of defensive tackle Beau Allen, will lead the team out of the tunnel as the Buccaneers' Honorary Flag Runner. Earlier in the day, Susie will serve as the honorary starter to help kick off the sixth annual Buccaneers Treasure Chests 5K + Fun Run, powered by Jabil.
HONORARY GUESTS OF THE GAME:
TOP FINISHERS IN THE TREASURE CHESTS 5K + FUN RUN, POWERED BY JABIL
Following player introductions, the Buccaneers will welcome to midfield the top finishers in the 2018 Treasure Chests 5K + Fun Run, powered by Jabil. The group will serve as the team's Honorary Guests of the Game for the coin toss.
HERO OF THE GAME: U.S. ARMY CAPTAIN MICHELE BASS, BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR
Before kickoff, the Buccaneers will continue a tradition with the team's military Hero of the Game. At every Buccaneers home game, a selected military member will be stationed on the Pirate Ship in Buccaneer Cove to ready the team for action. This week, the Buccaneers will honor service member and cancer survivor, United States Army Captain Michele Bass. In 1983, Bass enlisted in the United States Army as a Private First Class. Two years later, she would receive her official commission as an officer. While supporting Operation Desert Storm, Bass was charged with logistical support and responsible for the development and execution of war plans. In 2016, Bass received a cancer diagnosis and vowed to use the same bravery and commitment demonstrated in her service to fight the disease. On Sunday, the crowd will honor Bass for her service, strength, and commitment to country.
SALUTE TO SERVICE SUITE, SUPPORTED BY JABIL
At every Buccaneers home game, the team honors a distinguished group of military members with an exclusive gameday experience in the Salute to Service Suite, supported by Jabil. During a break in play, fans are encouraged to direct their attention to the pirate ship and join players and coaches in thanking local servicemen and servicewomen for their sacrifices, including:
· From the Army, Sergeant Edgardo Cotto and E-5 Fatimah Bromell
· From the Navy, Chief Legalman Christopher Holt
· From the Air Force, Lieutenant Colonel Emily Farkas, Civilian GS-13 Paul Simmons and
Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Whittington
· From the Coast Guard, Petty Officer Second Class Jack Parrish
HALFTIME: SPECIAL BUCCANEERS CHEERLEADERS PERFORMANCE & STORIES OF COURAGE
At halftime, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders will carry out a special performance with support from the University of South Florida Sun Dolls, Plant High School Cheerleaders and 500 participants from this year's Buccaneers Treasure Chests 5K + Fun Run, powered by Jabil. The group will create a large breast cancer awareness ribbon on the field to honor those who have fought and continue to battle cancer, and at the conclusion of the performance, stories of courage from three breast cancer survivors and fighters will be recognized at midfield.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS FOUNDATION 50/50 RAFFLE
!On gameday, fans have the opportunity to participate in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation 50/50 Raffle while supporting a worthwhile cause. Each raffle ticket purchased will go towards a huge cash prize in which 50 percent of the net proceeds help support the team's mission to uplift the Tampa Bay community, inspire youth, and drive social change through programs that enrich the lives of families in the region. The other 50 percent will go to one lucky winner. Tickets are available at kiosks located in sections 106, 115, 131, 140 and each club level as well as mobile sellers throughout the stadium. For a complete list of rules and regulations, locate a kiosk or mobile seller on game day. To learn more, visit www.buccaneers.com/5050.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS FOUNDATION'S 'GAMEDAY FOR KIDS' GUESTS
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation hosts 100 "Gameday for Kids" to promote academic achievement and positive behavior in children. Selected groups receive game tickets, t-shirts, food vouchers and Buccaneers flags by achieving goals set by their teachers. More than 17,000 youths and community members representing over 100 organizations from Tampa Bay have been rewarded through the annual program. This game's attendees will represent Foster Elementary, Tampa Bay Blvd. Elementary and Winthrop Charter School.
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