Super Bowl Sunday is a big day for most of America and the game itself is the most watched television broadcast in the world. Many Americans are on the couch or in the pub, watching and celebrating with family and friends. But for the homeless people of Immokalee, Super Bowl Sunday is just another day. Same for the lonely seniors and farmworkers far from home. So for these folks to share in the big day, Guadalupe Social Services/Catholic Charities is happy to have an annual Super Bowl Tailgate Lunch in the Casa Maria Soup Kitchen on the Friday of Super Bowl Weekend. This year’s lunch is Friday, February 1.

A huge part of the fun is that the lunch is served by the members of the Ave Maria University football team, some of whose members are, indeed, huge. The coaches prepare the all-American menu of hot dogs, chili, fries, and soda. There are several raffles and a special Super Bowl LIII cake for dessert. Each year, the guests and the football players form a special bond and connect in a way both inspirational and affirming. Coach Joe Patterson and his staff are proud of the concern for the homeless and marginalized shown by the young men of Ave Maria. The coaches begin cooking at 9:30 and the players serve the lunch guests at 11:30, 12 Noon, and 12:30 p.m.