Afternoon Tailgate this Saturday with Marlin Jackson & Friends at Homes Brewery

Submitted by Seth on

[UPDATE: Matt Demorest of HomeSure Lending is going to buy the first 50 drinks or so for everyone. Also moved to diaries to make it easier to find]

So yep as I’ve been hinting at for weeks we’re doing a tailgate this Saturday for Marlin Jackson’s Fight for Life Foundation, and with a chance of showers at 80% we’re going to officially move our tailgate indoors and earlier in the afternoon. At least I can announce it finally:

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WHAT: We’re getting together to watch the afternoon games, get some grub before the night game, and drink good beer at…

WHERE: Homes Brewery, 2321 Jackson Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. That’s on the west side, off Jackson Ave just east of Maple, so skip all the M-14 traffic that’s getting off on Main Street and take Maple in, then turn east onto Jackson at the Walgreens and you’ll see it on the right. Homes is a new bar that makes their own really good brews, and the owner is friends with most of our friends. Also it’s not directly in the path of gameday craziness while still a straight shot back to it. Probably want to get there a little after…

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WHEN: 2pm to 5pm is when MGoBlog will be there—Marlin is coming in with Second Hardest Working Man on the Planet™ (Zack Eisendrath)’s Big Game Air trip, which probably can’t get to us until 3:30. If you don’t have a ticket of course you’re welcome to stick around after that—we figured people would want time to get down toward the stadium, and we don’t want to clog up Homes’ parking lot for their game traffic. Until then we’re going to watch football not in the rain and drink beer, because…

WHY: Because being somewhere inside that you can buy beer and food and watch football all Saturday beats standing around in the rain with Spartans? Oh, right, the reason for the event is we love Marlin Jackson’s charity, the Fight for Life Foundation:

fight-for-life-foundation

Marlin grew up in an awful situation in Sharon, Pa., and wouldn’t have made it out except for sports programs and mentors who cared about his education, and wouldn’t give up on him. He knows from experience and from bringing in experts from the cutting edge of modern teaching techniques what kids in similar situations need to get out of the cycle of poverty and danger. Their programming:

  • Building Dreams/Field of Dreams (elementary/middle), and RAP (high school) are in-school programs that provide crucial educational needs that schools in poverty zones now entirely lack.
  • Seal the Deal is an after-school youth flag football program.
  • Be a Blessing! follows up with the kids who've been in their programs, and provides need-based assistance to their families.

I’d probably already be a big fan of this because I’m a fan of Marlin the football player, but my wife, who’s a child psychologist who works with need-based families, was blown away when I showed her what they do.

DO I GOTTA PAY? It’s polite to give $10 to Marlin’s charity at the door but it’s not obligatory. Bring cash for a raffle. Also a shout-out to Matt Demorest for putting in a ton of legwork to make this happen.

Comments

evenyoubrutus

October 3rd, 2017 at 8:08 PM ^

Damn, I never realized realized Seth's wife is a child psychologist. And Brian's wife is a UM professor. Weddings and family reunions must be really awkward for you guys. As someone whose wife has a waaay more interesting/lucrative career than I do, I am right there with you.

M Go NJ

October 3rd, 2017 at 8:47 PM ^

My 14 year old son and I came to this event last year, before the Wisconsin game and he had a great time. He won a football signed by Marlin, got some pictures and we learned about a great charity we have continued to support. He was just asking me if it was on again since we are come for the game on Saturday. Only question is now.. is it 21+ only? I am not familiar with Homes Brewery. Thanks and Go Blue!

 
 

yigit

October 3rd, 2017 at 10:20 PM ^

I can't make it as I live on the Left Coast, but I have to say that if I could be there I would defintely show up.  I would show up to meet all of you guys and buy each of you several beers.  I don't post much, but I read the shit out of your site every single day.  The writing is absolutely incredible and to be honest, Mgoblog is on of the list of many things that makes me certain that the Michigan football program is the best in the country.  You guys add so much to my football experience and have really shaped me into the rabid fan that I am.  Lantana isn't even my favorite hummus, but I make my wife buy it along with our Fairlife milk every time she goes to the grocery store. Thank you. 

jmdblue

October 3rd, 2017 at 10:25 PM ^

Of what several of our former athletes are doing. Not just donating some money and mugging for the cameras, but acting as driving forces for change. Messrs. Jackson, Rose, and Smith come immediately to mind, but of course there are others. Thanks Marlin!!

stephenrjking

October 3rd, 2017 at 11:54 PM ^

Right by my old neighborhood. Take Burwood up to Liberty, turn left, right on Dartmoor, wind your way through the neighborhood, and you hit Pauline without ever encountering Stadium Boulevard traffic.

Or, you know, a dozen alternate neighborhood routes to the same area. The neighborhood access to the Stadium is a great feature.