VINA’s Annual Tailgate fundraiser competition between Michigan State and Michigan fans will be a virtual event this year. The online event still includes many fan favorites through a three-week period of online bidding, live videos, Dollar-for-Dollar gift cards and friendly competition between Michigan and Michigan State fans.

With the tailgate’s unique format this year, there are still plenty of ways to support VINA and those in need of affordable, quality dental care and education. The Virtual Tailgate kicks off Thursday, October 8 at 5:30 pm and concludes Friday, October 30 at 6 pm.

The Virtual Tailgate provides a unique opportunity since participants can support VINA and their community from the safety of their own homes and over the course of three weeks. VINA Executive Director, Jim Gilmore said, “We were looking for a way to continue this 12 year tradition and turned to the virtual mode to allow all of our loyal supporters, as well as the loyal Green and Blue fans, to not miss this unique opportunity. Our long-term plans call for returning to a live in-person Tailgate in 2021. In fact, we already have Crystal Gardens reserved for the 2021 Tailgate.”

Bidders must register online. Once registered, bidders can begin bidding on auction items as well as purchasing Dollar-for-Dollar gift cards, beginning October 8 at 5:30 pm. Bidding takes place throughout the three-week long virtual event.

There are many different levels of sponsorship opportunities. For those supporters who would typically purchase tailgate tickets in previous years, there is an opportunity to equally support VINA with the Extra Point Sponsor level for $100. VINA encourages supporters to utilize the Extra Point Sponsor opportunity since there is no in-person tailgate option this year.

This year’s tailgate is also significant because of the score between the teams. Michigan State is just barely ahead of Michigan with a score of 6-5. A Michigan victory leaves this year’s competition with a tie while a Michigan State win gives the Spartans a stronger lead for the future. Team captains Bill Anderson for Michigan and George Moses for Michigan State will battle to lead their team to victory while raising money for VINA.

The Virtual Tailgate is crucial for VINA because of the added expenses the clinic faces to adapt to COVID-19 requirements and continue serving people in need. VINA improves quality of life through better oral health, promoting dental care seeking behaviors, and elevating prevention awareness.

To learn more about this year’s tailgate or to register to be a bidder or sponsor, visit the 2020 Tailgate website.


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The VINA Community Dental Center of Livingston County is a non-profit outreach facility that provides affordable dental care and quality dental education to Livingston County residents with limited finances. “VINA” stands for Vision, Integrity, Need, and Action. VINA treats more than 1,500 patients annually from their facility at 400 E. Grand River in Brighton.

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