The VINA Tailgate is back! The Tailgate will be at Crystal Gardens on Wednesday, October 27 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. – just a few days before the big game that Saturday.

This is the 13th year of VINA’s signature fundraising event where Michigan and Michigan State fans compete to see who can raise the most money for VINA. In the twelve years since the Tailgate began, the Spartans have won seven while the Wolverines have won five.

Michigan State fans have won the last three years, setting the stage for extending their lead or a comeback from the Wolverines. The winning team’s flag flies in a window at VINA all year until the next Tailgate. Fans also get epic bragging rights and a sense of pride in helping those in need in our community.

The Wolverine team will be led by former Michigan Football tight end and alumni Bob Cernak. The Spartan’s team captain this year is alumni Jeff LaFave, whose son in an offensive tackle at Michigan State this year.

The Tailgate will have roughly 100 silent auction items, including sports memorabilia, team-themed packages, tickets to a few Michigan football games (including the Ohio State game) and much more! There will also be tailgate eats and treats, fun games and entertainment for attendees to enjoy.

The competition between the fans of the two rival teams helps to raise money for VINA Community Dental Center, a nonprofit dental clinic in Brighton, Michigan. The clinic sees more than 1,500 low-income, uninsured patients annually.

Tickets are $45 per person and sponsorships are available now. Fans can purchase tickets and sponsorships at The Tailgate website or at VINA.

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VINA Community Dental Center of Livingston County is a non-profit outreach facility that provides affordable dental care and education to more than 1,500 patients in Livingston County with limited finances. VINA improves quality of life through better oral health, promoting dental care seeking behaviors and elevating prevention awareness. “VINA” stands for Vision, Integrity, Need, and Action.

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