In May of 2009, Kristin Crandall attended the annual Blue Moon Gala; an event that helps support and raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association of Western New York.  She anticipated going to the event, having a good time and lending her support to the cause.   Little at the time was she aware by the time the night was over, her role in the association, as well as her life would be forever altered.

It was there she met Tracey Callisto.  A member of the Alzheimer’s Association who spent years raising money via the annual Memory Walk, Callisto already had a personal bond to the cause.  Her Uncle became a victim of Alzheimer’s before sadly succumbing to the deadly disease.  Sometime during their conversation as a quick bond was struck, the subject of powder-puff football came up as a way to raise both awareness and money for the dreadful illness.

In 2005, Sara Allen Abbot & Ryan Triplette organized the first ever Blondes vs. Brunettes flag football game to increase awareness among young people of Alzheimer’s disease.  The event was a huge success in Washington, D.C. and since then the duo has helped support similar events in several major cities around the country, including Dallas, Denver, Austin, Houston and Kansas City.

They spoke with Callisto and concluded it would be a good idea to bring the annual fundraising event to Buffalo.  The planning began in July and on October 17, 2009 the first Blondes vs. Brunettes flag football game came about.

They set a goal for the 2009 game to raise $10,000.  They didn’t just meet their goal— they obliterated it.  By the time it was over, the contest raised nearly $25,000;  an incredible amount for their first year.

They’ll try to double those numbers this year when the second annual Blondes vs. Brunettes flag football game takes place Saturday afternoon at the field of Sweet Home High School.  Start time is scheduled for 2pm.

In advance of this year’s game, Callisto said that nearly half their goal of $50,000 for this year’s game has been raised.

They’ll be plenty of beauty on both the field and sidelines.  Don’t assume, however, these ladies aren’t spirited and don’t want to win.  Last season’s inaugural contest produced a 12-12 tie—a score neither side will be satisfied with come Saturday.

In fact, Callisto and Crandall may have become close friends over the past year and are co-chairing this year’s game, but for a couple of hours they’ll be enemies.

Crandall is suiting up for the Blonde team while Callisto will represent the Brunettes.

Despite the glitz and glamour of beautiful women playing flag football, the game as well as the practices leading up have been authentic.  Last week at practice one of the player’s ruptured her Achilles Tendon that will require surgery.  Girls from each side have also suffered broken fingers.

Even when it’s girls raising money for charity, football can be a brutal sport.

“It may be a powder-puff football game, but it’s the real deal.” Crandall said. “We have amazing coaches that really prepare us to battle it out on the field and the players are good. I mean really good.”

An Assisted Living & Memory Care Coordinator at Fox Run of Orchard Park, Crandall didn’t know how last year’s inaugural game would play out, from both a participation and fundraising standpoint.

This time around, she has a much better idea of what to expect.

“Last year we didn’t know what to expect,” Crandall said. “This year we’ve been able to build on that base. Our goals were to grow the size of the teams, increase the amount of donations, have greater attendance at the game, and continue to raise awareness of the disease. So far, I can tell you that we have met one of our goals—-nearly doubling the number of ladies on the field.”

The match-up will feature more than 30 girls from each side.  Crandall and Callisto both say that word of mouth, people directly involved with Alzheimer’s and social networking have been the key ingredients in recruiting such a vast number of players.

“It’s been amazing how many girls have come together for this cause,” Callisto said.  “A lot of the girls participating are involved because a loved one has the (Alzheimer’s) illness. Others came aboard simply because they want to help.  Word has spread, social networking has been huge for us and this thing continues to grow.”

The pool of participants vary on many levels and offer some interesting twists.  Among them are two Blonde mothers, who will be playing against their Brunette daughters.  Also, a pair of Blonde and Brunette sisters will be facing off against each other on the field.  A cousin of South Buffalo legend and Stanley Cup champion Patrick Kane, Kitty, has also signed on to join against the Alzheimer’s fight.

A few local celebrity players have been recruited as well.  Shanna Montana and Shannon Steele of KISS 98.5 are playing for the Brunettes side, while WGRZ-TV’s Christie Witt will be suiting up for the Blondes.

Members of the Buffalo Jills will also be on hand to support the event and they’ll be a balloon release in honor of those who have suffered from Alzheimer’s.

Tickets for the game are $10 at the door and your admission ticket will also get you into the after-party at Shenanigan, located at 1009 Niagara Falls Boulevard following the game.

For more information and background about the event and how you can help the Alzheimer’s Association of Western New York, visit the official Blondes vs. Brunettes website by clicking here.

(Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that gradually gets worse over time. It affects memory, thinking, and behavior and unfortunately is deadly.)