Background

The Easter Seals Blackout started in 2008 as part of a season-long fundraising effort by the Elmwood/Brimfield Trojans football team.  The homecoming game was chosen to be the Blackout game and both programs playing that game, Elmwood/Brimfield and Alwood/ROWVA, participated.  The effort extended well beyond the scope of a typical high school football game for the players, fans and communities.  Fans purchased black t-shirts highlighting the Easter Seals logo and "blacked out the night" for Easter Seals.  The event was a success, raising approximately $5000.  The Trojans football team would go on to raise a total of $13,500 for Easter Seals during and after the season.

Alwood/ROWVA's desire to get involved with the Blackout, an event that was part of Elmwood/Brimfield's homecoming activities, hinted that high school football across central Illinois could serve as a means to promote disability awareness, understanding and acceptance and help raise funds for Easter Seals.  It was decided to ask area coaches to involve their programs for the 2009 season and the goal of twenty teams was set.  Coaches involved with the Peoria Football Coaches Association responded to the call, committed their teams and schools to supporting Easter Seals, and the goal of twenty teams was met.  It is hoped that the 2009 Blackout will raise $100,000!