“The Game” Could Pay Off Big for Little Victors: Join the Competition and Make a Difference

Author | Kristi Valentini

Desmond Howard visits a patient at Mott. He is smiling and wearing a U-M alumni t-shirt and jeans. The patient is lying on a hospital bed and is covered with a white blanket.
Desmond Howard, former U-M football player, Heisman trophy winner, NFL wide receiver, College Football Hall of Famer, and professional sportscaster, drops in to visit with Mott patients.

This November, University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital is thrilled to announce a fun new partnership with Game Gives Back, a non-profit organization that combines competition and compassion to help those in need. Donations made in support of Michigan for the upcoming Ohio State University versus University of Michigan game will benefit C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, providing crucial funds for pediatric care and research. 

For passionate Michigan fans, this is a unique opportunity to make their game-day rivalry count for more than just a win on the field. Placing money on Michigan through Game Gives Back is a sure bet — every dollar translates to meaningful support for our Little Victors.

Empowering Compassion Through Competition

Smiling portrait of Joshua Perry and Jake Butt standing with their arms over each others' shoulders.
Close friends Joshua Perry, former Ohio State University football player, and Jake Butt, former U-M football player and Ohio native, joined forces to launch Game Gives Back. 

Game Gives Back was founded by Jake Butt, a former U-M tight end and Ohio native. Seeking to turn competitive energy into acts of generosity, Butt teamed up with Marc Jacobson, another U-M alum, to launch this impactful campaign. He also brought on his close friend and former Ohio State University linebacker, Joshua Perry, to unite the fan bases of these fierce rivals in support of families in need. 

“Growing up in Ohio and playing for the University of Michigan, I experienced firsthand the intensity of this incredible rivalry,” said Butt. “We wanted to take all that passion and energy and channel it into something positive. Partnering with Mott allows us to use our love for the game to make a real difference in the lives of children and families who need it most.”

A Rivalry to Remember

The long-standing rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State, famously known as “The Game,” is one of the most intense and storied in college football history. This fierce competition has been marked by legendary moments. 

Longtime fans will remember the 1969 upset that led to the 10-year war between coaches Bo Schembechler and Woody Hayes as well as the 1997 Michigan victory secured by Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson. More recently, who could forget the thrilling “Game of the Century” in 2006, and the double-overtime nail-biter of 2016? 

This is the second time that Game Gives Back has used the Ohio-Michigan game to raise funds. Last year, the initiative successfully raised nearly $100,000 in just 10 days, with funds benefiting Boys & Girls Clubs in both Ohio and Michigan.

Join the Competition

Michigan fans, let’s turn this rivalry into a win for our Little Victors! Help Michigan beat Ohio not just on the football field but in compassionate giving as well. To make your donation and support C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, visit GameGivesBack.org today!


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