Team Blonde Captain Natalie Ford and Emily Leiphardt and Team Brunette Captains Breanna Czenczelewski and Feli Rueff took the field at Bishop Diego High School for the Fifth Anniversary Blondes vs. Brunettes flag football game to raise awareness and funds for the Alzheimer’s Association California Central Coast Chapter, where a huge crowd of friends, family, volunteers and sponsors gathered to cheer them on.

Blonds & Brunetts End of Game Photo

Food and beverages enjoyed at the event were supplied by Hippy Pop popcorn, Shalhoob Meat Co., John’s Hot Dog Express, Shrimp vs. Chef, Kona Ice Shave Ice and Woodfire Catering. Drink vendors included Draughtsmen Aleworks, Pressed Juicery samples and Sparrow Sparkling Caffeinated Water. Water Provided by Water-with-Life was also available for guests to fill up their reusable bottles.
The Shalhoob Meat Co. guys Matt Redding and Raul Fernanez had them lined up around the corner for a Shalhoob tri-tip on a toasted French roll, and the smell of the delious meat wafted through the grandstands. Shrimp vs. Che was another big draw serving super cajun style plates, while the Woodfire pizza was a sold out early. Draughtsmen Aleworks was serving a Blonde Ale, ofcourse and a Red Ale as well. Martin Brown, Commander in Chief of Area 5.1 Winery in Santa Barbara was pouring a variety of his great wines to be enjoyed by game attendees, and The VIP tent had a rose by 5.1 that everyone loved with the delicious items on the buffet table.

Mike Brown serving up his 5.1 favorites

The game started with the National Anthem sung by Santa Barbara Soundwaves a Capella Group. KJEE was reported a blow by blow of the exciting game, and the VIP and bleachers were overflowing with supportive fans. The halftime show featured the KJEE & La Boheme Professional Dance Group. The game went into overtime at 0 – 0 and the Blondes scored, but were unable to make the extra point. Then the Brunettes came on strong making a touchdown and getting the needed extra point to win the 5th Annual Brunettes & Blondes coveted trophy. Congratulations to both teams who played a great game!
It was impressive to see these women play in such hot and humid weather for all those who have been affected by Alzheimer’s, with the hope to one day eradicate this disease, and for a cure. Last year was ‘incredibly successful” said Breanna Czenczelewski, and generated $80,000 during the season, and during the game Saturday it was announced by KJEE they had once again reached their goal for 2018.

Shalhoob’s Matt Reddy Serving up Tri-tip

Additional sponsors included Edhat Santa Barbara, Team Brunette Sponsor – Central Coast Home Health and Hospice, Team Blonde Sponsor – Assisted Home Health Hospice Care, Alz Sponsor – Village Properties, Super Fan Sponsor – Orthopedic Institute/Santa Barbara William R. Gallivan, Jr., MD, Kids Zone Sponsor CIFG Channel Islands Fuduciary Group, Friendship Center. Time Out Sponsors Don Logan & Family, Muller & Weber, SB, Mariposas Project, SurgicalArts, Titan Sport Performance, Medicine Women, Bragg, ValleVerde. Kudos to the army of volunteers who made this event happen.
About the Alzheier’s Association California Central Coast Chapter – The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Their mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. The California Central Coast Chapter provides services in Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Luis Obispo counties. They are located at 1528 Chapala Street, Suite 204, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Their vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Visit www.alz.org/cacenrralcoast.
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By Bonnie Carroll

Bonnie Carroll has been a food/travel/lifestyle writer since 1983. She is the founder & publisher of Bonnie Carroll’s Life Bites News (www.lifebitesnews.com), does travel, entertainment and food reporting on local Radio/TV, and contributes to a variety of national and international travel/lifestyle publications. She is a member of IFWTWA and NATJA. Contact her at writebc@aol.com.