A local non-profit is hoping the Seattle Seahawks and their head coach Pete Carroll have lots to celebrate during Super Bowl XLVIII.
Victim Support Services, which helps survivors of crimes (including arson, drunk driving, attempted homicide, home invasion and robbery), is hoping to raise money for its cause based on hugs Carroll delivers during the Super Bowl. Marysville’s Superb Construction Company has signed on to donate $1 for each hug Carroll gives during the big game and Victims Support Services is hoping to garner additional pledges from others before Sunday. The non-profit group also is looking for a volunteer attending Super Bowl XLVIII in East Rutherford, N.J. to help count Carroll’s hugs during the game.
“It’s something positive that’s taking place in the community,” said Marge Martin, executive director of Victim Support Services. “When you look at what (Carroll’s) doing, you know that’s him. You know that’s Pete’s personality coming through on the field. … When I see the potential out in the community of recognizing a kind and compassionate person, it just kind of rings in my heart that there are really good people out there doing good things.”
Those looking to donate can find more information on the foundation’s website at www.VictimSupportServices.com.
Martin saw a recent Herald article discussing the high-energy coach’s habit of embracing players after big plays. She got the idea to raise money for Carroll’s hugs from press coverage about Denver quarterback Peyton Manning and the way he raised some money for his charity.
Last week, Manning helped raise $24,800 for using his customary “Omaha!” pre-snap call. Eight Omaha companies combined to donate $800 to Manning’s “Peyback Foundation” every time he used his popular phrase in the AFC Championship game.
“That is what I’d like to do, try to create a wave similar to the ‘Omaha’ thing with Peyton Manning,” Martin said. Phil Jubie, Martin’s brother who owns Superb Construction, wanted to help out and talked to his sister about donating money on a per-hug basis.
“I was reading the paper and it had an article about ‘Omaha’ and (how) a bunch of people got together and donated a bunch of money each time he said that,” Jubie said, “Reading in The Herald that Pete likes to give hugs, the other night I was laying in bed and I said, ‘You know what? They can do that (for Manning) why don’t we do hugs for our group?
“I think it’s a great way to raise some money for a non-profit that works off grants and donations.”
Jubie, who said he’s “watched every game this season,” knows that a Super Bowl might elicit a lot of hugs from the Seahawks head coach — who averages anywhere from 27 to 43 hugs per game.
Jubie’s prepared.
“I kind of told my sister that I would cap (the donation) at $100,” Jubie said. “I expect (Carroll) to give a few more hugs in the Super Bowl. But here’s the downside: if they don’t win it might cut the hugs. If it comes up less than 100 hugs I’ll double it. And donate the same amount to the local food bank.”
Victim Support Services is hosting a breakfast fundraiser on Feb. 19 — two weeks after Super Bowl Sunday — and Jubie would love to host Carroll at the event.
“He’s welcome to come up,” Jubie said. “I’ll give him a hug and buy him breakfast.”
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