While area football writers have been focused on the NFL lockout, they may have missed the real action that has been underway for weeks — the Blondes vs. Brunettes workouts. In preparation for the Saturday, August 6, 4th Annual Blondes vs. Brunettes game at Westcott Stadium, the two groups have been holding workouts weekly for the Greater Dallas Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association’s powder puff fundraiser.
(Background information: The first year a B vs. B game was held in New York City, it raised $120,000. By contrast, Dallas’ first year achieved $65,000. In 2010, Dallas’s B vs. B’s hit $207,000.)
But don’t be misled by the noble cause. The “ladies” are no goody-two-shoes who are just funning around. Just watching the workouts at different outdoor locations (the Blondes at Glencoe Park and the Brunettes at the Jewish Community Center) is like watching the counterpart of the infamous Ice Bowl.
In 100+ degree temperatures, the workouts have started with the gals doing sprints, “mountainclimbers,” and back pedaling weekly. While the Blondes’ warm-ups have been supervised by head coach Eric Freed and his 14 fellow coaches, the Brunettes have had fellow coach/Camp Gladiator instructor Laila Sarvarian calling the routine. There have been breaks for water and some gusty grunts, but no checking smeared mascara or chipped nails.
What would drive women with day jobs as lawyers, nurses, graduate students, Realtors, interior decorators, teachers, pharmacists and executives to head for these weekly grueling workouts in the Texas summer heat instead of for their patios with icy drinks, sundresses and killer heels, since June?
Three reasons:
- The Blondes want to maintain their three-year winning streak.
- The Brunettes are out for simple, gut-wrenching revenge.
- They all want to raise money and awareness regarding Alzheimer’s. Some, like Caroline French, Chris Francis, Lindsey Freed, Ann Baker, Catelyn Cappleman, Channing Cass, Greer Fulton and Jessica Pantano, have personal experience from seeing relatives victimized by the dreaded disease. Others are there knowing how Alzheimer’s devastates the entire family.
Even before the first workout takes place, each teammate has to qualify. How? They have to raise at least $850 for the GDCAA. Using social media and good old-fashioned asking, they’ve managed to round up staggering numbers. Blonde Brooke Fawcett is the MVP in this category, having raised $10,000 three years ago and $7,000 to $8,000 each of the last two years. How does she do it? According to B vs. B’s mother hen Erin Finegold, “She knows a lot of people.” But don’t look for Brooke to be on the field on August 6. She’s not playing this year because that’s the day of her sister’s bachelorette party.
After everyone is really warmed up (Shoot! They were warm the moment they got out of their cars), it’s time to run through some patterns. At Glencoe Park, Blondes quarterback Jenn Thompson, who has led her team to victory each year, has once again included a playbook wristband. Over at the
JCC, Brunette quarterback rookie Vanita Krouch went over strategy with hunky, bigger-than-life JB Brady, while veteran QB Aubrey Dym was throwing some very nice passes. The common denominators in team fashion attire are sunglasses with retainers, headbands, gloves and ponytails.
But it hasn’t all been sweating, running and passing. After all, these are adorable gals and football-loving coaches. Following the Wednesday workouts, the two teams and coaches have been adjourning to Stan’s Blue Note to refresh with probably a Bud Light. Why a Bud Light? It’s the presenting sponsor. And, yes, Stan’s giving a portion of each night’s take to the B vs. B’s fundraising.
As you’ve probably guessed, these folks are fearless on the football field — and in the fundraising arena.
If you can’t attend the game because your internal thermostat can’t handle the heat of sitting in the stands, think about the women and men who are on the Westscott field for those who have fallen victim to Alzheimer’s. Make a donation and you’ll feel a lot better.
Jenifer Bergman says
Thanks for the awesome coverage and braving the heat both nights!!!
Greer Fulton says
Thank you so much, Jeanne, for coming to our practice and plugging our fundraising efforts! I hope we were able to give you a taste of BvB. You summarized our efforts on the field very well. We are so grateful to have coverage from you and especially look forward to seeing you on Game Day. Go Bru Crew!
Jeanne Prejean says
Jenifer and Greer: You are truly awesome. Thank you for allowing me to attend your work out. You are simply amazing!
Can’t wait for August 6 when everyone will be winners!!
Lindsey says
great article as always Jeanne. Thank you for your continued support of BvB! Eric enjoyed chatting with you! See you game day 🙂