Children's Home Welcomes Dan Marino and Big 33 Players

Every summer, top high school football players from Pennsylvania and Ohio come to Hershey for the traditional Big 33 game. The 33 members of the Pennsylvania squad are selected by the Pennsylvania Scholastic High School Football Association. In addition to practicing for the game in Hershey, the players are encouraged to participate in various community events and visits. Bro. Gilson "Buz" Cash, Director, Children's Services; Gene Tobias, Assistant Director, Children's Services; and Bro. John Suchanec, Outreach Director, all serve on the operations committee for the Big 33. Bro. Cash also serves as the host for the honorary chairman of the event

In July, five of the Big 33 players and two cheerleaders visited the Masonic Children's Home, participating in sprints, a football game, cheers, and question-and-answer sessions with the youth. Participants of local midget football leagues and the Masonic Homes' Child Care Center also joined the fun with the players.

This year's honorary chairman of the Big 33 football game, retired Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino, took time out of his busy schedule to visit the Masonic Children's Home on July 18. Many of the younger children did not remember Dan from his impressive NFL career, but they recognize him from his appearance in the movie comedy, "Ace Ventura," starring Jim Carrey.

Dan told the children and staff that he likes to golf when he isn't performing his duties as a sports analyst, but he noted that with six children, his spare time is limited! Dan also told the eager listeners about one of his children, who was diagnosed with autism at age 2. As a result, he and his wife, Claire, began a foundation in Florida to aid autistic children.