The second season of the Gridiron Giveback fantasy football league has officially come to an end, and what a season it was! This unique league brings together football enthusiasts and industry friends for a great cause, combining competitive spirit with charitable giving. Hosted by Integrity Building Products, Gridiron Giveback unites members of the Calgary home-building community, including builders, suppliers, and trade partners to raise funds for local charities.
The second season saw incredible growth resulting in an even greater impact to our community. “This year we doubled the size of the fantasy football league, with a total of twenty teams competing,” explains Scott Myer, the league’s commissioner and Business Unit Leader for Integrity Building Products.
“Growing the number of teams also means raising more money!” adds Amy Myer, co-creator of the Gridiron Giveback Fantasy Football league. “By adding more teams to the roster, we were able to include more industry partners, have more fun and help more local charities.”
Throughout the season, there was no shortage of camaraderie, friendly smack talk, and even some bold wagers. One of the season’s most memorable moments came when Jarrett and AJ from the Integrity Building Products team followed through on a lost bet to Calbridge by shaving off their beards.
“We bet Calbridge that Integrity Building Products would beat them in the weekend’s games,” explains Jaret. “And we lost. Our penalty was to shave our beards.”
“It was mildly traumatic,” laughs AJ. “I haven’t been clean shaven for over a decade. But it was worth it.”
After months of friendly but fierce competition, it came down to a face off between Outback Haven Exteriors and Tru Electric LTD. In an exciting showdown, Tru Electric LTD emerged victorious, claiming the title of this season’s Gridiron Giveback champion.
While the competition was thrilling, the true highlight of the season was the impact made on the local community. “This year, the league helped raise an impressive $20,000 for two local charities,” explains Scott. “We were able to donate $15,000 to Tru Electric’s charity partner, KidSport Calgary, and $5,000 to Outback Haven Exterior’s charity partner, Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation.”
“At our wrap-up event, we raised more money with guests’ participation in the heads-and-tails game raising $1,000, which was matched by the Integrity Group. The Crist Family Foundation added another $5,000, bringing the total to $7,000 for the Children’s Grief Centre (Hospice Calgary), the charity Barton Construction represented,” say Amy.
Overall, The Gridiron Giveback raised $27,000 for three local charities this year, pushing the two-year total to $42,000. Amy adds, “We are so proud to be able to support such great organizations in our community!”
Year two of The Gridiron Giveback was another incredible season. “It brought together the builders, partners, and friends who made it all possible, reinforcing the strong sense of community that defines this league,” says Scott. “Next year, we aim to make an even bigger impact. The spirit of competition and generosity continues to grow, and together, we can keep making a difference.”
