~Daily Game Highlights~

SOUTH LOWELL WINS!

HUGE SCORING 4TH QUARTER BATTLE

ELUDES REIGNING NORTH LOWELL CHAMPS

Saturday, July 10

Final

    With a huge scoring day at the parade, the South team held off a charging North team to win FROM Food Fight 2010.  Anyone who attended the parade could see the frenzy as spectators filled the red and white barrels and handed the FROM Clowns their last personal donations of the contest.  It was heartwarming to say the least.  Going into the day, the South knew that a 107 food item lead just wasn't enough, especially after what the North team did in the closing moments of the parade last year.  The North certainly showed up.  There were North team fans looking for their red barrels well before the start of the parade. 

     Back at FROM, as the counting crew waited for the trucks to pick up the food barrels and deliver them, a huge black cloud suddenly burst into a downpour.  It was short, but it was heavy.  Then the reports came in as the rain made its way through the downtown parade.  Food was getting wet, but much of it was in plastic bags.  There were some losses, but most of it was able to be dried off.  When the trucks began to arrive, it became apparent that the South team was scoring strong and appeared to actually start pulling away.  However, the last truck had a large amount in big red containers.  As food was dried and counted, the final conclusion began to take shape.  There were 1,678 food items collected during the parade (new record) and there were 7,123 items collected in just the final 10-day 4th quarter!  (also new record).  Follow the "Our Story" link above for our final press release of the season.

It may have rained on our parade, but you rained food on our Pantry.  An unbelievable 16,383 food items collected this year, compared to 8,496 collected last year!  We are so blessed by the generosity of the Lowell Community!  A big thank you to everyone!   

NORTH STAGES COMEBACK!

SOUTH STILL LEADS BY 107!

Friday, July 9

    Over 60 food buckets were picked up today from businesses and organizations.  Most everyone scored, but none bigger than North team players Curves-Lowell, Tractor Supply, Dollar General, Peptalk and Sneakers, as the North closed the gap on the eve of the last day of Food Fight 2010.  Also scoring for the North was Gary's Country Meats, Springrove Variety, B.C. Pizza, Rite Aid, Advanced Eyecare, Ada/Lowell 5, Firstbank, Arrowhead Golf Course and general Pantry donations.  The South Lowell team remains in the lead from huge continued support from Lowell Senior Neighbors/Gilda's Club, Heidi's Farm Stand, Deer Run Golf and the Friendship Country Chapel.  Also scoring from the South were Chimera Design, Rookies Sportscards, Greenridge Realty, River Valley Credit Union and Alto Bar.

     The FROM Clowns are now set for the FROM the Heart Riverwalk Parade tomorrow at Noon.  With the score this close, the winning team will undoubtedly be determined by the food contributions along the parade route.  Look for the clowns collecting food items during the parade.  Also, look for the North team and South team collection barrels along the downtown parade route.  There will also be collection containers at the Chamber Office on Riverwalk Plaza, until the parade ends.  The parade begins at Noon.  All food will be promptly picked up and taken to FROM for the final count.  The final results will be announced on the Riverwalk Plaza and at the Fairgrounds around 3 pm.  The winning team will also be posted on this website and on the FROM facebook page.      

UNPRESCEDENTED!  HUGE DAY

FOR FROM FOOD PANTRY!

Thursday, July 8

     Nearly $500 of Food Fight cash donations, Thrift Shop donations and a grand tally of general Pantry donations, all yielded over 2,500 food items today!  Wow!  When the cloud of dust settled, the South Lowell team increased their lead by 301 items, 7,175 to 6,874.  The total food items collected now stands at 14,049, nearly 6,000 more items than all of the 2009 totals!  All on-site food collection containers will be picked up tomorrow, in preparation of the Saturday parade. 

SCHNEIDER MANOR COMES UP BIG

SOUTH EXTENDS LEAD TO 131

Wednesday, July 7

     The South continues to bring a well balanced attack to this year's game, but they still have big play leaders.  Schneider Manor played that role today, as they did last year.  Hosting several events, they came up with $160 of Food Fight donations (each dollar equals one food item).  Without that effort, the North would have erased yesterday's deficit and moved into the lead.  Also contributing to the South daily totals were Pantry contributions.  The North had scoring from Canfield Plumbing & Heating, Pantry contributions, Firstbank and an online donation, but couldn't stand up to Schneider Manor's big day.  11,465 food items collected with 3 days remaining!   

SOUTH LOWELL EXPLODES

LEADS BY 77

Tuesday, July 6

     The North Lowell team had big scoring days by Curves-Lowell, Rite Aid and BC Pizza.  However, the South team had big scores of their own by Heidi's Farm Stand, Schneider Manor, Lowell Senior Neighbors/Gilda's Club and Walgreen's to surge back into the lead 5,526 to 5,449, with only four days left in the game.  Also scoring for the South was Ice Cream Caboose, Greenridge Realty, Two Seasons and Alto Bar.  Dollar General and the Pantry provided additional scoring for the North.  Incredibly, there have now been ten lead changes in the game and nearly 11,000 food items collected.

     The FROM Clowns are now set for the FROM the Heart Riverwalk Parade this Saturday at Noon.  With the score this close, the winning team will undoubtedly be determined by the food contributions along the parade route.  Look for the clowns collecting food items during the parade.  Also, look for the North team and South team collection barrels along the downtown parade route.  There will also be collection containers on Riverwalk Plaza during Riverwalk Festival activities beginning this Thursday.

NORTH LEAD CUT TO 9

TOTAL FOOD SURPASSES 10,000!

Saturday, July 3

     More fireworks today from both teams that lit up the scoreboard.  The Food Pantry, churches, Thrift Shop, various anonymous donors and Alto Bar from their Friday night steak fry, all contributed to the numbers.  When all was accounted for, the North remained slightly ahead, 5,227 to 5,218.  The total food items collected is now 10,445 with 7 days remaining.  Since June 1, the food donations have averaged nearly 300 items per day!  Wow!  Thank you Lowell!   

NORTH BOUNCES BACK BIG

TAKES LEAD BY 23

Friday, July 2

     Just as the South looked poised to start pulling away, the North gathered some scoring punch from Arrowhead Golf Course, Fountainview, Birchwood Gardens and  Daisy Floral.  The South had Digital Design, Fry Daddy's and Rookies in the scoring column, but could not hold off a powerful day by the North. There have now been nine lead changes in the game.  Neither team has led by more than 134 food items since June 12, early in the 2nd quarter. 

SOUTH LOWELL EXTENDS LEAD TO 68

Thursday, July 1

     Just about everyone got into the game today as the South Lowell team extended their lead, 4,796 to 4,728.  South scoring leaders came from the Alto area again, which has been been much of the story, so far this year.  Heidi's Farm Stand, Alto Bar, Ice Cream Caboose and Deer Run Golf provided the bulk of the fireworks, with Keiser's Kitchen, Huntington Bank, Chimera Design, Mynt Fusion Bistro, Redfrog Technologies, Showboat Automotive, Walgreen's, Lowell Senior Neighbors/Gilda's Club, Firstbank and Schneider Manor also kicking in some scoring.  The North team tried to keep pace as Canfield Plumbing & Heating and B.C. Pizza led the way. Harold Zeigler Ford, Dollar General and Springrove Variety provided some additional good scoring punch.  Also scoring for the North was Ball's Softee Cream, Flat River Grill, Tractor Supply and Larkin's.  There are several more businesses expected to get on the scoreboard on Friday.  Collection containers will be picked up next Friday 7/9 for final on-site pick-ups.  Large red (North) and white (South) collection containers will line the parade route on Saturday 7/10 for final contributions toward FROM Food Fight 2010.  The parade parade begins at Noon.  Winner announced later in the afternoon on our Facebook page, this website, www.fromlowell.org and during the afternoon concert at the Fairgrounds.   

3RD QUARTER ENDS WITH FLURRY

SOUTH RETAKES SLIM LEAD

Wednesday, June 30

     Scoring came from different directions.  Online contributions, Food Pantry, Thrift Shop, First Baptist Church and Impact Church all provided food donations yesterday and today.  When the dust cleared, the South Lowell team erased a small 7 food item deficit and moved in front by 8 food items.  This represents the eighth lead change and concludes the third quarter.  Amazingly, both teams accounted for 1,662 and 1,660 items respectively during the quarter, after the South owned the first quarter and the North dominated the second.  Last year, the North took control of the final quarter and never looked back, winning by 88 items. The 10-day 4th quarter begins tomorrow. 

NORTH REGAINS LEAD BY 7

TOTAL DONATIONS EXCEED 2009 EVENT

Monday, June 28

     Curves-Lowell turned in another stellar performance today, giving the North Lowell team a huge lift and the lead, 4,257 to 4,250.  With two days left in the 3rd quarter, the 2010 Food Fight surpassed the 2009 final total of 8,496 non-perishable food items.  Mainline Coffee scored for the South to help keep it close, but couldn't keep the North from attaining the 7th lead change of this years campaign.  The online donations began today with $42 toward the Food Fight.  Each dollar donated toward your team of choice counts as one food item. 

SOUTH LOWELL EXTENDS LEAD BY 34

3RD QUARTER ENDS WEDNESDAY

Sunday, June 27

     Lowell Senior Neighbors/Gilda's Club and Schneider Manor led the South scoring yesterday to extend their lead, 4,195 to 4,161.  Walgreen's also chipped in to add to the lead.  The North benefited from another solid performance by Dollar General and B.C. Pizza to help keep the South's lead minimal.  Also scoring for the North was Self Serve Lumber.  Pantry and Thrift Shop donations were solely for the North, but not enough to match the South team efforts.  The 8,356 total food items collected is only 140 items shy from the entire 2009 Food Fight total!  The third quarter ends this coming Wednesday, June 30.  The fourth quarter promises to be full of North and South fireworks! 

MUTUAL SCORING EXPLOSION

SOUTH LEADS BY 11

Friday, June 25

     Huge Pantry donations for both teams today resulted in South Lowell taking back the lead for the first time since the third quarter began.  The lead has now changed hands six times.  Calvary Christian Reformed Church contributed big time for the North. However, the South benefited from general Pantry donations to finish the scoring.  The 8,087 food items collected to date is just shy of last year's total of 8,496.  More scoring is expected tomorrow by scoring leaders from both teams, as the Food Fight reaches the midway point of the quarter.

TRADING TOUCHDOWNS

NORTH CONTINUES NARROW LEAD

Thursday, June 24

     A scoring outburst from both teams proved to pad the North Lowell lead today by only a few food items, 3,499 to 3,476.  Sneakers, Springrove Variety, Canfield Plumbing & Heating and newcomer Fountainview led the North team, with additional scoring from Ada/Lowell 5, newcomer DERY Physical Therapy and Wittenbach GMC.  The South was led by Alto standout Heidi's Farm Stand, with additional scoring by LACC, Chimera Design, Fry Daddy's, Mynt Fusion Bistro and Grand Chrysler-Dodge.  Firstbank contributed the most overall donations of the day with their majority in favor of the South team.  Tomorrow will be represent the halfway point of the 3rd quarter.  With nearly 7,000 food items collected, the North lead is only 23.

ALTO CLOSES GAP

NORTH RETAINS SLIM LEAD

Wednesday, June 23

     Most of the Alto contingent reported into the line-up at the right time, following the North surge yesterday.  Deer Run Golf Course scored big, followed by Alto Beauty Shop, Alto Bar and the Ice Cream Caboose, to close the gap to a 19 food item North lead, 3,360 to 3,341.  It doesn't get any closer than this.  More pick-up visits tomorrow for weekend Boxscore reporting.  Lots of Food Fight Special Shopping around town and don't forget the collection barrels at the Showboat Summer Concert Series tomorrow!      

NORTH STRIKES BACK

TO BEGIN THIRD QUARTER

Tuesday, June 22

     What rivalry?  The North team came out of the locker room pumped and ready to play.  Team leaders Dollar General, Curves-Lowell and Rite Aid put up impressive numbers.  Also scoring for the North were B.C. Pizza and Cousin's Hallmark.  The South was lead by Two Seasons Greenhouse, Greenridge Realty and Curtis Cleaners.  Scoring for both teams were Impact Church, First Baptist Church, Good Shepard Lutheran Church and general donations

at the FROM Pantry.  Third quarter ends June 30 and fourth quarter ends July 10 upon the conclusion of the "FROM the Heart Riverwalk Parade". 

SOUTH TAKES A SLIM HALFTIME LEAD

Sunday, June 20

                     Lowell City Hall Staff - Donated $100 toward Food Fight

     The big South guns roared back just before halftime to take the lead by the slimmest of margins, a mere 6 non-perishable food items, 2,972 to 2,966.  Schneider Manor and Lowell Senior Neighbors/Gilda's Club exploded for South Lowell, with Red Frog Technologies and Greenridge Realty also chipping in.  Food pantry Donations were virtually even, but the FROM Thrift Shop scored solely for the North.  The Lowell City Hall staff contributed $100 from their Friday bluejeans collection, which was split evenly between North and South.  Last year, the South had a sizable halftime lead, but the North out scored the South in the 3rd quarter to take a slim lead before winning on the final day by only 66 food items.  The South seems poised with more scoring threats in 2010, but the North has several big play leaders of their own.  5,938 total food items collected shatters last year's first half total scoring of 3,562. The 3rd quarter ends on June 30 and the game ends on July 10, following the FROM the Heart Riverwalk Parade.

CURVES UNSTOPPABLE

NORTH LOWELL EXTENDS LEAD

Thursday, June 17

     There were many in the scoring column today, but none bigger than Curves-Lowell.  Solid participation last year and consistency this year, Curves threw triple digits on the scoreboard to help extend the North lead, 2,820 to 2,686.  Also scoring for the North were Springrove Variety, Wittenbach GMC, Self Serve Lumber, Snap Fitness and Firstbank.  The South team had solid scoring by Chimera Design, Heidi's Farm Stand, Deer Run Golf, Lowell Moose and Keiser's Kitchen.  First half ends this Sunday.

SCORING PICKS UP

AS NORTH TAKES THE LEAD AGAIN!

Wednesday, June 16

     North Lowell appears to be back in 2009 form as they forged back into the lead, 2,664 to 2,625.  Both teams racked up a bundle of food with St. Mary's Church, Dollar General and Impact Church leading the way.  Also scoring for the North was Canfield Plumbing and Heating, B.C. Pizza, Flat River Grill, Birchwood Gardens, First Baptist Church and general donations at FROM.  Scoring for the South were Fry Daddy's, LACC, Mynt Fusion Bistro, Greenridge Realty, Impact Church, Alto Beauty Salon and general donations at FROM.  The lead has exchanged hands for the past 3 days after the South lead for the first 11 days of this year's Food Fight.  More food is scheduled for pick-up tomorrow and the Showboat Summer Concert Series begins tomorrow evening, with both North and South collection barrels available!

BIG DAY FOR

LOWELL SENIOR NEIGHBORS/

GILDA'S CLUB

PUTS SOUTH BACK IN LEAD

Tuesday, June 15

    North Lowell's lead didn't last long as Lowell Senior Neighbors/Gilda's Club had a huge scoring day to put the South back in the lead, 2,271 to 2,143.  Also scoring for the North was Sneakers and donations at the FROM Food Pantry scored for the North.  The competition has heated up, but earlier than anticipated. Big scoring is expected over the next couple of days.  The 2nd quarter ends on June 20.

AND SUDDENLY...  IT'S A GAME! 

NORTH TAKES THE LEAD!

Monday, June 14

     The North Lowell team really kicked it in gear and blew past the the South in convincing style, to take their first lead this year, 2,106 to 2,084.  The South had held a comfortable lead for the first eleven days of the competition behind some flashy play from Alto newcomers.  Lighting up the scoreboard for the North were Dollar General, Springrove Variety, B.C. Pizza, Rite Aid, Curves-Lowell and a variety of donations at FROM.  Scoring for the South were Two Seasons, Curtis Laundry, Greenridge Realty, Showboat Automotive and other donations at FROM.  The North team had been showing signs of consistency lately, but the last couple of days they have proven that last year's victory was no fluke.   

ALTO STRIKES AGAIN

INCREASES SOUTH LEAD

Saturday, June 12

     There's a new presence in this year's competition and that presence is nearly the difference in the score.  Newcomers Alto Beauty Shop, Ice Cream Caboose, Heidi's Farm Stand assisted Alto Bar and accounted for virtually all of the scoring Saturday.  The four day North streak not only ended, but the "Alto Four" widened the lead for South Lowell, 1,941 to 1,364.  The coming week promises to bring heavy scoring from both teams, as we move toward halftime of the FROM Food Fight 2010.   

NORTH MOMENTUM CONTINUES

TO BEGIN 2ND QUARTER

Friday, June 11

     Springrove Variety and Cousin's Hallmark jumped into the scoring column for North Lowell, along with some anonymous food donations, to boost North's streak to four continuous days.  The South had scores by Showboat Automotive and River Valley Credit Union, but what was once a South lead of nearly 800, has shrunk to 347 food items, 1,702 to 1,355.  The North Lowell team also added Dery Physical Therapy to beef up their roster hoping to keep their scoring streak alive.  Another big Food Fight Special weekend is upon us. 

NORTH LOWELL CONTINUES STREAK

AS FIRST QUARTER ENDS

Thursday, June 10

     Rite Aid and First Baptist Church finished the 1st quarter scoring as North Lowell's streak continued for the third straight day.  2nd quarter begins tomorrow with the South still leading 1,685 to 1,187.  Thanks to all that are participating and donating!  Your efforts are appreciated by those we serve!

SCORING FLURRY FINDS NORTH LOWELL CLOSING THE GAP

Wednesday. June 9

     The North has spoken.  Loudly.  B.C. Pizza, Canfield Plumbing & Heating and Curves-Lowell, powered their North team to a huge scoring day as the competition nears the end of the first quarter.  Their impressive showing today included scoring by fellow team players Dollar General, All Weather Seal, Sneakers, Flat River Grill, Wittenbach GMC, Tractor Supply, Firstbank and Arrowhead Golf Course.  Additionally, triple digit anonymous FROM donations were all designated to the North team.  Leading the South were Keiser's Kitchen, Walgreen's, Mainline Coffee, Grand Chrysler-Dodge, Curtis Cleaners and Greenridge Realty.  After the dust settled today, the South still led the North 1,685 to 1,156 in non-perishable food items collected. 

NORTH POSTS SMALL GAIN

MORE SCORING ANTICIPATED

Tuesday, June 8

     A sweeping round of food pick-up is scheduled for tomorrow and a full page of Food Fight Specials on the back page of the Lowell Ledger on deck.  Meanwhile, Impact Church checked in with food for both teams, but more for the North Lowell. South Lowell still leads the North 1559 to 791.  There will be a lot of scoring over the next couple of days.  Stay tuned as the North team claims that the comeback trail is about to begin.

MORE ALTO SCORING PUNCH

INCREASES SOUTH LEAD

Monday, June 7

     Two South Methodist Churches visited FROM today with nearly 200 food items, which padded the South Lowell lead over North Lowell 1,524 to 730, which represents South's largest lead to date.  Alto UMC and Bowne Center UMC led the Southern charge today with no answer from the North.  The Food Fight marketing reaches high gear this week with a multitude of Food Fight Specials offered by many local businesses. 

ALTO KEEPS SOUTH LOWELL ROLLING

Saturday, June 5

     Larkins, Rite Aid, Ada/Lowell 5 and the FROM Thrift Shop all scored for the North today.  However, Alto provided scoring fireworks for South Lowell, as the game reached halfway through the first quarter.  Two Seasons put together a scoring drive as well for the South, but it was the Ice Cream Caboose of Alto and the Alto Bar that widened the South lead, 1341 to 730.  The Alto Bar provided a solid performance by passing and running a special "free steak dinner play" on Friday evening.  The coming week promises to be very competitive, as B.C. Pizza is promoting the front page of the Buyer's Guide and the Food Fight Special marketing hits high gear. 

"SERIOUS" SOUTH LOWELL

GAME PLAN WORKING

Friday, June 4

    Two big scoring threats traded touchdowns today for their teams. This morning, Curves-Lowell scored for the second consecutive day by collecting food items and a cash donation toward the Food Fight.  Within an hour, Schneider Manor threw a quick scoring strike with their first food donation for 2010 AND a larger cash donation.  It was boom-boom back-to-back plays, as South Lowell widened their lead 1236 to 689 non-perishable food items collected.  Two more North team churches requested big barrels today and three more North team businesses joined in on the Food Fight Special offerings for next week. As the North Lowell team searches for an answer to the early South scoring success, the South Lowell team appears serious about not losing this year.  We look for a weekend of scoring activity, with Food Fight Specials everywhere.

NORTH LOWELL GAINS

ON SOUTH LOWELL LEAD!

Thursday, June 3

    The scoreboard lit up today as the North and South teams traded scores through the mid-afternoon. The highlights began as Dollar General contributed nicely for the North and Greenridge Realty countered for the South.  Curves-Lowell came through with a nice scoring drive for the North, but Lowell Senior Neighbors answered with a great showing for the South to widen their team's lead.  Then late in the day, after the FROM Thrift Shop and the FROM Food Pantry played virtually even for both teams, St. Mary's Church connected on a big scoring drive to finish the day chiseling the South lead by over 100 food items. The South Lowell team leads 1058 to 641 after 3 days of competition.  The Pantry reports a large shortage of tuna and canned fruit, as the Lowell Schools Summer Lunch Program begins.  Thanks to everyone for a great start to the 2010 Food Fight!  Don't forget to checkout the Food Fight Specials tab above.  Over 30 businesses are offering specials if you bring them non-perishable food items!

SOUTH TAKES AN EARLY LEAD

AFTER DAY ONE!

Tuesday, June 1

    The food container delivery was barely completed today, but requests came in for larger containers and an early pick-up.  Also, a couple of churches made deliveries to FROM and a couple of anonymous South donations of juice and soup boosted the South Lowell totals at the end of the day to a 984 to 450 lead.  A new roster addition was made to the North Lowell team, as Advanced Eye Care joined the squad and will be offering a Food Fight Special beginning in week two.  South Lowell's Hiedi's Farm Market traded their small bucket for a larger bin, as they already felt the need for more capacity. North Lowell's Birchwood Garden Apts. called with a full bucket, as their total will be added tomorrow.  Perfect timing, as the Lowell School Summer Lunch Program begins soon.

The first quarter will end on June 10, second quarter (halftime) on June 20, third quarter on June 30 and fourth quarter on July 10. 

Pre-Game Preview

   Ready to Rumble!  

     The heavy hitters are back for North Lowell, including Dollar General, Springrove Variety, Rite Aid and last year's fourth quarter heroes, Curves and Canfield Plumbing and Heating.  Promising newcomers are Ball's Softee Creme, All Weather Seal, Sneaker's, Flat River Grill, Cousin's Hallmark, Larkin's, Daisy Floral, B.C. Pizza, Snap Fitness, Birchwood Gardens, Self Serve Lumber and Arrowhead Gold Course.  Rounding out the roster are 2009 players Pep Talk, Gary's Country Meats, Wittenbach GMC, Tractor Supply, Ada/Lowell 5, Firstbank, Goodwill, Vergennes Township, Fountainview and Harold Ziegler Ford.  Look for roster additions as the game progresses.

   The South Lowell Team has returning big play producers in Grand Chrysler Dodge, Curtis Cleaners, Greenridge Realty and MVP players Schneider Manor and Lowell Senior Neighbors.  Many new roster additions include Keiser's Kitchen, Rookies Sportscards, Digital Design, Fry Daddy's, Mynt Fusion Bistro, Two Season's, Redfrog Technologies, Walgreen's, Mainline Coffee, Alto Beauty Shop, Ice Cream Caboose and Heidi's Farm Stand.  Returning 2009 players include Huntington Bank, Lowell Moose, Chimera Design, Salon 206, Modern Photographics, Blue Ribbon Feed, Brenda's Hair Design, Showboat Automotive, River Valley Credit Union, Pauly's, Alto Bar, Lowell Township and Deer Run Golf Course.  Look for more roster additions soon.

Collecting for both the North AND South Teams will be Lowell Area Arts Council, Lowell City Hall, Lowell YMCA.  Additionally, the Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce will provide both North and South containers at the Thursday night Summer Concert Series on the Riverwalk.

Prediction:  South Lowell has added some punch, but North Lowell remains a slight favorite.  Flat River Outreach Ministries is the real winner, thanks to all participants!