The fifth annual Charity Bowl to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama (BCRFA) is scheduled for Aug. 17 at the Noble Youth Athletic Complex on Moncrief Road.

Games begin at 1 p.m., and the check presentation is about 7 p.m., after the last ball game.

For the second year in a row, Gardendale Youth Football Association teams will be playing teams from the Hayden (West Blount) Youth Football Association.

The gate fee is $5 for adults, $3 for ages 6-12, and free for children 5 and younger.

“Now in our fifth year of fundraising, the Gardendale Youth Football Association is proud to partner with Hayden Youth Football and Buffalo Wild Wings in the efforts to raise both awareness and funding for breast cancer research in Alabama,” said David Padgett, president of the Gardendale Youth Football Association. “We are truly grateful to our community for helping us raise over $65,000 since 2009 and we know this year will be just as successful.”

Jason Harpe, treasurer of the BCRFA, said the organization is grateful for the fundraising effort.

“We have been deeply appreciative for the support we received in the past and we’re honored that the Gardendale Youth Football Association has chosen the BCRFA as the recipients of the funds raised from the 5th annual event,” he said. “It is evident that fundraising is not their only mission. During each game at halftime, breast cancer survivors are invited to the field and the entire park stops to honor their courage and strength.”

Padgett said Charity Bowl would not be possible if it were not for the youth football players, cheerleaders and their parents.

“They go above and beyond to raise money and through their determination, they have made an impact in the lives of those affected by breast cancer,” he said. “We have all been touched by breast cancer, in some way. This is our way of being part of the solution. Our goal is to achieve two things: first, to fund research in Alabama, and second to teach our children at an early age to be good stewards of the community and volunteer for causes they believe in. The Charity Bowl is not your ordinary football game; it is a game with a purpose.”