The Illinois High School Football Coaches Association (IHSFCA) and the Shriners of Illinois are teaming up to raise awareness of and funds for Shriners Hospitals for Children.

The IHSFCA and members of the Shriners International fraternity will collect donations at select IHSA high school football games around the state of Illinois this fall. Click here for a complete list of participating schools & games.

“We are very fortunate to have two Shriners hospitals in our region to help children and their families,” said Larry Johnsen, head coach at Geneseo High School and president of the IHSFCA.

“The Shriners and their hospitals are simply amazing and we feel it is important for high school athletes, coaches, and our local fans to know what these hospitals do to help children. This project is a step in the right direction to get the word out while collecting donations to help Shriners Hospitals provide care for the children who live in our communities.”

The Shriners operate hospitals in both Chicago and St. Louis, providing specialized care in orthopaedics, spinal cord injury rehab and cleft lip and palate repair, all regardless of a family’s ability to pay.

The Shriners of Illinois and the coaches association have been partners for 41 years, sponsoring the annual Illinois High School Shrine All Star football game in Bloomington. The game, and its fans, have raised more than $1.2 million in direct support of the hospitals in Chicago and St. Louis.

“As Shriners, it’s essential that we educate our local communities about the services and help that Shriners Hospitals can provide to our local children,” said Eric Tjarks, game chairman of the Illinois High School Shrine Game. “This is a great opportunity to continue spreading our awareness about the kind of specialized care the hospitals offer, and give people in our hometowns the opportunity to support the transformative care that Shriners Hospitals provide.”

Shriners Hospitals for Children have treated more than 1 million children in their 90 plus years of service. Shriners Hospitals for Children spends approximately $2 million dollars a day to transform the lives of children with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate.

A complete list of participating high schools and games can be found at www.ilshrinegame.com or www.icacoach.org.