AnnualReport2021

“We were extremely pleased with the virtual East-West Shrine Bowl webinars that we held with the NFL,” said Director of National Sports Management Bob Roller. “More than 100 of our selected players participated over the two days and were able to hear real-world advice from NFL Legends and current players. One of our panelists, Shaq Barrett of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and East-West alumnus, was generous with his time in a seminar during the same week he was preparing for the National Football Conference Championship Game. Shriners Hospitals for Children is very grateful to all who gave of their time to support our efforts. As always, players also learned more about Shriners Hospitals for Children and how, by supporting organizations like ours, they can impact the world outside of sports.” The event’s tagline is, “More than just a game,” and that was truer than ever this year. SHRINERS HOSPITALS FOR CHILDREN COLLEGE CLASSIC Star State, Texas Tech claimed the Shriners Hospitals for Children College Classic TM championship following an undefeated weekend in Houston, Texas. The tournament was held March 5 - 7, 2021. A limited number of fans, with proper social distancing, was permitted at Minute Maid Park. Patients were In a competition featuring teams all from the Lone

unable to attend, but their presence was deeply felt as ambassadors joined the television broadcast team virtually throughout the tournament’s 27-plus hours of coverage.

Connor and Mia and other patients sent Laird a congratulatory video message. In addition, a patient named Katharine, from Shriners Children’s Texas, custom-designed shoes for competitor Bryson DeChambeau, who wore them all week. The 2021 tournament is scheduled for Oct. 4 - 10. EAST-WEST SHRINE BOWL The East-West Shrine Bowl is a special football tradition supporting an even greater cause. Since 1925, the game has benefited Shriners Hospitals for Children and its mission to improve the lives of children. In 2019, the nation’s longest running college football all-star game announced a name change, becoming the East-West Shrine Bowl. The name reflects the importance of the contest and helps the event align with other college football competitions. While this year’s game, which had been scheduled for January 23, 2021, at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, was not able to happen due to the pandemic, the East-West Shrine Bowl staff was able to pivot and ensure the players still had a meaningful experience virtually. The student athletes had various virtual training and informational drills with current NFL coaches and members of the NFL Operations staff. In addition, virtual experiences helped them connect with patients of Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Nearly $400,000 in contributions were made in support of the health care system, including $250,000 from the Mulholland Family Foundation, $75,000 from Karem Shrine Director’s Staff, $30,000 from the Houston Astros Foundation and $15,262 from Sam Houston State Phi Gamma Delta. The 2022 edition of the nine-game tournament is set for March 4 - 6. The tournament is operated by the Astros Foundation and provides fundraising and profile-raising opportunities for Shriners Hospitals for Children.

2020-2021 YEAR IN REVIEW

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