BYU Tailgate: Parties with a Purpose

February 2026

From Church News, “Generosity shines during BYU alumni service projects for away football games,” by Mary Richards, November 24, 2025. READ MORE

Those in need at the University of Cincinnati can go to the on-campus food pantry to receive relief—and ahead of the November 22, 2025, football game between Brigham Young University and Cincinnati, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated 27,000 pounds of food, the largest food donation in the Bearcat Food Pantry’s history.

BYU alumni and fans, Church members and full-time missionaries showed up to help unload the Church’s truck and stock the food pantry shelves.

“I am moved beyond words of how grateful I am for such a generous donation,” Daniel S. Cummins, the university’s associate dean of students, told the Deseret News.

Jim Wilson, the president of the BYU Alumni Association’s Cincinnati chapter, said that fans and alumni tailgate with a purpose. “When we come to a campus like this, we don’t just come and have a party. We try to leave the community a lot better than we found it,” he said.

Following the tradition of previous years, BYU fans have given back to the community during the 2025 football season through the Cougs Care initiative. BYU alumni chapters organized projects at each 2025 road game by finding opportunities to meet needs in every location.

Calling these efforts “a party with a purpose,” BYU President C. Shane Reese said the service projects reflect BYU’s mission to develop Christlike leaders who go forth to serve in their communities around the world.

President Reese said since BYU’s sports teams joined the Big 12 conference in 2023, the school has sought to “develop the courage to be different.”

“We decided that one of the ways we could do that better than anything is to serve in ways that are meaningful to the community,” he said.

BYU is celebrating its 150th year, and for the celebration, alumni are invited to do 150 hours of individual service and make a difference where they live.

During another Cougs Care tailgate project on the road this past football season, Blaine Maxfield, managing director of the Church’s Welfare and Self-Reliance Services, expressed gratitude to “be part of the good” happening in the community.

“As we unite in service,” he said, “we not only strengthen our communities but also reflect the Savior’s love in ways that uplift and inspire. When we choose to serve, we follow the example of Christ to care for those in need.”