Exciting Collaboration at Novi-Northville Football Game

Novi, Michigan — The atmosphere was electric as the Novi Wildcats faced off against their longtime rivals, the Northville Mustangs, on October 18. The game was tightly contested, ending with a close victory for Northville, 27-25. However, the real highlight of the night came before the kick-off with a thrilling community event known as the Baseline Blitz.

This unique tailgate fundraiser was organized by the Novi Educational Foundation in partnership with the Northville Educational Foundation. It marked the first collaboration of its kind between the two rival schools, creating an exciting way to bring the communities together before the game. Attendees enjoyed food, games, local vendors, a silent auction, and even had the chance to meet Roary, the Detroit Lions mascot.

“The rivalry runs long and deep,” said Kathryn Macguire, President of the Novi Educational Foundation. “But because we are both NEF—Novi Educational Foundation and Northville Educational Foundation—we decided to have some fun together.” Macguire noted that the foundations had been planning this collaboration for several years, and the idea gained momentum when new executive directors took charge earlier this summer.

As the week leading up to the event unfolded, several opportunities to support the cause emerged. A 50/50 raffle split the proceeds between the two foundations, while families had a chance to donate $25 to greet the football team as they entered the field. Middle and high school students participated in fun competitions, including a raffle for prizes and a challenge to throw footballs into a shopping cart for a chance to win a $100 gift certificate.

In a display of generosity, the silent auction featured enticing items like a four-pack of tickets to a Detroit Lions game on Thanksgiving Day, complete with parking and a signed football. The weekend before the big game also saw community members participating in a 5K run to raise additional funds for their respective districts.

“It was a fantastic week of building community,” shared Sue Collins-Schroeder, executive director of the Novi Educational Foundation. “This collaboration is a great way to energize everyone and gather funds that directly support our kids’ programming.” The goal was to raise $10,000 for each district, but in a surprising twist, the effort resulted in a total of $45,000—$22,000 for Novi alone.

The funds raised through this initiative contribute to essential programs that state funding doesn’t cover, such as therapy dogs, academic grants, and scholarships for field trips, including the annual eighth-grade Washington, D.C. trip. The successful event also boosts outdoor learning initiatives at schools like Novi Meadows.

“All the money goes back to the students and teachers,” Macguire emphasized. “It’s all about enhancing their learning experience.” With plans already underway for another joint event next year when the game will be hosted at Novi, the sense of community and collaboration continues to grow.