Join Chris Collins and me this weekend at the Army-Navy Football Luncheon, benefitting children of fallen Troops

This Saturday, December 6, NECN's own meteorologist Matt Noyes and sports anchor Chris Collins will be in Lynnfield, Massachusetts, helping to bring Christmas to the children of fallen Troops. The luncheon is affordable for individuals and families alike, and not only will benefit these children, but also will feature a list of celebrities on-hand, a buffet lunch, great beverages, the Army-Navy football game, a raffle and both a silent and live auction, with Matt as an auctioneer! Continue reading this post to find out how you can be a part of the action...

The 2008 Army-Navy Football Luncheon is the fifth annual gathering of its kind, organized by the Ahern Family Charitable Foundation.

WHAT: A great time for the whole family, and a chance to take in one of the greatest college football rivalries in its 109th year, while mingling with the celebrities on hand and filling up on a buffet lunch.

WHO: YOU! Not to mention NECN's own Matt Noyes and Chris Collins, Bruin's alum Terry O'Reilly, JW and Lori Grande from Country 102.5 (WKLB), retired Patriots tackle Max Lane, and several other area personalities.

WHEN: This Saturday, December 6, 2008, from 11:30 AM to 4 PM. Army-Navy Kickoff is at noon.

WHERE: The Bostonville Grille, Route One, Lynnfield, MA (click here for directions)

WHY: To benefit Operation Enduring Christmas, bringing some Christmas cheer to children who have lost a parent serving our nation's Armed Services.

GET TICKETS!  Tickets are an affordable $25 for adults ($15 with Military I.D.), and $10 for kids! Call 617-212-1508. Online at www.ahernfoundation.org. Want to know more about these organizations? Read on...

Operation Enduring Christmas: Operation Enduring Christmas provides financial, moral and rehabilitative support to the children of fallen American Troops by providing them Christmas gift cards at the holiday, as well as a "Christmas in July" VIP trip to Orlando, Florida. Executive Director Robert McDowell reports that more than 2,500 children have lost a parent in the ongoing conflicts, and over 250 children have been helped through OEC, which leaves a lot of kids still in need of care. Over 40 children, though, have been helped in 2008 thus far. Funds raised at this weekend's luncheon will help to support OEC's efforts in our area.

Ahern Family Charitable Foundation: The Ahern Family Charitable Foundation is a Massachusetts-registered non-profit organization that seeks to assist veterans and current members of the U.S. military. The foundation, started in November 2001 after the 9/11 attacks on our country, seeks to raise funds and awareness for veterans who may be in crisis and in need of assistance. The AFCF hosts two local fundraising events each year to support both local and national veterans' assistance organizations: the Annual Saint Patrick's Day Dinner Dance, and the annual Army-Navy Football Luncheon. Past events have supported other important organizations, as well, such as Friends of National Guard and Reserve Families, Home for our Troops, Fisher House, Local Heroes and more.