Super Bowl weekend includes charity events from recycling to a fashion show

The Super Bowl is a football game, of course. But it’s also a weekend of parties, panels and opportunities for giving back.

A nonprofit group of local businesspeople, the Atlanta Super Bowl LIII Host Committee, is raising $1 million or more to support local nonprofit agencies and philanthropic efforts in an initiative called Legacy 53.

Legacy 53 includes five programs. Business Connect is part of the NFL’s supplier diversity program to connect local businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans or LGBT people to the NFL and its vendors. The Capital Improvement Project will fund a project benefiting children. The Civil Rights and Social Justice team will establish a public art project. Sustainability projects will be set in place to maximize water diversion on game day and the use of renewable energy in the Atlanta community. And youth engagement programs will promote healthy lifestyle habits for children.

“All of us at the Atlanta Super Bowl Host Committee are proud of Legacy 53 and our mission to leave a positive impact on our community,” Brett Daniels, the committee’s chief operating officer, said in a statement. “Addressing important issues, Legacy 53 is evidence that the Super Bowl LIII is more than just a game for Atlanta.”

The NFL and the host committee started their philanthropic efforts on Jan. 11 with Green Week, which included tree planting, opportunities to recycle old electronic equipment and sharing thousands of new and used books, sports equipment and school supplies with local students in need.

Here are some of the charitable events planned for this weekend:

Off the Field Players’ Wives Association 18th Annual Fashion Show

Friday, February 1st

The annual fashion show sponsored by the Off the Field Players’ Wives Association has contributed more than $1 million to various charitable organizations since its inception. The wives of active and retired NFL players have raised funds for charities that focus on children’s health and strengthening the family. Last year, funds were donated to the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota.

Roddy White’s VIP Super-Bowl-A-Thon for Autism and Epilepsy

Friday, February 1st

Former Atlanta Falcons Pro Bowl wide receiver Roddy White hosts the VIP Super-Bowl-A-Thon for Autism and Epilepsy along with former NFL players DeShaun Foster, Mike Boley and Keary Colbert and other professional athletes. Tickets include food, drinks, a silent auction with sports memorabilia, photos with White and other NFL players, music, bowling, shoes, raffles, gift bag and autographs.

Suntrust Chad “Ocho Cinco” Johnson Celebrity Superslam

Friday, February 1st

Former NFL player Chad “Ocho Cinco” Johnson will host a celebrity basketball game at Forbes Arena on the campus of Morehouse College. Among those expected to participate are Jarvis Landry of the Cleveland Browns, Davante Adams of the Green Bay Packers, Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens, Pierre Garçon of the San Francisco 49ers, former Falcons running back Jamal Anderson, Love & Hip Hop star Juju Castaneda, Ceaser and Teddy of VH1’s Black Ink Crew, and Kendrick Sampson of HBO’s Insecure. Proceeds from the Suntrust Chad “Ocho Cinco” Johnson Celebrity Superslam benefit the nonprofit organization Usher’s New Look.

Big Game Big Give

Saturday, February 2nd

Launched by The Giving Back Fund and hosted by Atlanta’s Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Big Game Big Give will feature a performance by The Black Eyed Peas and a Philanthropic Achievement Award presented to former New Orleans Saints safety Steve Gleason.

Three Piece Suit Football Charity Festival

Saturday, February 2nd

The Three Piece Suit Football Charity Festival, at Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark, features a game of tackle football played by families of all ages wearing three-piece suits and includes a Big Game Tickets Raffle, with the winner receiving a pair of Super Bowl tickets. Proceeds will support charities for veterans, such as Pets For Vets and Battlefields to Ballfields.