Bills Backers tackle Derby Road for tailgate party and fundraiser

Buffalo Bills fans filled Derby Road on Sunday as Bills Backers Fort Erie and South Coast Cookhouse hosted an indoor-outdoor tailgate that doubled as a fundraiser.

Carrie McNeill, who organized the event, said it grew out of past gatherings that became too crowded to manage.

“Last year we had a watch party but we didn’t have the street closed and people couldn’t even get in, so we decided this year we’re going to do it both outside and inside,” said McNeill. “I’ve really been working all summer to make it happen so we have an opportunity as a group to watch the game together.”

Fans were offered ballots for prize draws if they donated to for Community Outreach Program Erie (COPE), the local food bank, while families browsed local vendors and a kid zone with games and crafts.

“It just started off as a Facebook fun page and then we turned it into a major fundraiser for our town, and over time we’ve donated well over $10,000 to COPE along with our Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas sponsorships,” McNeill told Fort Erie Radio ahead of the 1 p.m. kickoff against the New York Jets.

She said the group’s rapid growth to over 2,200 members now brings together Bills fans from across Niagara and Buffalo, building connections that go beyond football.

“We’ve met so many friends that now these people are our family, and it’s just everybody loves the Bills so you could throw a Bills anything and people will come,” said McNeill. “But what really matters is we’re raising money in a fun way to support our community.”

Local businesses have also joined in through a membership card that offers special discounts to group members.

“There are many restaurants around town that recognize our card and give 10 per cent or on game days two dollars off every drink, so it’s just a fun little thing and another reason why people join Bills Backers because they feel part of something that gives back,” she said.

McNeill, who formerly worked for the District School Board of Niagara, said she first supported COPE through school fundraisers and felt it was natural to keep that connection going when the Backers began raising money for local causes.

By early afternoon, the flow of donations continued at the COPE table alongside the pregame crowd.

“They have donated so much time and effort to help keep food on the shelves of COPE and we just can’t thank the Backers enough,” said Carrie Chevalier, a COPE board member.

“We’re all giving back to our community any way we can and (we’re) just here to kind of celebrate the Bills and our community,” Chevalier added.

After Sunday’s event, organizers said the Backers will focus on their upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas events, with future meetups posted on the group’s social media channels.

The Bills beat the Jets in New Jersey on Sunday afternoon with a final score of 30-10.

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