The Buffalo Bills and M&T Bank are proud to announce their sixth annual Touchdown for Teachers program, which honors local teachers for their outstanding service to their schools and communities. The program, which has previously been set in the fall, will now move to a springtime slot before students and teachers head home for the summer.
"The Touchdown for Teachers program is entering its sixth year and continues to be one of our most popular and rewarding programs," said Bruce Popko, Bills Senior VP of Business Development. "Providing an avenue for the community to recognize outstanding teachers demonstrates the commitment that M&T Bank and the Bills have in showcasing the great talent we have in Western New York."
Five finalists, one of whom will be named the grand prize winner, will be chosen based on their amount of involvement in the school or community, degree of positive impact and their demonstrated commitment to education. Educators must be nominated by the public through the application form at buffalobills.com/teachers no later than Monday, April 7th, 2014. Finalists will be notified no later than Friday, April 18, 2014.
Each of the five selected honorees and a guest will be invited to the Bills' private Draft Day Party where they will be honored and the winner of the 2014 Touchdown for Teachers program will be announced.
The grand prize winner will receive:
- $2,000 in grant funds, payable to their school or district
- A Bills VIP behind-the-scenes experience
- An in-class visit from a Buffalo Bills player or alumni
The four remaining finalists will receive $100 in grant funds, payable to their school or district to further their impact.
"Touchdown for Teachers is a unique opportunity to honor the commitment, enthusiasm and hard work of our local educators," said Peter J. Eliopoulos, chief marketing officer for M&T Bank. "We want local educators to know that we acknowledge and appreciate the great work they are doing for the community, and sincerely hope students and parents will all take a moment to thank and appreciate the outstanding educators in their lives."
"Helping to promote the Bills and M&T Bank Touchdown for Teachers program is very important to me as the teachers that I had growing up truly helped me become the success I am today," said Bills RB Fred Jackson.
Educators qualifying for nomination to this program are defined as individuals directly involved in the instruction and education of students, including but not limited to: teachers, guidance counselors and teacher's aids. School and district administrators are not eligible for recognition as finalists but are welcome to nominate educators for recognition.
Information and nomination forms are available at buffalobills.com/teachers. They can be submitted online, downloaded and mailed to the Buffalo Bills attention Erica Muhleman at One Bills Drive, Orchard Park, N.Y. 14127, or faxed to 716.312.8603.
Teachers nominated must live in the following counties:
Buffalo-area:ErieWyomingGeneseeOrleansNiagaraChautauquaCattaraugusAllegany
Rochester-area:MonroeWayneLivingstonOntarioYates
McKean County, Pennsylvania
Ontario County, Canada
M&T Bank is the Official Bank of the Buffalo Bills and the exclusive provider of Bills checks and check cards. Further information about different fan contests and promotions through M&T Bank is available at www.facebook.com/mybillscard.
