TAMPA, Fla. — As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers prepare for their home opener against the Cleveland Browns, one local fan group is working toward a goal that goes beyond wins and losses.
The Buccaholics, a fan group with 26,000 members, are using their love of the Bucs to support children and families facing significant challenges.
Over the past 11 years, the group has raised $120,000 for nonprofits through its tailgating events. This season, the Buccaholics hope to raise another $20,000, with the money going to The Movement School in Largo.
The school provides specialized education and support for children with disabilities, including students who need additional assistance beyond what traditional public schools can offer.
Aiden Webber Lopez was born three and a half months premature, weighing just 1 pound, 6 ounces.
His mother, Lisette Lopez, said becoming a parent for the first time while facing the uncertainty of Aiden’s medical challenges was overwhelming.
At 18 months old, Aiden was diagnosed with quadriplegic cerebral palsy, which affects all four of his limbs. His family was told he would likely require lifelong care.
Aiden attended public school through first grade, but his mother said the school could not provide everything he needed.
That’s when Lisette and her husband Matt found The Movement School.
Sixteen years later, Lisette said the school has given her son opportunities to learn, socialize and build skills in a supportive environment.
The school has also helped Aiden develop abilities that go beyond what many people might expect.
Today, he can ride a bike, swim and compete in Special Olympics. He’s also a passionate Buccaneers fan.
Aiden and his family are members of the Buccaholics, bringing the fan group and the school together for this season’s fundraising effort.
Ray Kennedy with the Buccaholics said meeting students like Aiden has motivated the group to keep working toward its fundraising goal.
“When you start to learn more about young boys like Aidan in the Movement School, you start to realize $20,000 — you want to set it even higher,” Kennedy said. “But it just gives us a goal to continue to work for.”
The money raised this season will help The Movement School purchase new equipment and launch additional types of therapy.
Lisette Lopez is now a staff member at the school and has seen firsthand how the support can make a difference for students and their families.
The school also plans to bring students to Buccaholics tailgates during the season, giving fans an opportunity to meet the children and learn more about their experiences.
The Buccaholics plan to continue their tailgate fundraisers throughout the football season.
The group also travels to one away game each year. This season, members will tailgate the Buccaneers’ matchup against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.
Fans who cannot attend a tailgate can still contribute online through the following links: