A Man And Woman Sitting At A Table Writing On Papers — Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox has won this bet the last four years. (The Bama Buzz)

An annual tradition between the mayors of Tuscaloosa and Auburn is continuing this week.

Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox and Auburn Mayor Ron Anders are betting on their respective hometown teams to walk away with a win from Saturday’s Iron Bowl at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. And the wager benefits local charities.

If Auburn wins, Maddox will make a donation to the Mercy Medical Ministry and Clinic
If Alabama wins, Anders will make a donation to the Tuscaloosa Pre-K Initiative

“Mayor Anders and I are happy to make a friendly wager on the Iron Bowl because it makes the outcome of the game a win-win for Tuscaloosa and Auburn. The Tuscaloosa Pre-K Initiative and the Mercy Medical Ministry and Clinic are important community causes, and we’re glad to do our part to recognize them. Best of luck to Mayor Anders, and Roll Tide!”
~ Walt Maddox, Tuscaloosa mayor

Keep reading to learn more about both charities + see how you can make donations for a friendly wager of your own.

Mercy Medical Ministry and Clinic

Operating 4 days a week in Auburn, this outpatient clinic addresses primary health care needs such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, heart failure, COPD, thyroid disease, and various chronic conditions.

Services include:

Wellness screenings
Physical exams
Post-discharge follow-ups
Medication assistance programs
Diabetic supplies and education

The clinic has also established a network with specialty providers, offering fixed-fee assistance to uninsured patients.

You can donate to the clinic on its website.

Tuscaloosa Pre-K Initiative

Maddox and the City Council established the Pre-K Task Force representing stakeholders from across the community to investigate the feasibility of turning this belief into reality. The Task Force evolved into the Tuscaloosa Pre-K Initiative and now serves more than 650 at-risk preschool students.

“The Tuscaloosa Pre-K Initiative is important to the educational growth in our community. Pre-k students are not only more prepared for kindergarten, but they also have higher rates of success throughout school.”
~ Walt Maddox, Tuscaloosa mayor

While there is no direct link to donate to the initiative, the program’s big annual event is set to take place in April. Learn more information and sign up for the Mayor’s Cup 5K for Pre-K.

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