On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, Friends of Children’s Hospital kicked off the college football season with the second annual Tailgating with Friends! Patients and families were treated to a true tailgating experience with special guests from Jackson State, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, and Southern Miss—including mascots, cheerleaders, and football players who brought the energy of a college game-day to Children’s of Mississippi.

Throughout the day, patients snapped photos with student-athletes, played tailgating games, decorated their own footballs, and showed their school pride with spirit face tattoos. Pom poms and foam fingers in hand, kids cheered alongside cheerleaders as each university performed routines to their fight song. To top off the excitement, our friends at Ergon prepared and served fresh popcorn and cotton candy to patients, families, and staff.

A huge thank you to the wonderful volunteers from Ergon and the incredible students from four universities across our state—because of you, the second annual Tailgating with Friends was a total touchdown!

Check out the highlight video below.

Tailgating with Friends is just one of the six annual Child Life Events hosted by Friends of Children’s Hospital! Friends hosts timely, holiday-themed celebrations, and throughout the year, other themed parties at the children’s hospital. Child Life Events give patients and their families an opportunity to feel included and have fun during their treatment at Children’s of Mississippi. The goal is always to create hope, smiles, and a place where patients can be kids!

To get involved with Friends and take part in our Child Life Events, contact Blair Gunter at blairgunter@friendsofch.org.