Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, MO may have been relatively quiet for most of Sunday, Oct. 2’s Rams-Redskins game, but football fans in faraway Lusby were making a racket. The crowd at American Legion Post 274 partied, ate beef and pork, and screamed at the widescreen televisions showing the game. While the contest got a bit closer in the fourth quarter, the Washington football team prevailed, touching off a celebration and the singing of the franchise’s fight song.
There was a lot more to celebrate as the throng helped “Spiggy and Friends,” the organization throwing the party, raise thousands of dollars for good causes.
Dave “Spiggy” Spigler, the leader of the organization, explained the funds primarily go to aid Children’s National Medical Center. On this day, Spiggler, garbed in his Hogette dress and pig snout, also paid tribute to the late Hunter Scott. The 7-year-old died of brain cancer earlier this year after a brave 3-year fight. Hunter’s family accepted the generous check during halftime.
Spigler said the group also allocates funds to United Way of Calvert with the request that the money be used for children’s programs. Other beneficiaries include local Optimist Clubs and this year, families of Navy Seals who lost their lives in the Middle East.
Spiggy and Friends has also aided “Calvert’s Child,” a young girl who escaped the Lusby home where her stepmother allegedly abused her.
In addition to the benefit party, the event includes a silent auction and appearances from several Redskins Cheerleaders. A golf tournament is held a few days prior to the football party.
Spigler, a retired U.S. Navy officer and local realtor, has been part of the colorful Hogettes since the mid-1990s. While the bevy of costumed men is considered “the 12th man” at Redskins’ home games, they were originally founded as a gimmick to raise funds for Children’s Hospital and to bring a bit of joy to the children who are patients at the facility.
Earlier this year, the Maryland Knights of Columbus honored Spiggler wih its Citizen of the Year Award.
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