A unique project to find the biggest Georgia Bulldogs fan in Polk County is underway.

Money from the sale of a football, signed by Mark Richt, head coach, University of Georgia, will be used to help fund services provided by the American Red Cross.

Similar silent auctions have also been held in Bartow and Floyd counties, according to Karon Mauney, financial development director for the local Red Cross chapter.

“I spoke with a couple of disaster volunteers who live in Rockmart,” she explained.

“We all decided that the challenge to find the biggest Georgia Bulldogs fan in Polk could get more than a few folks in competition for the title.”

Family Savings Credit Union has agreed to hold the football during the three-week challenge. Interested fans may stop by during regular business hours to place a bid on the ball until 2 p.m. Friday, July 18.

The highest bidder will be presented with the football and a t-shirt.

Michael Rogers said he is an ARC volunteer because he believes it is an unconditional gift to the American people.

“As soon as the tornado passed on March 15, Red Cross volunteers and staff gathered at the chapter office and prepared to respond to the needs of our community,” he said. “Volunteers were there to help families in need of immediate emergency assistance.”

From July 1, 2007 to June 20, 2008, there were 24 single-family disasters with 87 people receiving assistance.

The American Red Cross also sent information to 21 local military families, and 13 service members and families received help with emergency messaging during the past several months. In addition, a total of 197 people were given training in CPR and first aid.

Norman Staley, ARC volunteer, pointed out that money raised locally does not go nationally but remains in Polk County.

For more information about the football project, call Mauney at 706-291-6648.