Van Nuys : Super Bowl Party to Benefit Youth Project

Chairs planted on AstroTurf, eyes glued to a TV screen, about 200 football fans will cheer, eat and tailgate their way through the second annual Mid-Valley Jeopardy Foundation Super Bowl party Sunday.

In the process, they will raise money for the popular Los Angeles Police Department program that attempts to keep at-risk youth out of gangs by providing alternative activities, counseling and tutoring.

During the party, revelers will eat hamburgers and hot dogs and have a chance to join in a silent auction for trips, prizes and services, said Harold Peskin, activity chairman of the foundation.

There will even be halftime festivities, with Van Nuys High School cheerleaders leading the rah-rahing.

Peskin described the party as fun for a good cause, particularly because almost all of Mid-Valley Jeopardy’s $33,000 annual budget comes from donations.

Last year’s Super Bowl party, attended by about 125 people, raised nearly $2,200 for the program’s after-school activities, which include boxing, tutoring, games, aerobics, parenting classes and in-line skating and attract more than 1,000 youngsters in elementary and middle schools.

“People can cheer for whoever they want,” said Officer Fernando Ochoa, one of two Van Nuys Division Jeopardy coordinators. “We’ll be good company.”

The party will start at 2 p.m. at the All Valley Washer Service warehouse, 15008 Delano St., Van Nuys. Tickets are $15 apiece, $25 per couple.

For information or tickets, call (818) 787-2300.