HANK'S
LEGACY
The Idaho Bowl was created in honor of Hank Anderson—a little boy whose life inspired something much bigger than football.
IT’S ALWAYS BEEN MORE THAN A GAME
Where football builds community — and community keeps families close.
This event is held in memory of Hank Anderson, the son of close friends of the Idaho Bowl director. Hank was born with Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome, a rare heart defect, in June 2021 and passed away in December of that year while awaiting a heart transplant. During their seven-month stay in Salt Lake City for Hank’s treatment, his parents — originally from Boise — received crucial support from Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho.
Far from home and their local support system, RMHC provided the Andersons with housing, warm meals, transportation, laundry services, toys for Hank, and emotional support — all free of charge. This allowed them to remain fully focused on their son without the overwhelming financial burden of extended medical care away from home.
The Idaho Bowl proudly honors Hank’s memory and the strength of families like his. We hope this event inspires others to support Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho, helping them continue to care for families facing the most difficult moments of their lives.
OUR MISSION IN ACTION
Rather than charging admission on game day, the Idaho Bowl invites our community to give material goods that support Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho and the families it serves.
After three completed years, the Idaho Bowl has become one of RMHC Idaho's largest community donors of material goods—and we are just getting started!
LEARN ABOUT RMHC IDAHOEVERY GAME. EVERY GIFT. EVERY FAMILY HELPED.
In honor of Hank, the Idaho Bowl will continue building something that reaches far beyond the scoreboard.
READ THE KTVB STORYBACK TO IDAHO BOWLIN HONOR OF HANK