Birmingham Firefighter Will Host October Kicking Contest
A Birmingham firefighter is organizing a community event to provide financial relief for a retired colleague.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Philanthropy
On October 31, 2026, Birmingham firefighter Roger Cofer will host a kicking contest at his home to support retired firefighter Jason Mahaffey. The event is designed to generate financial assistance for the Mahaffey family as Jason Mahaffey continues to battle Parkinson's disease.
Why it matters
The event provides a targeted model for grassroots community fundraising in response to health crises. It highlights how informal networks can be leveraged to generate financial support for individuals facing long-term medical challenges.
The event features three distinct prize distribution options for participants, aiming to support a former firefighter who has faced health challenges for more than 20 years.
The players
Roger Cofer
A Birmingham firefighter organizing a community-based fundraising event.
Jason Mahaffey
A retired Birmingham firefighter currently managing a battle with Parkinson's disease.
The details
Roger Cofer constructed a field goal setup using PVC pipe in his yard located at 815 Griffin Park Circle. Contestants will be selected at random to attempt a field goal, with proceeds directed to the Mahaffey family based on the outcome of the kick. Participants have the option to split winnings, donate all funds to the family, or donate all proceeds if they miss the kick.
Timeline
The kicking contest is scheduled for October 31, 2026.
The event kick takes place at 8:30 p.m.
Market Landscape
This initiative follows a long-standing pattern of community-led financial support for first responders facing work-related health declines. It reflects the ongoing reliance on peer-to-peer fundraising models common within public safety departments.
Operators looking to support similar causes should evaluate the structure of their donation mechanisms to ensure clear participation terms. Consider how localized, low-overhead events can effectively mobilize community resources for specific, urgent needs.
The takeaway
Grassroots fundraising requires clear participation structures to ensure funds reach the intended beneficiaries. Consider defining explicit donation options for participants before launching event-based support campaigns.
Further reading
Learn more about local charitable initiatives in the Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Trussville Tribune.
