For some area organizations, Saturday isn't just a day for football, fun and team rivalry — it's a day to raise awareness and money for their cause.

Since about 2003, Tom Wall, founder of the T. Wall Foundation, has run a hot dog stand at University of Michigan football home games to raise money for area families in need.

The stand is located near Ann Arbor's All Star Driver Education. A $1,000 grant from Sam's Club pays for the food, and all of the profits help Washtenaw County families get essentials, such as children's clothing, food and beds.

Wall, a retired special education teacher, said the stand is staffed by volunteers, many of whom have disabilities, and the experience gives them a sense of purpose.

"It's the first time in their life they're volunteering; it's a beautiful thing," he said. "They really feel important."

Wall said the foundation raises about $600 a game, but he expects this weekend's game against Michigan State University to bring in "close to $1,000."

"One hundred percent of the profit we make goes back to help needy children and their families in Washtenaw County," Wall said.

Barry Malatesta, Ypsilanti Township resident and retired engineer for Ford Motor Company, volunteers his time at the hot dog stand. 

"I'm just trying to give back, I guess. I've been lucky in life so I'm trying to help out people who haven't been as lucky as (I have) for one reason or another," Malatesta said. "We're doing something to help out special needs kids and disadvantaged families in the community."

And for those looking for a place to hang out before the game, Wall also rents out the North End Zone for tailgate parties and other events.

The U-M C.S. Mott Children's Hospital is also taking advantage of this weekend's fundraising opportunity.

Fans from either side looking for something to do Friday night can join the Blue & Green Tailgate at Lexus of Ann Arbor from 5 to 8 p.m. to support the hospital and to hear special guests Lloyd Carr and Tom Izzo speak.

Tickets to attend the charitable tailgate event range from $125 for an individual to $1,000 for two VIP passes, which include a signed football or basketball. Proceeds support the hospital and the Michigan Congenital Heart Center.

The event will include a silent auction of U-M and MSU paraphernalia and a live auction of four pre-game sideline passes for Saturday's game.

Game-goers and area residents can also donate $5 to the children's hospital by texting MOTT to 50555 any time Saturday. The $5 donation will be appear on the next month's cell phone bill.

Oscar Rodriguez, board member for Habitat for Humanity Huron Valley, said he'll be turning his usual home game tailgate into an informational spot for the organization and a place for area residents to donate money.

Theresa Dumais, development director, said people can learn about Habitat for Humanity and make a donation at 142 E. Hoover Ave. from about 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

"He's going to set up the back of his car as sort of a Habitiat spot," Dumais said, equipped with a banner, copies of the organization's newest newsletter and a donation box.

And for football fans interested in learning more about tissue and organ donation, Gift of Life Michigan will have an informational table at Pioneer High School this Saturday and next Saturday where people can sign up to be a donor.

"For most people, the only chance they'll ever have to save a life is through organ, tissue and cornea donation," said communications director Tim Makinen. "They have that power."

The effort to sign up new donors is part of a competition against Ohio State, in collaboration with U-M — the Wolverine-Buckeye Challenge.

Heather Lockwood is a reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at heatherlockwood@annarbor.com or follow her on Twitter.