In a spirit of good sportsmanship and community unity, Jim Thorpe Mayor Michael Sofranko graciously paid off a bet with Palmerton Mayor Don Herrmann earlier this month by wearing Palmerton football attire to Jim Thorpe’s October borough council meeting.

The gesture came after Palmerton’s football team secured a victory against Jim Thorpe in September, winning 41-31. The bet, although centered around football, was an aside to a charitable canned food drive that showcased who the mayors called the true winners; the local food pantries.

The mayors from both towns initially came up with the idea for the bet last year, tying it to a canned food drive to benefit the less fortunate in their communities. In the weeks leading up to the game, fans of both teams were encouraged to donate canned goods and other essential items such as napkins and paper plates as they entered the stadium.

Sofranko said the response from the communities was overwhelming, as the donations poured in.

“Those who won through all of this is the food pantries,” he said. “Jim Thorpe brought most of the canned goods, and Palmerton brought most of the napkins, plates, etc. I think it was a tie as far as the donations go.”

Part of the deal also had Sofranko giving a glowing report about Palmerton during Thorpe’s council meeting.

“Palmerton has a really good community,” Sofranko said. “They have a festival every year that is one of the best in the area. There are a lot of great small businesses there and you’d be surprised if you stop on your way down to Allentown for something, you may be able to find it right there in Palmerton.”

The canned food drive, both men said, showcased the true essence of friendly rivalry, emphasizing that the spirit of competition can be intertwined with community service.

“It’s a win-win situation,” Herrman said leading up to the game. “The community wins because you are helping people who are fighting hunger, and you get to see a great football game between two great high schools. The main goal is to help the community and make sure our pantries have food for the holidays.”