HOUSTON — As the Official Smoked Sausage and Deli Meat Sponsor of the College Football Playoff (CFP), Smithfield Foods’ Eckrich brand partnered with ESPN sports journalist Marty Smith and Heisman Trophy winner Andre Ware for its Eckrich $1 Million Challenge for Teachers.

The event took place at the national championship game between the Washington Huskies and the Michigan Wolverines, where Smith and Ware each attempted to make a 10-yard throw through a 20-inch target.

Although neither of them hit the target, Eckrich donated $250,000 to the CFP Foundation's Extra Yard for Teachers, the company said.

"It's an honor to partner with Eckrich for the sixth consecutive year and help raise funds for the College Football Playoff Foundation," Smith said. "Each year, I'm excited to prepare for the challenge, and even more excited to see the impact Eckrich and Extra Yard for Teachers will continue to make for schools across the nation."

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Eckrich $1 Million Challenge for Teachers for the first time this year," Ware said. "Through this program, we were able to raise money for classroom resources nationwide, and I'm happy to recognize all of the wonderful educators nominated for this challenge."

Throughout the football season, Eckrich and the CFP Foundation also offered teachers a chance to win up to $1 million to fund their local schools by attempting a throw at a target from 15 yards.

While the six teachers who were nominated by their school’s football fans did not hit the target, Eckrich said it still honored their efforts and donated $2,500 at each local game to the CFP Foundation. The company also gave each participating teacher a $500 gift card to a local retailer of the, totaling $15,000 in donations and $3,000 in groceries.

"We're thrilled to be joined by our partners, Eckrich, as well as Marty and Andre, to celebrate year six of the Eckrich $1 Million Challenge for Teachers," said Britton Banowsky, executive director of the CFP Foundation. "Through this program, we've been able to pay tribute to the educators who go above and beyond to further engage, mentor and educate, ensuring their students' success."

Eckrich also named fifth-grade reading teacher Brooke Gordon the winner of the Eckrich Teacher of the Year. The company awarded Gordon a unique CFP National Championship weekend experience along with $5,000 to fund classroom projects. 

"We would like to thank our partners at the CFP and its foundation for another successful year of the Eckrich $1 Million Challenge for Teachers," said Lauren Talbert, senior director of Eckrich. "As part of our sixth annual partnership, we've donated $2.5 million to educators across the country to provide their students with the opportunity for a better education and as spotlight the great work they're doing in their communities. Congratulations to Marty and Andre for a participating in the challenge to raise additional funds for our educators."