This month, we caught up with Elizabeth Fraizer, of the Richmond Raiders, the professional indoor football franchise that plays its games at the Richmond Coliseum.
A fan of sports in general, and football in particular, Elizabeth says she always enjoyed watching and cheering for her brothers on the gridiron. As one of fourteen children, her family could have fielded its own team growing up in Cleveland.
Fortunately, Elizabeth brought her talents to Richmond in 1997, and since then, she and her husband Mike have committed themselves to philanthropic efforts in the community. With a focus on children’s issues, Elizabeth is dedicated to helping kids stay in school and improving education as a whole.
“We brought the Raiders to town to help add to the vibrancy of Richmond and to help in the community,” says Elizabeth.”The players and Lady Raiders mentor in schools and our IMPACT program focuses on the six pillars of character.”
As a mother, Elizabeth believes it important for all kids to see teamwork in action. “Sports accomplish lots of things including giving students the incentive to attend school and keep their grades up. Sports instill discipline and self confidence, not to mention time management skills,” she says.
Elizabeth adds that she wants her daughters to know their mother supports business decisions with a purpose that benefit the greater good. “I have two girls and hope they understand how rewarding it is to help in the community.”
Keep reading to learn more about one of Richmond’s pro sports franchise owners – wife, mother, entrepreneur, and education cheerleader Elizabeth Fraizer
RFM: What book is on your nightstand right now?
Elizabeth: Right now I am reading Fourth and Goal by Monte Burke. I have seen the movie The Blind Side ten times, at least, and I can’t wait to read that book. Football, and all sports really, have great life lessons to teach us.
RFM: If you were stranded on a desert island, what food would you want to grow on trees?
Elizabeth: Anything chocolate – which I think would make it a “dessert” island!
RFM: Same island – what’s the one tech gadget you would want with you?
Elizabeth: My iPad.
RFM: Favorite Richmond restaurant when the family’s in town?
Elizabeth: T-Miller’s in the city—a sports bar, of course!
RFM: When it’s just you and your husband?
Elizabeth: Stuzzi for great pizza and unbelievable pasta.
RFM: What is your favorite way to spend a rainy Sunday?
Elizabeth: Watching football! And it’s even better when the Richmond Raiders are playing. Indoor football is great!
RFM: Favorite vacation spot?
Elizabeth: I love Virginia Beach, so close, yet you feel you are so far away — and there are lots of tennis courts in Virginia Beach. I play tennis, so anywhere with a tennis court and warm, dry weather.
RFM: What is your energy source?
Elizabeth: My strong faith and my huge family.I have seven brothers and six sisters.
RFM: Finish this sentence. “My family loves it when I…
Elizabeth: Cook! Especially homemade meatloaf and mashed potatoes, and made-from scratch chocolate mousse pie.”
RFM: Readers will be surprised to know.
Elizabeth: I have worn the mascot costume. In fact, that’s me as Risky [the horse] in the Raiders’ TV commercial.
