On Saturday, football fans gathered around a massive RV to enjoy good food, drink and socialize.

Unlike the other thousands of tailgaters, fans from both Penn State and Michigan united in an effort to raise roughly $8,500 for Tay-Sachs research at the second Cure Tay-Sachs Foundation (CTSF) Tailgate Tour.

The tour began when Penn State fans Tom and Cindy Socie made friends with Ohio State fans Robb and Sue Mitchell about eight years ago.

Since then, the families have traveled to Penn State and Ohio State games to tailgate with each other, though the Ohio State fans could not make it to Saturday's game.

In the time they have tailgated together, the Mitchell's niece, Dakota, was diagnosed with Tay-Sachs disease -- a genetic disorder -- said Jill Semmer, a close friend of the Socie's, who attended Saturday's tailgate.

The Tailgate Tour fundraising began during last year's Penn State-Ohio State game, at which the Mitchells could not be present, so the Socies used the opportunity to help them, Cindy Socie said.

"We thought, 'Why don't we bring a bucket and raise money?' " Cindy Socie said.

Last year's tailgates were successful, Semmer said, adding that they raised a total of $5,200 for Tay-Sachs research.

Last year, at the Penn State vs. Ohio State tailgate, $2,500 was raised, Semmer said.

"Our goal this year is to double it to $5,000," Tom Socie said.

Perrotto Builders Ltd., a commercial building company, sponsored this weekend's tailgate to help boost fundraising efforts.

"It's the greatest thing you could ever be a part of," said James Radwanski, from Perrotto Builders.

Chris Mincer, a music professor at Penn State, provided entertainment at the tailgate. Mincer has been performing at the Penn State vs. Ohio State tailgates for eight years, Semmer said. Saturday was Mincer's second time performing to raise money for Tay-Sachs disease. The sounds of country and rock music drew Penn State fans to the tailgate.

Students were seen donating up to $10.

"Penn State fans really reached out," said Cindy Socie.

The Socies hope fans from Ohio State contribute money at next week's tailgate.

"We want Ohio State fans to dig deeper next week," Tom Socie said.

Even though the Mitchells were unable to attend the tailgate, some Michigan fans donated money.

"At the end of the day, we are all the Big Ten," Cindy Socie said.