Team Up 4 Community
Team Up 4 Community has again partnered with the New York State Public High School Athletic Association to encourage student-athletes to give back to their communities through the Community Service Challenge.
“Through community service, a big part of the interscholastic athletic experience, students, coaches, and administrators are able to give back to the people that support them each and every day,” said Team Up 4 Community, an organization that promotes youth athletic community service and outreach. The W20 Foundation project boasts over 17,211 participants who have donated 90,733 total hours and raised $355,744 for local causes this past fall and spring.
There are 67 participating teams on Long Island and several who have completed campaigns on the East End.
Fall sports teams at Riverhead High School helped make a dream come true for a 12-year-old diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia by raising nearly $4000 through a Make-A-Wish raffle.
The 60 participants from the Riverhead cheerleading, field hockey, and tennis booster clubs donated 60 hours of their time and the money was presented to the Riverhead resident, allowing him to fulfill his dream of going on a shopping spree at Best Buy to purchase new electronics and gadgets.
Westhampton Beach athletes have raised awareness and support for childhood cancer. Four student-athletes — Sean Bass, Sydney Anastasia, Keira Csabon, and Kaitlyn McDermott — showed their support and brought awareness during the Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September.
These four athletes witnessed the struggles that their friend, who had childhood cancer, went through, and how Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation supported her during her difficult time. The freshmen wanted to give back to an organization that continues to help children fight, so they developed a plan for their own lemonade stand and took the idea to Principal Christopher Herr for approval. After being given the go-ahead to start this year, the four athletes hosted a lemonade stand to raise funds for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. The Foundation funds research for childhood cancer treatments and supports the brave kids battling cancer.
They were at every home varsity football game this year to raise funds and awareness.
Administrators, coaches, and student-athletes are eligible to apply on behalf of the school, team, or group and participants can enroll through June 1.
“Is your school or team doing something special during this unprecedented time?” NYSPHSAA said in a statement. “Nominate them for the spring community challenge.”
To do so, sign into an existing or create a new account at www.teamup4community.org/nysphsaa, and create a challenge by entering the title of the event, the number of participants, hours volunteered, and amount of money raised, if any, although not a requirement. You can add photos and video, and must provide a description of the event.
“This is your chance to recognize all the work your team did and showcase all the good you’ve done for your community,” Team Up 4 Community said. “Check out the rubric to help you craft your event description and improve your chances of being selected as a Community Service Challenge winner!”
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