Smithtown's Girls Lacrosse Tournament Raises $10,000

LAX for ME & the GALS event coordinators present Maurer Foundation Executive Director Debbie Hecht with $5000 donation. (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Samantha Vallarella, Hope Lefko, Gina Coletti, Debbie Hecht, Val Manzo, Emily De Marinis.)

By April Zubko

The girls lacrosse tournament LAX for ME & the GALS, held October 27, 2013, raised a total of $10,000, benefitting both the breast cancer non-profit The Maurer Foundation and the girls lacrosse non-profit Girls Athletic League of Smithtown (G.A.L.S.). The two charities teamed up for the second year in a row to promote physical activity in young girls, an important component in both organizations’ missions.

Held at Smithtown High School in St. James, NY this friendly all-day lacrosse competition drew an attendance of approximately 300 people. Each of the 22 teams from New York City to the East End played four games, with winning teams playing in a Championship game for prizes.

Every player got a prize-filled backpack. Funds were raised by registration fees, 50-50 raffles, sale of food and drinks including the Maurer Foundation’s pink and white cookies, vendor contributions, and the sale of t-shirts and other promotional items such as flashlights, lanyards, and rubber wristlets.

South Shore Hurricane coach Pete Montagano said, “I just want to take a moment and thank you for allowing us to participate in such a wonderful event. Today’s tournament was so well organized, exciting and fun for all! My girls had an incredible time, played strong teams, and our families enjoyed a perfect Sunday. Thank you for all the time and energy you put into such a successful day.”

Event Co-Chairs Gina and Rob Coletti, Val Manzo and Emily De Marinis worked with Girls Athletic leaders Billy Smith and Rob Coletti, and students from High School East, led by DECA President Hope Lefko and Samantha Vallarella. Over 30 DECA student volunteers and local Smithtown School Industry Advisory Board adult volunteers met at 6 am to set up the fields for 7 v 7 girls’ lacrosse for players from grade 4 through varsity. DECA student volunteers provided a DJ and many willing hands to keep the event moving along so the players and their families could have fun. The Maurer Foundation staff was also on-hand, educating attendees on breast health.

G.A.L.S. will use the funds raised by the event to promote availability of lacrosse for girls of all ages. The Maurer Foundation will use the funds to advance its breast health education outreach to high school students, community groups and businesses.

“Our goal is to make women aware of the facts regarding breast cancer and early detection, and it is just as important for girls and teens to know about the preventative measures they can take now, such as exercising and getting proper nutrition nutrition,” stated former Maurer Foundation Executive Director Debbie Hecht. “The Foundation was honored to be part of this athletic event, which promoted physical activity–a lifestyle choice known to help reduce the risk of breast cancer.”

Events such as Lax for ME and the G.A.L.S. help bring communities together and provide a fun, family atmosphere that makes a difference by helping others. For those interested in hosting a similar fundraising event, please contact The Maurer Foundation at 631-524-5151 or the Girls Athletic League of Smithtown at 516-456-4672.

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