All Donations From the Teams, Players, and Fans Will Go to The One Fund To Help the People Most Affected by the Tragic Events
April 17, 2013 – Boston, MA – As part of the team’s final weekend of training camp, the Boston Cannons of Major League Lacrosse will scrimmage the CroART Lacrosse All-Stars this Saturday, April 20, in Harvard Stadium at 6pm. The scrimmage, free and open to the public, will be used to raise funds to support the Boston Marathon victims, with 100% of the money raised going to The One Fund, established Tuesday by Governor Deval Patrick and Mayor Tom Menino.
“The heroes that emerged on Monday and the way the city has rallied around the victims this week has been inspirational,” said Cannons General Manager Kevin Barney. “Together with the lacrosse community, we want to do our small part to contribute to the healing of Boston.”
The Cannons and CroART Lacrosse, an organization that provides opportunities for players in New England through tournaments, camps, clinics and club teams, are asking for a suggested $10 donation at the door from spectators. With the donation, each fan will receive a raffle ticket and the chance to win Cannons and CroART prizes. An auction, including a Cascade Pro7 helmet and an autographed Cannons game-worn jersey, will begin Saturday night and continue online next week. Players from both teams will donate $20 each prior to playing in the scrimmage.
“It was amazing to see the human spirit at work on Monday,” said Tyrone Croom, president of CroART Lacrosse. “The day was marked with a tragic occurrence but the resolve of all will be what is remembered. Our efforts on Saturday will never be able to add up to what needs to be done over the days and years to come, but we will all do our part to help in any way we can.”
Donations can be made online at givingsomething.com/marathonfundraiser. Cannons midfielder and Wellesley native Mike Stone set up the donation page on GivingSomeThing.com, a website he co-founded in 2011 to create a platform for people to donate real goods to nonprofits.
Stone has pledged $10 for every goal scored in the scrimmage from his recently launched Mike Stone Lacrosse Academy. Both the Cannons and CroART will match the per-goal donation.
“Seeing my friend, a double amputee from injuries suffered in Afghanistan, cross the finish line on his hand-cycle on Monday was a special moment,” Stone said. “It took him two years of recovery to get there and it was an incredible achievement. Back at the finish line hours later, I knew immediately that many others would soon be embarking on similar journeys. Let’s support these victims by contributing to The One Fund through this special initiative by the lacrosse community. This is what makes our game special.”
Additionally, Cannons captains Ryan Boyle and Mitch Belisle of Trilogy Lacrosse will be contributing 100% of the profits from six youth lacrosse clinics Trilogy is hosting at Gillette Stadium today and Friday with the Massachusetts Bay Youth Lacrosse League.
Anyone interested in donating items for the raffle and auction or volunteering at the scrimmage on Saturday night should be in touch with Croom at [email protected].
Thoughts from Cannons Players
I know the Boston Cannons family and fans will come together to support those who were affected by the events of April 15th. Hope to see you all at the scrimmage Saturday evening in honor of not only those affected but also all of the first responders. Jake Beebe
I try and wrap my mind around the events on Monday, but it is hard to make sense of such a senseless act. I know that while we keep those effected by the explosions in our thoughts, we continuously see selfless acts from complete strangers that show how strong and communal Boston really is. It makes me proud to say I live here. Caddy Brooks
This is only going to make our city stronger. There were countless amounts of high character athletes and people in Boston on Monday, and they will not be knocked down by one coward. Thoughts and prayers are with all that were affected. Kevin Gould
Boston is a kind, proud, resilient class of people. Prayers of strength for those affected, as well as those supporting. Coach Marmiani
A time clouded with sorrow can be uplifted if only for a moment with a reminder of why we stand up to do what we do. 617 in our prayers. Mike Fox, Equipment Manager
Boston has and always will be a second home to me. Thoughts and prayers to my friends, family, and all the Boston Cannons fans and families in MA. Mitch Belisle
