Tarrytown, NY: – On Saturday, June 26, 2010 the first annual Kicks for Clots Kickball Tournament raised funds and awareness for the National Blood Clot Alliance in Ocean City, NJ. Over $10,000 was raised, exceeding the original goal. “Not only was it a great fundraiser, it was a blast to play kickball again. But most importantly, the funds go directly toward our mission of education and public awareness about the risks of blood clots and clotting disorders” said Cheryl Fishman, DVT survivor, event chairperson and volunteer for the National Blood Clot Alliance.
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“Cheryl, a real dynamo, did an amazing job organizing the tournament, galvanizing local businesses and spreading awareness within the community. She definitely earned her crown – Queen of The Kickball Tourney”, according to Traci Wilkes Smith, a blood clot survivor, Kicks for Clots pitcher, and vice president of the National Blood Clot Alliance.
Over fifty NATThletes came from as far as Canada and ranged in age from over sixty to as young as nine years old. The sunny day was full of friendly competition and all five teams played their hearts out. Players were supplied Kicks for Clots t-shirts and each team played at least two games before the final match. Congratulations to Team Spadaforas for winning the Tournament! The day ended with the classic water bucket drench of team Spad’s captain, Ed Aleszczyk, by his players while accepting their trophy.
Many Ocean City, NJ businesses rallied around the event by donating OC favorites to keep players and spectators nourished and hydrated. Additionally, local merchants from restaurants to jewelers to sports and entertainment organizations were gracious in donating merchandise, artwork, sports tickets and gift certificates for top fundraising prizes as well as raffle items.
Dan Serafin from NBC40 Sports, the Atlantic City affiliate, interviewed Cheryl and aired footage from the Kicks for Clots Tournament over the weekend. Local radio stations broadcast live question and answer sessions with Cheryl and Kristen Holgerson, Director of Development at the National Blood Clot Alliance. Kristen and her team won awards for best fundraising efforts. “I’m so proud of my team, raising over $5000, and especially touched by my sister, Karen Van Wallendael, who shared her experience with a clotting disorder so publicly to advocate for others. Had Karen been diagnosed and treated before her triplet pregnancy, her daughter, Briana, may still be alive today”, said Kristen. Karen took home the top fundraising prize of four tickets to a Philadelphia Phillies baseball game.
“The Kicks for Clots Tournament is just another great example of the NATThlete program’s broad appeal; anyone can maximize any sports event they enjoy and raise funds to help us Stop the Clot” said Alan Brownstein, Chief Executive Officer of the National Blood Clot Alliance.
For information about organizing your own fundraising activity or event please contact Kristen Holgerson at kholgerson@stoptheclot.org or 914-220-5040 ext. 246!
Donations to the Kicks for Clots Tournament are still being accepted; go to www.stoptheclot.org and click make a donation.
