This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Charity Kickball Tournament Raises Over $5,000 in Support of ALS Patient-Care And Research Efforts in Beacon Falls

More than 200 kickballers from around the region gathered this past Saturday afternoon in Beacon Falls for a festive day of fun and competition, while helping to raise over $5,000 to help support The Susie Foundation. 

The Susie Foundation, founded earlier this year in Beacon Falls, is a local charity focused on supporting the fight against ALS by raising money to fund research, education, advocacy, and patient-care efforts on both the local and national levels.  Proceeds from Saturday’s event will go directly to funding that mission. 

Also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, ALS is a degenerative motor neuron disorder which takes healthy, physically capable individuals and slips them into full-body paralysis.  At the time of diagnosis, ALS patients are only expected to live an additional two-to-five years with the disease.   

Find out what's happening in Woodbury-Middleburywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“The First Annual Susie Classic could not have gone any better,” said Ryan Matthews, Founder and Executive Director of The Susie Foundation.  “We were blessed with an absolutely gorgeous day and the folks who turned out – from the participants and volunteers, to the spectators – really brought with them a palpable energy and enthusiasm that brought the whole event together.”

Featuring fifteen teams that were formed by a variety of local residents and businesses, The Susie Classic was a huge hit with participants, volunteers, and spectators alike.

Find out what's happening in Woodbury-Middleburywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“I just had the greatest time,” said Matt Ensero, local resident, kickballer, and owner of Wing It On! Restaurants of Waterbury and Oakville.  “All of us at Wing It On! were incredibly excited to sponsor this event and to participate today.  We cannot wait to be involved again next year and, seeing as it’s all for such a great cause, it just makes our experience that much sweeter.” 

Lori Turmel, representing the event’s co-sponsor, Employer’s Reference Source of Waterbury, seconded those sentiments and added that, “It’s just really amazing to see so many people – family, friends, and even total strangers – come together to support the fight against ALS, while having such a wonderful time.  It really warms my heart and makes me and my entire organization proud to be a part of The Susie Classic.” 

The tournament’s winners, The One Kick Wonders, won five straight games en route to being crowned champions.  Featuring a mix of players who hailed from as far away as Boston, the team was thrilled with their victory and especially excited about receiving the extremely coveted Golden Kickball as top prize. 

“I think I speak for my entire team when I say how excited I am about being a part of The Susie Classic,” said Lauren Baker, captain of The One Kick Wonders.  “We had so much fun participating in this tournament and to know that all the proceeds go to such a worthy cause makes it all incredibly worthwhile.  Winning The Golden Kickball is just the icing on the cake.”

As the event wrapped up, Matthews was quick to point out that preparations for next year’s tournament are already under way.  

“We really envision this tournament being a staple event of summertime in The Valley,” Matthews said.  “Though we are obviously elated by how the event wrapped up, we cannot wait for host next year’s tournament and are already cooking up some ideas on how to help expand, improve upon, and really cement this event as something the entire community can look forward to each and every year.” 

Individuals interested in learning more about The Susie Foundation, how to get involved with similar events, or how to contribute to their work, should contact Ryan Matthews at (203) 217-4884 or TheSusieFoundation@gmail.com.  The organization can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.   

The Susie Classic was proudly co-sponsored by Employers Reference Source, Inc. of Waterbury.  Other sponsors include Wing It On! Restaurants of Waterbury and Oakville, Naugatuck Savings Bank, and Frankie's Family Restaurant of Waterbury.



We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?