By: RJ Kaminski
“Thank you.”
“Thank you.”
“Thanks!”
“Thank you very much.”
More than thirty thank-yous, one after the other, could be heard at midfield of Episcopal Academy’s lacrosse field. Each young player on the Olde English lacrosse program received a 2017 Shootout for Soldiers challenge coin in exchange for their tireless and incredible fundraising efforts.
SFS Executive Director and Founder Tyler Steinhardt as well as local SFS Philadelphia chair Chris Bates distributed the challenge coins to the boys. The Olde English lacrosse program collectively raised an unbelievable $13,090 for SFS’s Veteran charity beneficiaries!
A member of the Olde English Lacrosse program showing off his challenge coin!
“I was blown away that a first year team at a new event was able to crush our fundraising records,” Steinhardt said. “I think these kids really understood the purpose of the event. It really was inspiring to see their energy and passion.”
Two other top fundraising programs, PA Roughriders 2022 and Fallston Lacrosse Club matched single team Shootout for Soldiers records as well.
The 24 hours in Newtown Square consisted of teams of all ages, from current Episcopal Academy students and alumni as well as travel and summer league teams. More than 4,250 attendees and 850 participants filtered through to take in the action and event atmosphere.
Color Guard Presentation before the Veteran’s game at SFS Philadelphia!
“The variety of lacrosse games (high level club, youth, alum, father/son, faculty/kid) set the right tone and was perfect for an event like this,” said local organizer Chris Bates.
“For a first time out of the gates event, Shootout for Soldiers Philly hit it out of the park,” Bates continued. “A lot of folks contributed to make the 24 hours of lacrosse at Episcopal a memorable experience to support a really wonderful cause.”
Bates spoke about some of the event elements that really made Shootout for Soldiers Philadelphia’s first year one to remember.
“Color guards, a rifle salute, spirited national anthems at both the opening and closing ceremonies, awesome live music, games, vendors, and informational tents about the charities that SFS support all contributed to the festive atmosphere,” Bates said.
The Shootout for Soldiers team is incredibly thankful that Episcopal Academy allowed the first SFS Philadelphia to take place on their campus along with the incredible help of their staff. The help of local volunteers, bands and performers all equally contributed to the unforgettable atmosphere of the 24 hours, making Philly’s inclusion in next year’s summer tour a no brainer.
Charity representatives, local organizers and players gather around for the big check shot!
Bates continued, “My organizing team can’t wait to get back to work for the 2nd Shootout for Soldiers Philadelphia in 2018!”
