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/
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 tyrone@croartsports.com.
The Cannons begin the 2013 season on Sunday, April 28 at the New York Lizards. The home opener at Harvard Stadium is set for Saturday, May 4 at 7pm against the Hamilton Nationals.
