The Chapel Hill and East Chapel Hill High School men’s lacrosse teams collaborated on a fundraiser on April 16 for the Be Loud! Sophie Foundation, which seeks to help young cancer patients by addressing the needs of their age group and support cancer research.
“The fundraiser started because we were thinking about what could we do [while] partnered with East Chapel Hill to give back to the community, and center it around our game, and we thought we would work with a local charity,” coach Jacob Manning said.
Both teams raised funds through a raffle, and the winners were announced during halftime and after the game.
The prizes included gift cards to Silverspot movie theatre, Flyleaf Books and other local venues, as well as two Duke men’s lacrosse tickets.
Funds were also raised through concession sales at the game.
The teams raised a total of $5,829 for the foundation.
The Be Loud! Sophie Foundation was created following the death in 2013 of Sophie Steiner, an East Chapel Hill High School student who was diagnosed with germ cell cancer during her freshman year in 2012.
Being involved in the fundraising game was a positive experience for the players involved, according to sophomore Damien Kerner.
“The game is for a good cause. It made me feel more involved in the community, and as though the team and I have made a positive impact,” Kerner said.
Though Chapel Hill did not succeed in beating East, losing 12-6, the Tigers are awaiting a rematch.
“[The game was] a successful fundraiser and a hard fought game. We played a long-time rival, but came up short. However, I believe this will motivate us even more to beat them again when entering playoffs,” sophomore Noah Walker said.
The Be Loud! Sophie Foundation is holding another student focused fundraiser on April 28 at the Cat’s Cradle, a musical showcase including groups from Chapel Hill High School, East Chapel Hill High School, Carrboro High School and others. The event is free, but donations are encouraged.
