The 2006 and 2nd annual #25 Memorial Tournament has come and gone with overall success. We are becoming more familiar with the activities involved and are comfortable with holding the tournament annually. Though we did not advertise any set goal, we did accomplish in creating a bigger tournament that also surpassed last year’s fundraising total. As time goes on, we may create other events that bring our community together but directly geared towards fundraising. Regardless, the success of the 2006 tournament provides us with the confidence to move forward with the #25 Memorial efforts.
As you know, the tournament was started in honor of a friend, Carlo DeFabritiis. Though suggested that sentiment and emotion would not be as evident as in 2005, we believe that the story has only gotten better. With the continued success of this tournament, there is more that is being done to keep his spirit alive. Coming from a single parent family, I understand that there will be tough times ahead for both Laurie and Melissa. There will be many times when Carlo’s love and support will be missing from both their lives. With the annual tournament and continued effort to keep Chuck’s spirit alive in friendships, stories, and charitable contributions, we will be able to show Melissa and remind Laurie the person that Carlo was to us.
This story relates to us all that have lost a friend or loved one before their time and should be passed along at every opportunity. Whether from illness or accident, we have all felt the pain of loss but how many of us had to manage ourselves through a constant suffering? Even for those lucky enough to have not had to endure such suffering, one must be thankful for instances that loved ones were saved. Personal experience stands out as both my fiancé and soon to be brother-in-law both faced death with heart illnesses that were treated at Children’s Hospital Boston. It is just this reason that we must remember Carlo and other friends every year but also to offer thanks for those that are still in our lives.
The feelings of joy and pain that are in our hearts at any time are the soul of the #25 effort. Our 2006 beneficiaries are organizations that exemplify a mission of hope and health for loved ones including the animals that bring many similar joys. After speaking with many people this weekend, I understand that the tournament itself offers the emotions of friendship and competition. Whole heartedly, I can say that the tournament will always do its best to offer a weekend of fun, friendship, competition and excitement. Great summer weekends are few and tough to come by, but the memories from the weekend will last for quite some time.
It was the memories that make each tournament unique. This year we will remember championship of the Chiefs who watched the entire 2005 playoffs from the stands after missing the playoffs by a 2nd tiebreaker. There was the triple digit heat which caused players to play through exhaustion for the pride of the victory. An amazing rematch of the 2005 championship between Laces Out and Revere Squad which came to a tie with only 2 seconds left in the game. The other side of the spectrum shows the heartbreak of the Kingfish who couldn’t get a break in their quarterfinal game following three convincing opening round victories. We remember the sites, sounds, and smells of victory and defeat, competition and sportsmanship, and of course fun, friendship, and family.
It is inherent to this event that the success relies on those who support it. It is the support that we receive that shows the beauty and invaluable feeling of philanthropy and community. In days past, I never thought of myself as a charitable person and as with any youth, one takes for granted what they have. Unfortunately, it took the loss of a friend who showed me both charity and privilege to bring out those qualities hidden inside me. I hope that all those who support this tournament do so knowing that they are making a generous gift of love and humanity. It is the passion behind the support that will always enable our efforts to be successful.
