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The Baldwinsville Field Hockey program recently came together for a powerful cause, hosting a special “15 for Life” game to raise awareness and encourage open conversations about mental health.

The event was spearheaded by senior Isabella (Izzy) Gebhardt, who organized the initiative with the support of her parents. Izzy’s dad, a former Syracuse University lacrosse player, was best friends with Rob Kavovit, whose family and friends founded the 15 for Life Foundation in Rob’s honor. The foundation’s mission is to break the stigma around mental health and promote the importance of checking in with one another.

In the days leading up to the game, Izzy spoke with both the JV and Varsity teams about the foundation, sharing the story behind it and why mental health awareness matters so deeply. During the event, her father addressed the crowd, inviting everyone to take the “15 Second Pledge”—a simple but meaningful challenge to reach out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while and ask how they’re doing.

Families in attendance also had the opportunity to donate to the 15 for Life Foundation, but the true goal of the night was about more than fundraising. It was about compassion, connection, and the courage to start a conversation.

Through Izzy’s leadership and the support of the Baldwinsville community, the team demonstrated that sports can be a powerful platform for change—reminding everyone that mental health matters, and that taking just a few seconds to check in can make all the difference.

Throughout October, the Duxbury High School Football team and Duxbury Youth Football came together for a shared mission — to make an impact far beyond the field. In a show of unity and compassion, the teams collaborated to sell Pink Ribbon long sleeve shirts and pink bracelets, raising funds for the Karen Wellington Foundation (KWF).

This marks the fourth consecutive year that Duxbury Football has supported the foundation, continuing a tradition of giving back and spreading hope within their community. Shirts and bracelets were sold at both youth games and at the high school, turning the stands into a sea of pink in support of those affected by breast cancer.

All proceeds benefit the Karen Wellington Foundation’s New England region, which brings lightness, hope, and joy to women and families battling breast cancer. The foundation’s mission is to fill calendars not with doctor visits or treatments, but with “FUN-ONLY” experiences — memorable vacations, spa days, concerts, dinners, and sporting events that help create smiles and lasting memories.

“The Karen Wellington Foundation puts FUN on the calendars of women living with breast cancer … women whose calendars are filled with doctors’ appointments, tests, surgeries, treatments and worries.”

To learn more or get involved, visit www.karenwellingtonfoundation.org.

The Duxbury Football community continues to lead with heart, teamwork, and purpose — showing that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a lasting difference.

The Hauppauge Girls Volleyball team continues to show that their impact reaches far beyond the court. Early in October, the Eagles hosted a powerful Dig Pink Game to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research — rallying their school and community together in support of a cause that touches so many lives.

Soon after, that same spirit of compassion carried into their Annual Team Mackenzie Invitational Tournament, benefiting Angela’s House LI and Team Mackenzie. This incredible event brought athletes, families, and fans together to help children and families in need — raising over $11,000 through their collective generosity.

Hosted in memory of Mackenzie Borchers, whose courage and kindness continue to inspire, the tournament is a powerful reminder that sports can serve as a platform for both healing and hope.

Mackenzie’s mother, Tracy Borchers, a longtime Hauppauge teacher, coach, and mentor, has been a cherished part of the community for decades. Her daughter Mackenzie — known for her bright smile and determination — was born with a congenital heart defect and became a beloved presence in the Hauppauge volleyball program. Between hospital stays, Mackenzie would often stop by practices and games to cheer on the team, lighting up the gym with her joy. When she couldn’t be there in person, Tracy and Mackenzie would FaceTime from the hospital just to stay connected with the team and maintain a sense of normalcy.

After Mackenzie’s passing, Tracy created Team Mackenzie as part of Angela’s House’s annual walk, helping raise funds for the organization that provided round-the-clock care and support for her family. When Hauppauge players overheard Tracy mention her hope that Team Mackenzie would always be among the top fundraising teams — as a way to honor her daughter and give back to Angela’s House — they decided to make that wish a reality.

In 2022, the team launched the Team Mackenzie Invitational Volleyball Tournament, turning compassion into action. Now in its fourth year, the event continues to grow stronger each season. Ten schools — South Side, Massapequa, Center Moriches, Smithtown East, Bayport-Blue Point, Ward Melville, East Islip, Bay Shore, Sachem East, and Hauppauge — came together to compete, connect, and contribute to a shared cause.

The tournament includes Team Mackenzie t-shirt sales, basket raffles, and 50/50 drawings, with 100% of proceedsdonated directly to Angela’s House and Team Mackenzie.

Adding to the event’s meaning, Bob Policastro, Founder and Director of Angela’s House and a longtime Hauppauge resident, joined the teams to speak about the impact of their efforts. His message reminded athletes and spectators alike that their participation goes beyond the game — it directly supports families navigating some of life’s toughest challenges.

From Dig Pink to Team Mackenzie, Hauppauge Volleyball embodies what it means to play with heart, purpose, and unity. Each event they host strengthens the bond between athletes and their community, proving that when you play for something bigger than yourself, everyone wins.

On October 11, Team Up 4 Community was honored to be featured as the “Charity of the Game” during the New York Islanders’ Home Opener at UBS Arena — a night that combined the excitement of hockey with the power of giving back.

Joining forces to make the evening a success were incredible student-athletes from Hofstra University Softball and Molloy University Softball, who volunteered their time to help sell 50/50 raffles throughout the arena. Their energy, teamwork, and enthusiasm helped raise valuable funds to support Team Up 4 Community’s mission of empowering young athletes to give back through service and leadership.

As fans filled the arena to cheer on the Islanders, these athletes represented the true spirit of the Team Up 4 Community movement — showing that when athletes come together, every assist matters, both on and off the field.

A huge thank you to our Hofstra and Molloy volunteers, the New York Islanders, and everyone who supported the 50/50 raffle that night. Your participation helps us continue to inspire and recognize community service across Long Island, New York State, and beyond.

Together, we’re proving that when athletes get involved — everybody wins.

Last night, the Smithtown East Bulls Field Hockey team came together for something far greater than the game — to honor the life and legacy of Valerie Kratochvil.

The Togetherness Tournament served as a heartfelt tribute, uniting players, families, and fans in remembrance of Valerie’s bright spirit. Dressed in teal “Forever 16” shirts, the Bulls took the field with heart, passion, and purpose — playing the way Val always did.

With strength and determination, Smithtown East defeated Sachem North 2–0, celebrating not only a win on the scoreboard, but the lasting mark Valerie has left on her teammates, school, and community.

All proceeds from the event will support a Field Hockey Memorial Scholarship established in Valerie’s name, ensuring that her love for the game — and her spirit of kindness, leadership, and togetherness — continue to inspire for years to come.

Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and helped make this night a true celebration of Val’s life and legacy.