Number of Participants: 15
Hours Donated: 6
Value of Time Served: $761
Event Type: Health & Medicine
Sport: Softball
School: Garden City High School
Date: April 26, 2025
Location:
Garden City High School
Rockaway Avenue, Garden City
NY
About:
The Garden City Varsity Softball team recently took the field for something far greater than a win—they played to raise awareness and support for glioblastoma, an aggressive and often devastating form of brain cancer that affects thousands each year.
This year’s 15th annual fundraiser game was a heartfelt event that brought the community together in a powerful show of unity and compassion. With raffles, food, and fun, the day was filled with purpose as players, families, and fans rallied behind a cause close to home. From the first pitch to the final inning, the message was clear: this team plays with heart.
Each year, the senior class on the varsity softball team selects a foundation that holds personal significance, taking the lead in organizing the entire fundraiser. Over the years, Garden City Softball has raised more than $11,000 for various causes, making a lasting impact beyond the diamond.
This year, the seniors chose to support the Glioblastoma Research Organization—a decision that carried deep personal meaning. Senior Zella Coons dedicated the event to her grandfather, who passed away from the disease. She shared, “Glioblastoma is an aggressive and fast-growing type of brain cancer that affects the brain’s supportive tissue. It is one of the most difficult cancers to treat, and the survival rate is only 5%. I chose this organization for our fundraiser because my grandpa passed away from glioblastoma, and I want to help support research and raise awareness in his memory.”
Through their dedication and leadership, the Garden City Varsity Softball team not only honored Zella’s grandfather but also helped shine a light on a critical health issue. Their efforts stand as a reminder of the power of sports to inspire change and bring people together for a greater good.
It was a day of impact—both on and off the field.
