Number of Participants: 60
Hours Donated: 12
Value of Time Served: $6,084
Event Amount Raised: $732
Event Type: Civic & Community
Sport: Gymnastics
School: Saratoga Springs High School
Date: December 19, 2023
Location:
Saratoga Springs High School
Blue Streak Boulevard, Saratoga Springs
NY
About:
Section 2 gymnastics may be relatively small, but as the section coordinator Deborah Smarro is dedicated to boosting the visibility of their events, and it’s been a fantastic journey so far. Each year, they make an effort to organize give-back meets, and every school within their section hosts one with their chosen charity.
Shaker/Colonie HS played host to all of them on Saturday, December 9th, for “Twists, Turns, and Toys” in collaboration with Toys for Tots. Every athlete in their section generously contributed a new, unwrapped toy to this event, and all the gymnasts competed in red attire to symbolize our support for this wonderful charity.
Next on our calendar is the “Think Pink” meet, hosted by Guilderland HS on December 29th at Lynwood Elementary. Each school participates by making donations to the Carol M Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund, INC through a small entry fee, raffle baskets, and a collective display of pink attire during the competition.
Following that, Saratoga HS will organize the “Purple Passion” meet on January 26th at the Wilton YMCA in Saratoga. This event is dedicated to supporting Wellsprings – Gymnasts Against Domestic Violence. They invite a guest speaker from Wellsprings to educate our gymnasts and their families about domestic violence, and Wellsprings generously contributes items to our gift bags for the gymnasts. Our support for this charity is evident through a small entry fee, raffle baskets, a 50/50 draw, and our gymnasts competing in purple attire. This year, we’re also introducing a silent auction basket in support of one of our alumni, Olivia Allen, who is facing medical expenses as she battles Leukemia while also contributing to our team this season. She will be honored at this event, and Saratoga Varsity will wear yellow hair ribbons in her support.
On February 2nd, Bethlehem HS will take the lead with their “Tumble for Hunger” meet at Bethlehem HS. This event is dedicated to supporting the Regional Food Bank, and each athlete and their families will contribute non-perishable items as part of their entry to the meet. The athletes will don blue attire to show their support for this important cause.
They welcome any assistance in spreading the word about their charitable endeavors. They truly are a gymnastics community that comes together to make a positive impact.
UPDATE: Section 2 gymnastics- Think Pink Meet at Guilderland was a very successful event. The Section raised $800 to be donated to Carol Baldwin Breast Cancer Research.
