The fundraising event was the brainchild of several North Hunterdon High School students who joined together this past spring to think of creative ways they could make a difference for the boys of Bonnie Brae.
On Saturday, Oct. 24, at 9 a.m.,, teams from the surrounding area will join together on Bonnie Brae's campus for the inaugural "Frisbee for Fun" Ultimate Frisbee Competition/Fundraiser sponsored by Max Spann Real Estate and Auction Co.
The fundraising event was the brainchild of several North Hunterdon High School students who joined together this past spring to think of creative ways they could make a difference for the boys of Bonnie Brae. After a spirited exchange of ideas, the team of students came up with the idea of a fun, ultimate frisbee tournament and thus "Frisbee for Fun" was born.
The tournament will commence with an opening ceremony and performance by Bonnie Brae's Knights Drum Corps, who, in addition to playing at many events and fundraisers in the tri-state area, also played in President Obama's 2009 Inaugural Parade. The final, championship round will be completed by noon followed by the awarding of prizes for Tournament Champions, Top Fundraising Team and Most Creative Uniforms. Volunteers will be manning a concession stand with food and waters, as well as conducting a 50/50 raffle.
All participants were encouraged to fundraise for their registration fee/donation of $35 and several teenagers took this one step further by creating their own fundraising page and soliciting even more donations. The Teen Committee is hoping to raise at least $5,000 to help Bonnie Brae support its annual summer trip to camp in Forest Lake, N.Y.
As stated by committee leader, Ivan Spann, a Senior at North Hunterdon High School, "We got to know Bonnie Brae through attending the Polo Classic for many years. After visiting campus and meeting some of the guys we wanted to figure out a way we could do something to help them. We learned about their summer trip and decided that was the place. My brothers, friends and I are all so lucky that we get to go on a family vacation every year to cool places. We make great memories that will last our whole lives. We know that a lot of the Bonnie Brae kids have never had this same opportunity, and we wanted to do something so they could have an experience like we do." The group also hopes that this will be the first of many "Frisbee for Fun" events to come and that the event can grow to include high schools students and residents from all over New Jersey as well as be conducted in different communities.
Bonnie Brae's Director of Development David Fox stated that, "We are truly inspired by these young people and their efforts to help our guys. It is these types of grassroots efforts that really make a difference long-term not only for the young men we help, but for raising awareness of the issues facing the youth we serve. I am really grateful to them and excited for the event." Fox is also grateful to the parents of these teens, as well as to Max Spann, president of Max Spann Real Estate and Auction Co. and Bonnie Brae Board of Trustees member, for their sponsorship of the event. "Max and his wife, Loren, truly have Bonnie Brae's mission to help our boys in their hearts and their efforts to engage the next generation in the cause are admirable."
Bonnie Brae's campus is buzzing with excitement about the event. Bonnie Brae will have two teams of resident players, many whom had never played frisbee until they heard about this event and there is even talk of a staff team forming. Bonnie Brae will be registering teams of all ages until Friday, Oct. 23. For more information, visit www.bonnie-brae.org or contact Maureen Hunt at 908-647-4700, mhunt@bonnie-brae.org.
Bonnie Brae is an extraordinary school and safe haven for boys and young men in crisis, ages 8-21. A fully accredited and nationally recognized Residential Treatment Center, Bonnie Brae is a place for boys to heal, to learn and to grow. Since 1916, when founded by Judge Harry Osborne, Bonnie Brae has helped more than 9,500 boys at risk. Today Bonnie Brae serves nearly 100 boys at the main campus on 100 acres in Bernards Township and 21 young men at community-based transitional living homes in New Brunswick, Bound Brook and Bridgewater.
To learn more, visit www.bonnie-brae.org or contact the Development Department at 908-647-4700.