GIVING THANKS
Young Americans too often come back from foreign wars with life-changing wounds. As we carry on with our lives, they struggle for the rest of theirs.
To help ease that struggle, the Fairfield Ludlowe High School boys & girls lacrosse programs are hosting the 17th Annual Sticks for Soldiers™ Thanksgiving Lacrosse Classic on Saturday November 25, 2023.
PLEASE JOIN US IN RAISING FUNDS AND AWARENESS FOR THESE HEROIC AMERICANS.
In 2022, 24 boys and girls teams that included over 350 high school athletes raised over $50,000. In 16 years, over $1.1 million has been donated locally to wounded servicemen and their families.
THE POWER OF THIS TOURNAMENT GOES WELL BEYOND MUCH-NEEDED FINANCIAL SUPPORT.
It also raises awareness. All of us tend to forget. For high school athletes, the chance to compete and raise money for wounded men and women just a few years older than themselves is unforgettable.
PLEASE HELP US GIVE THANKS. To men and women who changed their lives to protect ours.
2023 HONOREE
SPC REDA SAID MASSACHUSETTS ARMY NATIONAL GARD
My name is Reda Said, and at the age of 22, my life took a dramatic turn in a matter of seconds. I’m here to share my story, one that has inspired me to strive for greatness.
I was born in Casablanca, Morocco, and when I was just five years old, my family and I moved to the United States, settling in Malden, Massachusetts, a diverse city just 15 minutes away from Boston. My parents faced significant challenges as immigrants, grappling with the language barrier and adjusting to American culture. The pursuit of the American dream was a tough journey for them, and our early years were marked by struggles, including living in public housing and government assistance. Despite these challenges, my parents were determined to provide us with a better life.
From a very young age, I understood that I had a responsibility to secure my family’s future. During my junior year of high school, I developed a plan to lift my family out of poverty, and part of that plan involved enlisting in the Army National Guard. My respect for our troops and the opportunities it offered for personal growth made it an essential step towards my dream career of becoming a police officer or a federal agent. While my father had reservations, he ultimately supported my decision. On the other hand, my mother was deeply upset and tried to dissuade me from joining the military. Through heartfelt conversations, I managed to convey to her the hope and potential that lay ahead. At the age of 17, I needed her signature to move forward, and she gave her consent.
DONATE
WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE,
AND YOU CAN HELP.
This is an all-volunteer effort. If you are interested in additional information, to donate, become a sponsor, volunteer, or to secure a team spot in the next tournament, please contact Bob Vitale, President and Tournament Chairman at sticksforsoldiers@gmail.com.
Donations may be sent to:
Sticks for Soldiers, Inc.
c/o Treasurer
PO Box 475
Fairfield, CT 06824-0475
Checks made payable to:
Sticks for Soldiers, Inc.
Memo note: 2023 S4S
Sticks for Soldiers, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization recognized by the IRS.
EIN #: 46-0962202
STAY CONNECTED
DONORS & SPONSORS
Sticks For Soldiers is a non-profit charity lacrosse tournament held in Fairfield, CT to raise money for wounded troops. The mission of the tournament is to provide support and give thanks to the service men and women who put their lives on the line and sacrificed for our country, while raising awareness among high school athletes to the sacrifices being made by people just a few years older than they are. The tournament and related fund-raising efforts has now raised over $1,000,000 in 15 years.