Phillylacrosse.conm, Posted 2/2/18
From Press Release
Before dedicating a majority of their time to running across Victory Field #1, the Chestnut Hill College men’s lacrosse team gave several hours and man power to servicing the local community.
From September to January, the Griffins embodied the College’s Mission and embraced the true spirit of the “Dear Neighbor” by giving back to those who matter the most to them by participating in Mission and Legacy Week, Lily’s Loop Walk, Lax Stache Madness, and Christus Lutheran Church paint project.
The Scarlet and Gold launched their community service season on September 29, during Chestnut Hill College’s Mission and Legacy Week. Partnered with the College’s Office of Campus Ministry, the Griffins set up temporary housing in North Philadelphia, removing waste, and preparing bedrooms, bathrooms, and living areas for potential families.
“This was a great project to start with,” said CHC Head Coach Mike Terranova. “It required a lot of teamwork and gave us the opportunity to work side-by-side with our partners and friends in Campus Ministry.”
Chestnut Hill College continued to help those within their own neighborhood, joining many fellow Griffins in the Lily’s Loop Walk. To this date, the non-profit organization has helped over 850 families with unexpected and urgent needs due to premature birth. Alongside Sister Marie Bambrick, the Griffins embarked on a purposeful journey, listening to powerful survival stories, collecting donations, and raising awareness for families with premature babies.
Next, the men’s lacrosse team took on the month of November (Nov.1 – Nov. 28), by teaming up with the HEADstrong Organization, and other lacrosse teams from across the country, in the fight against cancer. The Lacrosse Mustache Madness Campaign allows individuals and teams to raise money for a good cause by growing or drawing finger mustaches. Chestnut Hill College crushed their intended goal helping HEADstrong establish Nick’s House, a community home for those traveling to the Philadelphia-area for treatment.
Amidst their facial hair fun, junior midfielder Matt Anderson (Yardley) and sophomore goalkeeper Stephen Hogan Jr. (Doylestown) accompanied Big Griff to Norristown, Pennsylvania’s Elmwood Park Zoo for Bubby the Bison’s Birthday Party. The three Griffins helped Swoop, of the Philadelphia Eagles, and Screwball, of the Reading Fightin’ Phils, celebrate Bubby’s birthday will all his closest friends.
On December 4, the Griffins crossed the Ben Franklin Bridge to visit the Philadelphia’s neighbor city, Camden, New Jersey. There, they channeled their inner Michelangelo, painting the reception hall at Christus Lutheran Church. “We were covered in paint,” laughed Terranova. “It was clear that this task would have taken weeks for a couple people. But out team worked feverishly and got the job done in one day!”
Lastly, and most recently, on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Monday, January 15), the men’s lacrosse team collaborated with Chestnut Hill College’s Director of Diversity & Inclusion, Juliana Mosley, Ph.D., to participate in the College’s Day of Service. The Griffins traveled to North Philadelphia and joined Ray of Hope in providing outdoor clean-up for abandoned homes and neighborhoods. Besides the physical clean, the team gained insight on the importance of environmental justice and equality in their communities.
Overall, the Chestnut Hill College men’s lacrosse team was enlightened and realized the important role they play not as just student-athletes, but also as contributing members of their surrounding communities.
“The recent contributions we’ve made have had a significant impact on both the communities we worked with and our team,” said Terranova. “The care and concern we demonstrated for our Dear Neighbors has instilled a sense of pride and comradery that we will carry into the upcoming season.”