Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 1/4/24
Staff Report
The Play for the As lacrosse tournament, a grassroots effort that supports families who are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, is seeking local high school boys’ and girls’ lacrosse teams to participate in its annual spring event in 2024.
The event, which raises money for the Community’s Foundation, was started in 2013 by Jef Hewlings, then the head boys’ lacrosse coach at Strath Haven. It fully supports local families by providing much-needed financial assistance to those whose lives are changed by the demands of 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year care for patients of this disease. Hewlings’ own mother suffered for 9 years (before passing away in 2009), and he credits the selfless efforts of his father (who, in Jef’s words, “fulfilled his marital oath of for better or worse”) for the impetus behind the event.
“When my mom was diagnosed, Dad’s life changed – but he didn’t complain; he just did what he needed to do to comfort my mom in her hour of need,” Hewlings said. “He didn’t want to turn her over to others’ care; he sacrificed his own daily life to make sure my mom was as comfortable as possible as her disease progressed, and when I realized we could use lacrosse to help other families who may be dealing with these same challenges, we went for it.”
The event was hosted by Strath Haven from 2013 through 2021 and by Ridley High for the past 2 years, where Hewlings most recently coached.
Hewlings has worked with The Community’s Foundation (in Ridley Park, PA) to raise over $143,000 since the inception of Play for the As. All of the event proceeds are distributed to local families who request assistance through the fund’s grant application process.
These events have included boys’ and girls’ scholastic lacrosse games in a one-day invitational typically held in late April. Teams engage in fundraising and the events have led to much goodwill in the lacrosse community. Hewlings has teamed with Phillylacrosse.com founder/editor Chris Goldberg in advancing the event into 2024 and beyond with a new format.
At the end of the 2023 season, Hewlings retired from his full-time profession and with his wife, Barb, moved to North Carolina to be closer to their son and his family (including their 2 grandkids). However, he continues to work with TCF to support PFAs as it seeks to meet the growing need for assistance from current and new families seeking help.
This year the event will be held at home sites during the weekend of April 26-28. As of Nov. 29, the Marple Newtown, St. Joseph’s Prep, Pennsbury, Plymouth Whitemarsh, Springfield-Delco, Hill School and Perkiomen School boys’ teams have committed to participate by using their games that weekend for fundraising and promotion of the cause.
Any high school team playing that weekend can participate and should contact coach Hewlings at jhewsg@gmail.com or (610) 737-3268 or Goldberg at golax@phillylacrosse.com.
Goldberg’s mother and mother-in-law also suffer from advanced Alzheimer’s and his grandmother passed away due to Alzheimer’s.
TCF CEO Heather Hassel-Finnegan shared the following: “At The Community’s Foundation (TCF), we firmly believe that philanthropy should be inclusive, not limited to the wealthy. Our mission is to empower grassroots groups, such as Play for the A’s, who are driven by a vision to enhance their local community.
“Play for the A’s works its magic by uniting individuals of all ages, including young athletes, parents, coaches, and fans, in their fundraising endeavors. Through this collective effort, players not only excel in their athletic pursuits but also gain valuable insights into empathy and the essential needs of our neighbors who are dedicated to caring for loved ones affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia.”
“Play for the A’s offers respite to individuals who are devoted caregivers for loved ones dealing with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Through our ‘Gift of Time’ program, caregivers have the opportunity to reclaim several hours for their personal well-being, whether it’s for self-care, attending medical appointments, socializing with friends, enjoying a meal out, or participating in special occasions.
“This invaluable service is made possible thanks to community leaders like Jef Hewlings, the visionary behind the Play for the A’s fund. Inspired by his own father’s compassionate care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, Jef understands the profound physical and emotional toll that caregiving can exact.”
