11 August, 2016
The 3rd annual Keep Smilin 4 Abbie foundation Field Hockey event took place Saturday August 6th, the event featured 2 Field Hockey games, The games took place to benefit the Keep Smilin 4 Abbie Foundation. The foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization began operations in January 2014 after Hopkinton student and Field Hockey player, Abbie Benford passed away due to an anaphylactic reaction. The Foundation hosts numerous events for funds to raise awareness of anaphylaxis and to fund research. The event featured 2 games and 4 teams. Community Members vs Parents of Alumni and Varsity players while the 2nd game featured Hillers Varsity Field Hockey vs Hillers alumni.
The 1st game between the Community and Parents was two 15 minute halfs. Hopkinton Police Officer, Aaron O' Neil put the ball over the goalies head for the 1st goal. Then later in the 2nd half a good backhander from Scott Jurasek. The community added another goal very late in the action and takes the game 3-0.
The 2nd game was two 20 minute halves, the Alumni vs students game. Varisty Captain, Maggie Dolan puts the only goal of the game in early in the 1st half and Hillers Varsity take down the alumni 1-0. This is the first time in the 3 events, Hillers Varsity has taken the cup.
A good time was had by all and a lot of funds raised towards anphylaxis awareness and research.
Abbie's Father and President of the Keep Smilin 4 Abbie organization, Stephen Benford mentioned that 15,000,000 people are at risk for anaphylaxis or an allergic reaction that causes the body to shut down and the goal of the Keep Smilin 4 Abbie organization is to raise awareness and fund research. The organization has been working with the Wyss institute in Boston to further their mission of stopping anaphylaxis.
View highlights from the event below:
