Category Archives: Community Service

Gold Shoelace Campaign Unites Long Island in Support of Childhood Cancer Awareness

From our friends at Team Up 4 Community … 

In honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the Daniela Conte Foundation launched its 3rd Annual Gold Shoelace Campaign — and once again, communities across Long Island rallied in extraordinary ways. What began as a simple act of solidarity has evolved into a powerful regional movement, with more than 30 high schools and over 15 youth sports programs participating this year.

Schools and athletic programs hosted Gold-Out Games, filled their fields with gold, and encouraged student-athletes, coaches, staff, and families to lace up their cleats and sneakers with gold shoelaces to show children fighting cancer that they are not alone. The visual impact was striking, but the emotional impact was even greater.

Teams shared photos, videos, and heartfelt messages of support, sparking conversations about the realities of childhood cancer and inspiring new levels of community engagement. The campaign not only raised awareness but also generated critical funds to support local families whose children are in active treatment. Donations help offset medical expenses, transportation needs, and everyday costs, easing the burden so families can focus on what matters most — caring for their child.

Year after year, the Gold Shoelace Campaign continues to grow — more teams are joining, more families are being supported, and more communities are choosing to stand with children battling cancer. What started as a grassroots initiative has become a Long Island tradition rooted in compassion and collective strength.

The Daniela Conte Foundation extends heartfelt gratitude to every athlete, coach, parent, school, and community member who participated. Thanks to your commitment, awareness continues to transform into action, and hope becomes tangible support for families in need — one gold shoelace at a time.

Join The Marty Lyons Foundation Courage Club

The Marty Lyons Foundation is proud to introduce to you the “” program. This is where YOUR students can be the inspiration to give our kids the COURAGE TO WISH FOR MORE, while they even earn Student Community Service credit.

You’re welcome to review the attached material so your students can be part of this program. Also, feel free to visit our The goal is to help grant the wishes of local children who are enduring a tough time, while leaving an impact of community on the students well after the experience is over…helping them “win in the game of life”.

Ways to become a part of our Courage Club are easy and can be done at any time during the school year! What YOUR STUDENTS can do…

Be a leader of your Own COURAGE CLUB! (We’ll help!)

  • Create your OWN Fundraiser –such as: Movie Nights, Sports Competitions, Walk-A-Thons, Social Media Votes/Campaigns…
  • Lace UP for Wishes!(Utilize our customized MLF shoelaces as a fundraising tool – get creative!)
  •         “CHANGE” into WISHES(collect spare change as a campaign)
  •  Courage Club Badge “Wall of Fame” – see attached and have them be a visual for how close they are getting to grant a wish.
  • Participate/Volunteer in a local MLF fundraiser

CLICK HERE to access the application!

Riverhead Volleyball Hosts Mental Health Awareness Game in Partnership with Ryan’s Team

Riverhead High School volleyball spotlighted wellness on and off the court, hosting a Mental Health Awareness Game in partnership with Ryan’s Team.

The event centered conversation around reducing stigma, encouraging students to check in on one another, and connecting families with support resources.

Before the first serve, players and coaches participated in a brief moment of reflection and a PSA about recognizing warning signs and seeking help. Throughout the evening, fans saw green ribbons and themed warm-ups in support of mental health awareness. Ryan’s Team representatives were on hand with materials about peer support, stress management, and how to talk to a trusted adult or counselor.

Harborfields Hosts Pink Game for Cancer Awareness

Harborfields Girls Basketball recently hosted Half Hollow Hills for its annual Coaches vs Cancer Pink Game.

Last year, the team invited a local elementary student battling cancer. She recently had to have her leg amputated. The team invited her again this year – and what a year it was for this amazing young lady. She wrote a book, received a prosthetic, and has clean scans.

The teams headed to the locker room after the presentation to this girl and her family. The first player on Hills kneeled in front of our honoree and gave her a double fist pump. The remainder of the team followed suit, and so did the coaches.

If you were lucky enough to catch this moment, you had tears in your eyes and realized that this is what sports should be about. These players are role models. They offered support and hope to a little girl and didn’t pity her for her situation but honored her for her fight.

Middle Country and Longwood Recognized by Team Up 4 Community

Middle Country and Longwood placed second and third, respectively, in the winter Long Island Holiday Sports Heroes Challenge hosted by Team Up 4 Community.

The final stats for winter 2024: 36,429 athletes dedicated 198,831-plus hours to community service, giving back $1.8M in impact!

Middle Country hosted a Hoops for Hope event to raise awareness of cancer. Coach Andrew Gallo conceived the idea for Hoops for Hope during his wife’s third day of chemotherapy treatment. He was inspired to give back to the community that had shown immense generosity during such a challenging time. Choosing Positively Pink as the event sponsor was a meaningful decision, as its founder, Maria McMullen, is a close friend of his wife and a former Middle Country teacher.

Throughout October, Longwood’s Junior High, Junior Varsity, and Varsity cheerleaders turned each home football game into a celebration of support for breast cancer awareness with their “Tuck for a Buck” fundraiser. The cheerleaders took their spirit beyond the sidelines, rallying fans and collecting donations in the stands with pink pom poms in hand.

Enter Long Island Holiday Sports Heroes Video Challenge

Are you a Long Island athlete, team, or organization that involves 6-24-year-old athletes in giving back to your community? If so, Team Up 4 Community wants to hear from you!

We are challenging our L.I. Athletes to be a Sports Hero to a cause or someone in need this 2023 Holiday Season and see how big of an IMPACT we can make together in our L.I. Communities!

All those who enter have a chance to receive a scholarship or grant.

$5,000 in Scholarships & Grants will be awarded!

  • First Place Winner receives a $3,000 scholarship or grant.
  • Second Place Winner receives a $1,500 scholarship or grant.
  • Third Place Winner receives a $500 scholarship or grant.

CLICK TO LEARN MORE AND ENTER! 

Team Up For Community: Rocky Point Digs Pink

Rocky Point High School junior varsity and varsity girls volleyball teams recently hosted their 10th annual Dig Pink Breast Cancer Fundraiser.

The entire district contributed to the success of this event and the community has embraced this event as one that defines the quality of their character. A giving, selfless, uplifting, supportive and strong team of individuals.

The young women of the volleyball program and their parents continue to, year in and year out, exceed expectations. In an era where cancer permeates the airways, Rocky Point’s athletic community and beyond regularly stands united in their quest to honor those who have fallen, stand with those who are fighting and admire those who have survived.

CLICK to read more …