When Mainland Regional High School rising senior Andrew Gillman heard that longtime family friend Chrissy Naame had been diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer, his mind turned to how he could rally the community to support her.
Growing up, the Mainland football player was close with Naame’s sons. After her diagnosis, Gillman said he wanted to give back to “such a great role model, a great person and a great mother.”
“My goal is just to make sure the Naames felt like they were in this with the community,” Gillman said.
With a little help and hard work, Gillman organized the First Annual Chrissy Naame Playing with Purpose fundraiser, a youth sports clinic for grades first through eighth and community gathering set for July 24 at Birch Grove Park on the Northfield Cardinals football field, 1675 Burton Ave., from 4 to 8:30 p.m. All proceeds will benefit the Naame family and support Chrissy Naame’s cancer battle.
Kids will have the opportunity to be coached by the Mainland football team. The clinic will include football skills and drills, an NFL-style combine and a round-robin flag football game. A family barbecue will follow, along with raffles, a 50/50, live music and more.
Gillman said his teammates were “immediately enthusiastic” about getting involved, and he thought young kids might be, too.
“What young kid doesn’t want to be around the high school football players?” Gillman said. “It’s going to be a really great time. I just thought if there was any way I could bring the community together to give back to such a loving family, then that’s what my mission was and goal is.”
Gillman said he’s grateful for his teammates who have reached out to ask how they can help.
“I’m so grateful for them,” he said. “Everyone just wants to help. I’m very grateful that I’m seeing the community just come together and really do whatever they can to just make this thing happen.”
All in all, the event took a few months for the high school student to plan. In March, he said he reached out to Chrissy Naame’s husband, George, before moving forward, wanting to be respectful.
He handled approvals and met with the Northfield City Council and the Family Association of Northfield (FAN) board, who he said have been “awesome.”
With guidance from his family and support from FAN board members Jenn Hale and Colleen Kennedy, Gillman said that while there have been some learning curves, the willingness of others to step up has helped.
“It’s kind of been more of a smoother process just because everyone is just looking to get involved, and everyone is looking to help in any way they possibly can,” Gillman said.
After getting the go-ahead from everyone, he said they promoted the event on social media.
“She was immediately grateful and just heartfelt,” Gillman said of Chrissy Naame’s reaction.
As for how the community can support the event, Gillman said attending and spreading the word will help.
“I’m fortunate enough we do have a nice number of volunteers between family, friends and coaches,” he said. “There’s going to be some fun prizes for not only kids but adults as well, and it’s going to be an awesome time. I really think it’s going to be a fun time, and I’m hoping for a big turnout.”
The event is open to the community. Parents who wish to register their children should do so by July 10. The registration fee is $40. To sign up, visit shorturl.at/fA5oe.
