SMC Focuses On Improving Lives Outside Athletics
2/21/2020 1:07:00 PM | General
While excelling in academics and athletics is a focus of all Saint Mary's College student-athletes, coaches and staff; the passion for improving the lives of others still remains in the forefront of their daily lives.
Saint Mary's Athletics committed to a core principle of the Lasallian education this past year by teaming up with Grateful Gatherings, a local non-profit, to provide a way to give back to the community.
Over a four-month span, Saint Mary's athletics began fundraising, collecting donations and early preparation, for what would be a special home makeover. Thanks to the SMC community, fans, student-athletes, coaches and staff for their support, that passion for improving lives became a reality on Feb. 16, 2020.
The Gael athletic department traveled to Pittsburg, Calif. to furnish, remodel, landscape and upgrade a foster home for six young ladies in their teens.
"This event was a special day, that all of us will remember for a long time," Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Mike Matoso said. "We wanted to partner with a group that shares the same core values that Saint Mary's College shares and provides support for those in need. I'm thankful for all the help our department, student-athletes and fans were able to provide to this cause."
Saint Mary's had over 40 student-athletes from various teams on hand, providing the labor to plant new trees and flowers, build patio furniture and install a ping-pong table in the backyard.
While the outside was being landscaped, inside the house, a second group of student-athletes and staff was building new beds, hanging pictures, providing new carpet and upgrading the kitchen.
"This was incredible. It was very impactful and having a nice home is very important, to feel comfortable," junior cross-country student-athlete Abigayle Mitchell said. "I'm glad we were able to do this. It's always good to give back. I hope they feel peaceful in their new home."
As the transformation wrapped up, the six foster children returned to their new home, entering the house through a human tunnel formed by the student-athletes.
"It felt good giving back, knowing all the work was for good people, who have been going through hardships and knowing we are making their lives better," junior soccer student-athlete Younes Dayekh said. "It brings joy to myself and teammates. It has also really helped us bond as a team and build that comradery with the athletic department and other sports."
This was the first year the department worked together with Grateful Gatherings, and discussions to begin working towards another project next year is already underway.
About Grateful Gatherings
Grateful Gatherings is a 501c3 beginning in 2013, and has turned into a vibrant, close-knit, and dedicated community of volunteers, donors, and corporate partners who help furnish homes of families transitioning out of homelessness or crisis, including single mothers, foster children, and military veterans. https://gratefulgatherings.org/
#GaelsRise
Saint Mary's Athletics committed to a core principle of the Lasallian education this past year by teaming up with Grateful Gatherings, a local non-profit, to provide a way to give back to the community.
Over a four-month span, Saint Mary's athletics began fundraising, collecting donations and early preparation, for what would be a special home makeover. Thanks to the SMC community, fans, student-athletes, coaches and staff for their support, that passion for improving lives became a reality on Feb. 16, 2020.
The Gael athletic department traveled to Pittsburg, Calif. to furnish, remodel, landscape and upgrade a foster home for six young ladies in their teens.
"This event was a special day, that all of us will remember for a long time," Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Mike Matoso said. "We wanted to partner with a group that shares the same core values that Saint Mary's College shares and provides support for those in need. I'm thankful for all the help our department, student-athletes and fans were able to provide to this cause."
Saint Mary's had over 40 student-athletes from various teams on hand, providing the labor to plant new trees and flowers, build patio furniture and install a ping-pong table in the backyard.
While the outside was being landscaped, inside the house, a second group of student-athletes and staff was building new beds, hanging pictures, providing new carpet and upgrading the kitchen.
"This was incredible. It was very impactful and having a nice home is very important, to feel comfortable," junior cross-country student-athlete Abigayle Mitchell said. "I'm glad we were able to do this. It's always good to give back. I hope they feel peaceful in their new home."
As the transformation wrapped up, the six foster children returned to their new home, entering the house through a human tunnel formed by the student-athletes.
"It felt good giving back, knowing all the work was for good people, who have been going through hardships and knowing we are making their lives better," junior soccer student-athlete Younes Dayekh said. "It brings joy to myself and teammates. It has also really helped us bond as a team and build that comradery with the athletic department and other sports."
This was the first year the department worked together with Grateful Gatherings, and discussions to begin working towards another project next year is already underway.
About Grateful Gatherings
Grateful Gatherings is a 501c3 beginning in 2013, and has turned into a vibrant, close-knit, and dedicated community of volunteers, donors, and corporate partners who help furnish homes of families transitioning out of homelessness or crisis, including single mothers, foster children, and military veterans. https://gratefulgatherings.org/
#GaelsRise
Gael Spotlight - January, 2023
Monday, January 30
Gael Spotlight - May, 2022
Saturday, May 28
SMC Grateful Gatherings 2022
Friday, May 13
All Sports Hype Video
Thursday, May 13
