With fall weather comes football. The day after the Roslyn Bulldogs scored a stunning come-from-behind victory over Great Neck North to go 2-0 in regular season play, the Park At East Hills was packed with future Bulldog stars as the third annual Go Long For Luke fundraiser attracted another large crowd.
“We are truly overwhelmed by the incredible support from Roslyn and nearby communities that came to the Go Long For Luke flag football fundraiser for autism,” said Luke’s mother, Sandi Greenfield. “Nearly 500 people enjoyed a spectacular day at the park where everyone came out to raise awareness for autism. There were 140 kids playing flag football.”
News about the fundraiser is spreading well beyond Roslyn. Greenfield also told The Roslyn News that a writer for Sports Illustrated Kids magazine was in attendance. The popular publication, she added, will feature the Go Long For Luke story in its November issue. The publication can be found at nearly every magazine rack at any such store in the Roslyn area and it promises to be a great boon for the event.
The flag football events took place at every corner of the vast park field. Youngsters were divided by age and gender into at least four, ongoing games. The children’s parents took turns playing quarterback, while the future stars ran their patterns and the opposing side guarded them.
In addition to flag football, the day featured music, cotton candy, pizza from Atilio’s and jewelry, plus cookies and cupcakes that were for sale.
And so, what started as a project by two friends of Luke Greenfield, plus his twin sister, Sophie, will now gain national attention.
In 2013, Roslyn residents Cole Faller, Jesse Faller and Sophie Greenfield created Go Long For Luke to support autism. Cole was inspired by his best friend, Luke Greenfield, who is autistic. Along with their parents, these enterprising young people have created a memorable, innovative and remarkable fundraiser that brings together the entire community and sends out a heartfelt message to their friend, Luke. In the process, they have developed a strong bond extending their friendship to the rallying of their community in support of autism. And as is evident by another successful event, it is clear that for the fundraiser, the best is yet to come.
