JAY – A steady stream of local area residents lined up in front of Jenna Lord’s table with well-wishes and donations for the Play It Safe Foundation Friday evening, interrupted only by the referee’s whistle or occasional loose basketball.
The Jake Lord Play It Safe Foundation held its largest annual fundraiser on Nov. 28, with hundreds turning out for an event squeezed between Thanksgiving and one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year. The 3rd annual Alumni Basketball Games showcases past and present student-athletes competing against each other, with all funds going toward the support of the foundation.
Lord founded the organization for Jake Lord, her brother, who was a star three-sport athlete at the former Jay High School. After Jake Lord’s suicide in November 2011, following a series of severe concussions and resulting changes to his mental state and temperament, Jenna Lord started the foundation to provide equipment to reduce the chance of concussions in young athletes, educate the public about the risks associated with concussions and advocate for policies to better protect athletes. The foundation’s recent work includes the donation of $12,000 worth of Xenith helmets and other safety equipment to the Spruce Mountain High School football team earlier this year.
Recent medical research has indicated that concussions can alter an athlete’s mental state, creating mood swings and often leading to depression. Repeated head injuries have been linked to the high-profile suicides of National Football League players and other athletes.
“I’m really pleased with the crowd,” Jenna Lord said Friday, estimating more people had shown up earlier in the fundraiser’s third year. “It’s really wonderful that people could come out on their Friday night to support the foundation.”
The event features three games: Spruce Mountain High School girls and boys varsity teams play against their alumni counterparts, followed by a game featuring Jay High School and Livermore Falls High School alumni students. The alumni games are the foundation’s main event, Lord noted, raising funds through sponsors, refreshment sales, raffles and at-the-door donations.
“I just really want to thank people for coming and supporting the foundation and my family,” Lord said. “Every dollar goes to help our athletes ‘play it safe.'”
A well organized event. Glad it was a success.
Great job Jenna. you should be proud.