The community of Dobbs Ferry, NY, turned out on a Saturday morning in November for the 2019 Moonball Kickball Tournament, benefiting Jacob Moon, a local child with Sanfilippo Syndrome.
The second annual Moonball again attracted support from the community for a day of family-friendly kickball, food, and other games. In addition to players, the event was supported by sponsors and volunteers who helped set up, picked up food, manned tables, organized teams, donated items, cleaned up. Students from the middle and high schools helped with the event, and the Mercy College Men’s Lacrosse team refereed the games.
One of the most touching moments of the day was high-school students and teachers organizing a special inclusive “Buddy Ball Game” so Jacob and 10 fellow special-needs friends could join in the fun. Each child was accompanied by two students who helped him/her kick the ball and guided him/her in running the bases. Because of Sanfilippo, this wouldn’t be possible for Jacob without the thoughtful inclusion and accommodation of these students.
“This was definitely one of many highlights of the day,” said Bill Moon, Jacob’s dad. “I loved this for the kids who participated and the volunteers!”
The local news station, News 12 – West Chester, featured the the 2019 Moonball Kickball Tournament.
Last year, Moonball raised $12,000, and they were hoping to surpass that this year. They were successful and raised $18,000 this year! A portion is donated to Cure Sanfilippo Foundation to help fund continued research for a treatment or cure for Sanfilippo Syndrome.
Read an article about the 2019 Moonball by local newspaper The Hudson Independent.
Learn more about Jacob and hear his family’s story about living with Sanfilippo Syndrome.