This week we donated our services to Team IMPACT for a fundraiser at the Salesforce East Building in San Francisco for a fun and inspirational evening for this great cause.
Team IMPACT is a national nonprofit formed in 2011 that connects children facing serious and chronic illnesses with college athletic teams, forming lifelong bonds and life-changing outcomes. The program is an immersive, 2-year experience in which the child truly becomes a part of the college team by participating in practices, games, team dinners and more. Since the founding of the organization in 2011, Team IMPACT has drafted over 1,800 children to 600 college campuses in 48 states across the country – positively impacting over 50,000 student athletes.
As a result, the children experience increased optimism, confidence and a sense of belonging through the support of their teammates. Families feel connected and supported, giving them a sense of normalcy and a lessening of stress on the family unit. And student athletes gain perspective and inspiration from these courageous children, and carry these lessons into the workforce.
Melissa Lewis and Maddie Medved were athletes who participated in the Team IMPACT program when they attended Loyola Marymount University, and featured guest speakers at the event. During the presentation, they shared their experiences on the LMU Women’s Soccer team, which drafted Sophia onto the team through Team IMPACT. Sophia was an eleven-year-old sixth grader who was undergoing treatment for cancer. Melissa has since graduated and is now a Salesforce employee, which made it all the more special for her to be able to share her personal experiences of giving back, in the Ohana Room.
“Our time with Sophia as a part of our team in college was one of the most special aspects of my college experience as a soccer player.”
While learning more about this amazing organization, guests enjoyed tray passed hors d’ oeuvres of Smoked Chicken and Bay Shrimp Paella with Lemon Ailoi, Mustard-Griddled “Animal Style” Burger Bites, Butternut Squash Sweet Potato-Goat Cheese Soufflés, Hearts of Palm, Jicama and Orange “Ceviche,” and Hawaiian Ahi Tuna Poke on Won Ton Crisps with Wakame, along with our Blackberry Sun specialty cocktail.
For more information about the organization and to find out how you can help make and IMPACT and support their cause, please visit their website.
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