By EVAN NEMEROFF
After playing soccer for nine years, Nicole Lentini, a seventh grader who attends Woodmere Middle School, decided to take her game to the next level by hosting a day-long soccer tournament for children less fortunate than her.|
The tournament, which was sponsored by the Hewlett-Lawrence Soccer Club and took place on Oct. 19 at the Lawrence Middle School, was set up and run by Nicole, 13, and her father, Joe, to support the Children's Defense Fund. The event raised a little more than $1,000 for the organization.
"It was great knowing that we raised a lot of money that will help many people," Nicole said. "I have played soccer for so long and wanted to do something that was related to the sport to help the fund."
The Children's Defense Fund (CDF) is a non-profit child advocacy organization that was founded in 1973. Their main goal is to ensure a level playing field for all children and to keep children out of poverty. CDF tries to protect children from abuse, neglect and equal opportunity for health care and quality education.
The international phenomenon that is American Idol brought this organization to the forefront for Nicole during a special presentation called "Idol Gives Back."
"American Idol inspired me to do something for the children," Nicole said. "The show said it was a great charity, so I thought about how I can do something that I enjoy, which is soccer, to help them raise money."
Even though Nicole came up with the idea for the tournament on her own, her father took on a large role in helping her set up the event. He got in touch with other soccer clubs to get them to participate in the tournament. "The tournament ran very well and there was a nice turnout," Joe said. "Everyone had a good time and enjoyed the day, raising money for a good cause."
Eight teams participated in the round robin tournament. There were two teams from Hewlett-Lawrence, two from Rockville Centre, one from Port Washington, one from New Hyde Park, one from Freeport and one representing Lynbrook/East Rockaway. There was a $15 fee for each participant in the tournament with every team having at least 11 players. Water, chips and other refreshments were also sold at the event to make money.
New Hyde Park defeated Freeport in the championship game, but the real winner was the Children's Defense Fund. "The tournament was lots of fun for a great cause," New Hyde Park head coach Liza Virzera said. "It was an added bonus that we won, and even if we didn't, it was a great experience for everybody."
Along with the tournament, Nicole created a Kids Unite for Kids Campaign to benefit the Children's Defense Fund. She sold baby blue bracelets with the charity's name on it in the early stages of this project. The Knights of Columbus, which her father is a member of, provided the initial money for the bracelets. "When Nicole and Joe came to speak to us about her campaign, we were 100 percent behind it," said Oliver Gionatti, Grand Knight of the Father Farrell Council. "Usually, we have to vote on whether to support something, but members immediately started to reach for money in their pockets. We are behind any charity that helps the children."
Trophies and medals were donated to the tournament by Trophy World owners Peter and Bonnie Sperry. "We did not do this for publicity, it came from the heart," Bonnie said. "We were thrilled to donate the trophies and medals and were very impressed with Nicole's work. It shows so much for a young girl to give back to other people and that there is more to life than just making money."
The Lentinis had such a good time putting together this tournament that they are looking into hosting a second one this coming spring. "We are hoping next time will be better," Nicole said. "Next time, we can try to have and sell more food so we can raise more money for a great charity."
Nicole hopes that other kids her age will take after her and participate in events like this in the future. "I learned that children need to do more and it's not hard to help other people," she said.
For more information on Nicole's campaign or to make a donation, visit www.kidsuniteforkids.org.
Comments on this story? ENemeroff@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 210.
