13th JCK Legends Day: The Heat

Welcome friends, family and mental health advocates to the 2023 JCK Legends Day Team Fundraising Page for The Heat!

As we approach the 13th iteration of this sacred day, it’s important to take the time to remember the community that has allowed our foundation’s message to carry on, and the reason why we gather and celebrate this special day in the first place.

For those that may be unaware, “Legends Day” is a softball tournament and family fun day, which is not only our biggest annual fundraising event, but holds a tremendous sentimental significance as the first ever organized event this foundation has ever produced.

In July of 2011, a mere 4 months after the passing of our foundation’s namesake John Cleaver Kelly, our founder John Tessitore and a group of dear friends organized the first ever Legends Day Tournament in their hometown of Dobbs Ferry, New York. Through their efforts they were able to not only raise over $24,000 towards OCD Awareness, but galvanize an entire community that had been devastated by tragedy.

As we write this message 12 years later, the JCK Foundation has evolved into its own community, one based in resilience, compassion, empathy and inspiring hope no matter the circumstances, with “Legends Day” as its lynchpin. The attractions of the day not only include the softball tournament for all ages and skill levels, but an all day barbecue, lawn games, competitions and activities for kids, raffles and giveaways with all proceeds going towards our mental health workshops for middle and high school students in the Greater Westchester Area. It’s not only a day for friends, family and fun, it’s a wonderful opportunity to come together to do everything this foundation set out to do all those years ago: unite people underneath a common cause and make sure that nobody associated with this community ever feels alone!

As a very small, community based foundation almost all of our time, energy and resources at the JCK Foundation go towards creating our mental health curriculum, presenting to schools and following up with any and all students who need our help. Unfortunately, our fundraising is often the area that falls behind as a result, so if you are able please pledge a dollar amount towards our cause using the DONATE button at the top of the page. There is truly no amount that is insignificant, and we are tremendously grateful for all the support that we receive.

Thank you so much for being an ally and remember…YOU ARE NEVER ALONE!