The Department of Parks & Recreation is proud of the relationships it has developed with other organizations in Moorestown that benefit our local community. The department works with numerous local organizations, businesses and establishments to help provide opportunities to youth and families that benefit their overall well-being and create a positive community experience. One such organization is Sean Fischel Connect, the local non-profit that has proven that our interpersonal connections help strengthen and grow our community and the individuals within it.
Sean Fischel Connect was created in honor of young Sean Fischel, a true warrior, who fought a devastating battle again a little-known disease, HLH (hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis). Not only have very few people heard of the disease, but at the time Sean was diagnosed there had been very little research done on it. Sean’s parents, having faced every parents’ ultimate nightmare, have taken comfort in the connections that have been formed since the beginning of his illness, and what those connections have allowed them to do in his memory.
So, what does this have to do with the Department of Parks & Recreation? Kimberly, Sean’s mother tells the story of Sean as a constantly active little boy who loved soccer. He was in the Recreation Youth First Grade League and was excited to play his first real soccer season when he became ill. Following his death, Sean’s parents wanted to give back to the community that had given them, and Sean, so much. Following the first Sean Fischel Connect 5K, in addition to donating the proceeds to CHOP to further the research on HLH, Sean’s parents and the Sean Fischel Connect Board felt it important to give back locally. Over the last two years, they have generously donated more than $25,000 to the Department of Parks & Recreation. Believing making healthy opportunities available to all children, this has money served multiple purposes: some of the proceeds was allotted to Recreation Soccer team shirts; some went to WI-FI for the Recreation Center for its Open Gym participants; and the largest portion went to the Special Needs Program. In 2014 their increased donation allowed for a much needed expansion of the Special Needs Summer Camp to continue to provide services to those individuals who were “aging out” of the programs. The generosity of Sean Fischel Connect and commitment to giving back has impacted thousands of families throughout the town.
But the Department of Parks & Recreation has not been the only local recipient of the Sean Fischel Connect outreach. The Moorestown Library has a beautifully decorated and furnished reading nook that was provided by Sean Fischel Connect. The beautiful and welcoming space that invites children to explore Sean’s love of learning and books. George C. Baker School received a brand new playground and a tree planted in Sean’s memory and the Moorestown High School Cross Country Team has received support as well.
Visit the Sean Fischel Connect website today. If you have not already signed up for the Sean Fischel Connect 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run, you will find the link at www.seanfischelconnect.org. The run is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 8. The 5K will occur on the Moorestown High School Cross Country course and the fun run will occur at the middle school fields. Sign in begins at 11 a.m. and the festivities begin at noon. While supporting a local organization you are also supporting their mission: The charitable purpose of supporting children’s health and well-being, encouraging them to connect and appreciate the impact they have on others and to raise awareness and funding for the research and treatment of childhood diseases. Join the Department of Parks & Recreation in supporting this generous organization that allows all of us to do our part in making this community better each day.
