To the Editor,

On Saturday, March 1, seventeen teams came together for a day of fun in the snow for the Third annual Garrett Phillips Kickball Tournament. It was a day filled with games, raffles, live music, silent auctions, contests, and food.

Throughout the day, the reason we came together was never far from our minds, to honor the memory of Garrett, a bright-eyed, athletic boy whose life was tragically taken from us on October 24, 2011.

The Garrett J. Phillips Memorial Fund was set up soon after by his family, friends and staff at Potsdam Central School. The memorial fund benefits school programs, organizations and individual students in the AAK Middle School and the high school at Potsdam Central that are in need of funding.

It was all fun and games on the field but the success of this important fundraising event for the memorial fund is shared by many and we would like to take a moment to thank you all. To the sponsors, and the countless people and businesses who donated services and items to the auction - we're in awe of your generosity.

To the musicians - for keeping us entertained throughout the day. To the Potsdam Moose Lodge - for giving us the venue in which to house such an event.

To the teams - who also kept us entertained throughout the day and showed your support by playing. To our co-winners, Saved by the Balls and 1/2 Tons - congratulations to you and thank you for graciously donating your winnings back to the memorial fund.

Lastly, to the many volunteers that helped keep things running smoothly throughout the day - we couldn't do it without you. With the proceeds from this event going to the Garrett J. Phillips Memorial Fund, we were able to raise $4307.76. Your involvement makes it possible for us to offer students opportunities that they may not have otherwise.

On behalf of the committee, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone that helped make this tournament a resounding success for the third year in a row.

Deborah Thomas

Potsdam