Hawthorne High School boy’s soccer team, along with HHS alum, hosted a fundraiser for Jimmy Soder, a 2014 alumnus who was recently diagnosed with leukemia, on January 2 at the Superdome in Waldwick.  At this event, the 2014-season varsity soccer players faced the Hawthorne alum male soccer players. The 2014- season varsity soccer players won the friendly match 6-4.

The event was a huge success, raising more than $2,000 for Jimmy with over 100 current and past HHS students attending the game. Even NY Giants head coach, Tom Coughlin, made a guest appearance.  Junior player Tony Minimi commented on the event saying, “It was a lot of fun to play with this year’s team again and against all of our friends from past years. Jimmy’s our brother, and family sticks together. It was an honor to play in this game for Jimmy.”

Senior Francesca Lupo described the atmosphere in the Superdome saying, “It was 100 percent energetic and supportive. So many alum and current students attended; it was amazing. Being at the game and seeing everyone come together is the best part about being an HHS Bear.”

As corny as it sounds, the saying “Once a bear always a bear,” truly came into play with this event. The HHS community will forever be there for anyone in need from Hawthorne High School.