Lehigh Athletics holds 17th Annual Adopt-A-Family community event

BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Lehigh Athletics' 17th Annual Adopt-A-Family wrapped up on Thursday evening at Broughal Middle School as the Mountain Hawks met and presented gifts to their "adopted" families. A long-standing tradition, every Lehigh team "adopts" a local underprivileged family, raises funds, shops for gifts and wraps them, all culminating with the final event.

There is much more that goes into the event than presenting gifts. The event wouldn't be possible without a team effort that really epitomizes what Lehigh Athletics is all about.

(12/4/2015) 17th Annual Adopt-A-Family

"Adopt-A-Family is something that cannot be done without hard work and collaboration of everyone," said women's soccer junior Madeline Walsh. "There's a commitment for the members of the Student-Athlete Council to make sure they hold their teams accountable for raising money, shopping and wrapping gifts. There's a commitment for the Adopt-A-Family committee to make sure there are outside donations like funds, food and clothes. It is also their responsibility to plan the night and make sure there is food, entertainment and that each team has all their gifts. The Athletics Department is in contact with the school regarding the event, receiving the list of families and their needs, because without that, this event would not exist."

For all the hard work the event demands, there are rewarding aspects that last a lifetime, which make Adopt-A-Family well worth the time.

"It's an emotional night, but we always have a lot of fun getting to know our families," said junior Matt Bonshak of the wrestling team. "The kids are always interested in what it's like to play a sport in college, and it's cool to see how inspired they are to get good grades and work hard at their sport so maybe they could end up at Lehigh. I think our student-athletes really look forward to Adopt-A-Family year in and year out.

One particular moment from the final night always stands out to Walsh.

"The moment when the families walk into the gymnasium is unforgettable," said Walsh. "The kids light up, the parents are so appreciative and there is an overwhelming sense of togetherness. As a team, you sit and watch the kids open their gifts and the smiles and squeals are that of pure joy and happiness. It just brings so much holiday and giving spirit to the Bethlehem community. It will definitely stick with me for the rest of my life."

As the Lehigh student-athletes progress through their collegiate careers, they tend to develop an even greater appreciation of what goes into the complete event. It's more than just the final night.

"Adopt-A-Family is one of the most rewarding projects I've ever been a part of," said Bonshak. "(Community Relations Coordinator) Roseann Corsi deserves a lot of credit for the work she does behind the scenes. This year, we formed a sub-committee from our Student-Athlete Council (SAC) to organize our shopping day, wrapping day and the final event. Our group met for about an hour each week for around a month, outside of our normal SAC responsibilities, to plan everything out. Each person plays a significant role in making this event run, and run smoothly."

There is a consensus among everyone's who's involved… Adopt-A-Family is always one of the highlights of the Lehigh student-athlete experience.

"My sister Erinn was a co-captain of SAC as a senior when I was a freshman," said Bonshak. "She had tried to explain the feeling of happiness that comes over you when the families receive their gifts, but I found that words really didn't do it justice. Many families cry tears of joy when we bring them the presents. There are hugs and high-fives all around. The look of gratitude in their eyes and the big smiles on their faces shows how much our work putting it all together means to them.

"Growing up in the Lehigh Valley and seeing what kind of impact I can have on my community is one of the best feelings I've ever experienced," said Bonshak. "Adopt-A-Family is always a moment I'll never forget."

Thursday was the 17th Adopt-A-Family event and it's lasted the test of time because of the spirit within the Lehigh student-athletes.

"It is hard work, but it's work that everyone loves doing," said Walsh. "I hope when my time comes to an end here, I can find myself in a community where I can help emulate this for other families."

"Lehigh Athletics is a family from top to bottom," said Bonshak. "Our teams realize how fortunate we are to be student-athletes at Lehigh, and this night only brings us closer together."

Lehigh University Athletics

Lehigh Athletics holds 17th Annual Adopt-A-Family community event

Players Mentioned

Madeline Walsh

Related Videos