Ridgewood Jr. Football, Cheerleaders Raise $4K For MS Research

RIDGEWOOD, NJ – A fundraiser hosted by Ridgewood Junior football players and cheerleaders over the weekend collected $4,300 to help support those living with multiple sclerosis.

All money raised during Saturday’s 2nd annual “Orange Out” event will go to Advance the Cure for MS, a non-profit that works to eliminate the disease and support the 2.5 million people living with it, according to campaign organizers.

The organization was founded by Ridgewood residents Rich and Christine Giacopelli and gives all funding to either research or patience assistance.

On Saturday, Advance the Cure for MS set up refreshment tents at Veterans Field during morning flag football games and then again that evening during tackle football.

"We created Advance the Cure after experiencing, first hand, the physical and financial struggles that multiple sclerosis patients endure, " said Rich Giacopelli, who is an MS patient. "One hundred percent of the funds raised by Advance for the Cure go towards funding research to help cure MS as well as provide tangible assistance, such as wheel chairs and canes, to local MS patients."

"The first 'Orange Out' in town was an overwhelming success," Christine Giacopelli added. "With the funds we raised in 2018 we were able to provide two patients with walking aides, assist one patient with four months rent (due to inability to walk as a result of his MS), as well as fund a two-year MS study with Holy Name MS Center."