Community Helps Mattituck Teen Make Dream Come True

MATTITUCK, NY — The North Fork community is opening their hearts to help a local teen realize her dreams.

A GoFundMe, "Sending Jaden to Softball Factory," was created by Shannon Reitz, who wrote that Jaden Thompson, 16 and a junior at Mattituck High School, has been chosen for a once in a lifetime opportunity to attend the Softball Factory All-America Pre-Season Tournament, presented by Under Armour.

Top players are selected from across the United States to participate, Reitz said.

"Being named a Softball Factory Pre-Season All-American is quite an honor. It is chance to be recognized nationwide as one of the top players in the country and get scouted for colleges," she said.

The event will take place January 12 to 14 at the Scrapyard Sports Complex in Conroe, TX; each player is required to raise $899 to participate; in addition there will be additional funding needed for travel costs, hotel and food expenses, Reitz said.

"Jaden has worked extremely hard to achieve this level of recognition. She maintains good grades at school, is an active member of NJROTC, and works a part-time job. Please help me in rewarding her hard work by raising the funds to send her to this event," she wrote.

To donate, click here.

Photo courtesy GoFundMe.