Softball Tournament to Carry On Crispinelli's Mission

Organizers of the softball tournament for the Stephanie Crispinelli Humanitarian Foundation look forward to bringing the community together while continuing the humanitarian efforts of a town's lost loved one. 

"The whole day represents her," said Mia Mirabile, 21, who was a close friend of Stephanie Crispinelli and is also coordinating the event along with other friends and family. 

during the January 2010 earthquake in Haiti. She was on a humanitarian mission when the disaster struck.

While remembering Crispinelli at the softball tournament on Sunday, the day also includes free kid-friendly activities, including inflatable carnival games, a dunk tank and face painting.

Considering Crispinelli's passion for helping children of third world countries, this child-like theme is fitting. 

"She just had a love for the innocence of little children and to be able to have everyone come together in her memory, she would never be able to believe it," said Lin Crispinelli, Stephanie's mother.

Lin and her husband Lenny have lived in Somers for the past 20 years. They say they are both appreciative of the ongoing support that their family has received ever since Stephanie first went missing in Haiti.

Lin mentioned the rally of yellow ribbons that could be found all over Somers and Yorktown, a gesture implemented by the community during the 31-day search for her daughter. 

"It was an incredible feeling now that I look back on it," she said.

"They realized that through the life of somebody else you can be a life-changer yourself," referring to the people who have supported the family and the foundation.  

There will be a silent auction after the softball tournament with such  donated items as Yankee tickets, a Rocket Scooter, artwork by local artists, and an autographed bottle of "Skinny Margarita," signed by Bravo celebrity, Bethenny Frankel.

Vendors in Yorktown, Somers and Mahopac have collectively donated everything to make the event possible, Mirabile said, noting that Pepsi Co. donated over 20 cases of beverages. 

Mirabile said they picked softball because it is something that "everyone loves to watch and play, and it's something that the town could do together." Organizers have been planning for the event for about two months.

Community-building is also the goal of Stephanie's parents.

"We want families to come out, so we can show how much we appreciate the support we’ve received over the year and a half," Lin Crispinelli said. 

So far, there are at least 13 teams registered to play in the tournament ranging from 10 to 12 people, but along with rest of the days activities, attendance is estimated to be over 200 people. 

Music for the event will be provided by a young Somers resident DJ and band for the last hour and a half, where Crispinelli's best friend will be singing. 

"The foundation keeps Stephanie close to our hearts," said Mirabile, mentioning that the foundation has built homes in Jamaica, and its second school a month ago. 

"Giving back is part of the healing process," said Stephanie's father, Lenny Crispinelli, "We don’t have Stephanie but if she was here she’d be very happy that her mission is being carried on in a way that people that would benefit from."

The softball tournament last year raised over $10,000 for the foundation. "It's there for one purpose," Mirabile said, "healing children." 

Know before you go:

Where: Reis Park, Somers 

When: Sunday July 10, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Games will be played from 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.. Raffle drawing and silent auction will take place  from 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.

For more information please contact Mia Mirabile at mmirabile@limcollege.edu, or visit the foundation's website.