Sixteen teams took part in the first annual Secaucus Corporate Soccer Challenge Tournament on Saturday, June 20. The charity event raised funds for Spectrum Works, a Secaucus nonprofit screen printing company that employs and empowers individuals with autism.
It was Spectrum Works’ first fundraising event and took place at Kane Stadium. A total of $8,150 was raised, which will go toward paying the salaries of Spectrum Works employees with autism.
Spectrum Works opened the nonprofit business in Secaucus in June 2013. They operate in conjunction with Green Distribution, a national screen-printing company that supplies t-shirts and other products to major music acts, entertainment conglomerates, and sporting teams.
Green donates space in their facility and usage of their equipment to Spectrum Works for free. Spectrum Works then brings in their own clients and produces screen-printed products using the sophisticated Green manufacturing process.
“I have people on waiting lists, parents coming to me begging me to have their children work here, but without more sales and more funds it’s impossible.” –Ann Marie Sullivan
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A successful event
Mayor Michael Gonnelli, a staunch supporter of Spectrum Works, came up with the initial idea for the tournament.
“They were launching Kane Stadium,” said Ann Marie Sullivan, CEO of Spectrum Works. “They had it re-turfed so he thought to launch it with the soccer tournament. Not only was it the mayor’s idea, he helped me reach out to companies to participate, and he helped organize the day, gave us tents and tables.”
Jack McStowe runs the soccer program in town and stepped in to help with logistics. “We supplied the balls, we got the nets and the cones to mark off the fields,” he said. Each of the 16 teams that signed up got their own tent, which came in handy when rain clouds passed overhead.
“Even though it rained it was still a nice day,” said McStowe. “The turnout was very, very impressive.”
“The field was broken into two,” explained Sullivan. “They played half field, 20 minute games so it could go faster.” The tournament included quarter finals, semi finals, and final playoffs. Spectrum Works supplied participants with shirts, all bearing the same logo for the event but with different team names, each in their own color.
“Everybody was very excited and all the companies want to continue,” said Sullivan. “It was great for their employees, a team building event and an opportunity for spectators see their name. One of those companies happens to be two doors away from us. He’s buying shirts from us now and he just hired one of our employees. It’s the first person we’ve placed outside of ourselves.”
An award-winning company
Spectrum Works is one of only 10 companies nationally to receive the Ruderman “Best in Business” Award, recognizing businesses that lead the way in hiring and supporting people with disabilities.
They run community outreach programs on autism in coordination with local high schools, and have a program to hire students with autism ages 16 to 21 and provide them with job experience to help build their resumes.
“A lot of times they don’t really have a lot of things productive that they’ve done,” said Sullivan. “That’s what we’re trying to change. We pay them a salary and they train with us.”
In order to thrive, Spectrum Works needs to attract more clients looking for branded t-shirts, hats, and other items. “Items that they will buy anyway,” said Sullivan. “We give a competitive price and high quality. And they get to increase their value as a socially responsible company. Our product is made in America and gives jobs to autistic individuals.”
“I have people on waiting lists, parents coming to me begging me to have their children work here,” she continued. “But without more sales and more funds it’s impossible. I won’t take them in if I can’t pay them. We need companies to buy products, which is how we’re going to survive and sustain ourselves.”
Strong community and corporate support
The funds raised by the soccer tournament translate into about 780 hours of paid employment for individuals with autism. The event was free to spectators, with all the money coming from the corporate sponsorships.
The sixteen participating teams were sponsored by The Children’s Place; Citicraze Casualwear Inc.; F&M Expressions; Goya Foods; Green Distribution; Hartz Mountain; MetLife Stadium; Remington, Vernick & Arango Engineers; Raspa Jewelers; Royce Leather; Sinbad Café; TD Bank; Telebrands; Toscana Cheese; United Food Brands; and Simran Rajani’s nonprofit.
Jack McStowe recruited local recreation and travel team coaches and college kids to compete on behalf of companies that did not have their own teams.
The winning team was from Raspa Jewelers. Second was The Children’s Place. Third was Sinbad Café. Trophies for all three were donated by local trophy maker Louis Minervini.
Thanks to the strong community and corporate support, not only will the tournament continue next year but Spectrum Works is organizing a basketball tournament for the fall. Details are still being worked out, with tentative plans for two competitive divisions based on skill level. The event will take place on the courts in Buchmuller Park.
For more information on Spectrum Works visit spectrumworks.org, call (201) 552-2055, or email annmarie@spectrumworks.org.
Art Schwartz may be reached at arts@hudsonreporter.com.