Another year has passed and anniversaries that mark the passing of a loved one can be difficult.
It has been 10 years.
This Saturday, November 30, 2024 will be the 6th Kate Abel ’09 Memorial Basketball Tournament. All are invited and most welcome to attend, sponsor, or donate in memory of Kaitlin N. Abel ’09.
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The Abel family and Villa Joseph Marie thank every person who has supported them through the harshest realities of Kaitlin Nicole Abel’s death.
There is a definite comfort in coming together in this most respectful and appropriate way to remember Kate with this amazing, meaningful remembrance event.
Everyone has felt her loss. Her parents and family deal with her loss every day and this is an annual means to let them know that many also share in their grief.
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Proceeds accrued benefit a scholarship for Villa Joseph Marie High School in Kate’s name.
Kate’s memory is very much alive at Villa and she is STILL impacting so many others.
$25,000 in scholarships has been awarded thus far.
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Criteria for the scholarship include: Kindness towards others, Strong academic focus, Involvement in athletics or extracurricular activities, Community service and commitment to charitable organizations, and Strong work ethic.
The indelible mark Kate left on this world will never be forgotten.
No love, no friendship, can cross the path of our destiny without leaving some mark on it forever. – Francois Mocuriac
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Originally, the Abel’s plan was to make a generous donation in Kate’s name as they intended to give back to Villa for doing so much for their cherished daughters.
“Kate came out so prepared and she laid the groundwork for the others, Timothy Shane, HGP ’11, Julianna Catherine, VJM ’14, and Marissa Kathleen, VJM ’17. Villa supported us and offered the much-needed emotional support for Kate’s sisters.”
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She was only 23. Kaitlin was almost home when her brilliant light was extinguished on Thursday, October 30, 2014, by a drunk driver. He was operating his vehicle, driving while intoxicated with nearly three times the PA legal limit of .08, and he drove directly into wrong-way traffic on Route 13 in Falls Township, striking two vehicles.
A life cut way too short….. The beloved Lower Makefield young woman was tragically killed.
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It had been her lifelong dream to become a physical therapist.
She was in the middle of a boundless trajectory toward success that she alone created.
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Kate was a key player in several sports, but basketball had been her favorite. Her parents, along with the assistance of the former VJM Athletic Director who suggested the event, designed this most successful Kate Abel Memorial Tournament to perpetuate Kate’s memory and forever maximize her impact. VJM Athletic director, Amy E. Barr capably carries on this legacy event as Villa Joseph Marie will once again hold the Kate Abel Memorial Event on Saturday, November 30, 2024 from 10:00AM- approximately 5:00PM.
This basketball showcase tournament features CYO teams from the Bucks County area, as well as numerous VJM JEMS who gather for the much anticipated Alumnae basketball game.
Alumnae playing in this game receive an event t-shirt. Interested in sponsoring the tournament?
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The community’s efforts would go even further with official corporate sponsors.
Visit https://www.vjmhs.org/events/abelbasketball for more information, and to donate directly to the scholarship.
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All proceeds benefit the scholarship for Villa Joseph Marie High School in Kate’s name.
She had an insatiable passion for helping others and this passion led her to pursue that career in physical therapy. She invested countless hours volunteering, tirelessly working toward her dream in Magee Rehabilitation Hospital, part of Jefferson Health, and at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia [CHOP] where her mother is an RN in the NICU.
She possessed and magnanimously shared her most positive outlook on life.
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We are confident that Kaitlin’s memory, and the profound examples of selflessness that she portrayed, will be preserved and awarded through this scholarship. Contact Matt Grunwell, Director of Advancement, at mgrunwell@vjmhs.org with any questions about the event.
“I was honored to have received the Kate Abel Memorial Scholarship. Kate embodied Mother Maria’s philosophy of “Always more, always better, always with love.” I am committed to carrying forward Kate’s legacy by working to make a positive impact through service to others. Like Kate, I aim to be the best version of myself and inspire meaningful change,” shared Mary Frances McNulty, VJM ’22.
Spectator donations for the tournament are appreciated. Your donation means so much.
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Pretzels and snacks, t-shirts and sweatshirts, 50/50 raffles, and incredible raffle baskets will be available throughout the tournament. Raffle winners’ names will be pulled after the event.
The Abel family and the VJM community sincerely appreciate the unwavering support.
The indelible mark Kate has left on this world will never be forgotten.
She lived her life with a unique grace in her heart and a permanent smile on her face.
No goodbyes. She is always in their hearts.
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December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month.
Stop Drinking. Start Thinking. Save A Life.
Villa Joseph Marie
1180 Holland Road
Holland, PA 18966
215.357.8810
Recommend a “Spotlight”. E-mail vjmrun@yahoo.com
