Gabe Derman's Push-Ups for Freeland

On March 14, 2016 the Evanston community suffered a great loss when Ross Freeland left us. Freeland was a great leader, teacher, coach, counselor, mentor, husband, uncle, son, brother, and friend to anyone who was lucky enough to know him. Freeland gave everything he had in his fight against stomach cancer and his loss left a void that will likely never be filled. Although Freeland is not physically present, his memory and spirit still lives among us. We carry the values and life lessons he taught us. Through his words and his actions, he reminded us that first comes “the greater good”; second comes “others”; and finally, that “I am Third.”

Throughout the month of November we will be taking part in the 1st Annual Push-Ups for Freeland Campaign. The goal of this fundraising campaign is to provide an opportunity to honor Ross Freeland by helping those who are less fortunate and are in need of support. All of the money raised this November will be donated to Ani Slishi, a non-profit organization based in Tel Aviv, Israel, that uses a second-hand clothing store as a medium of providing opportunities of self-advancement to Israel’s youth at risk. Ani Shlishi was founded by CEO David Baskin, a 2008 ETHS graduate and one of many Evanston baseball players coached by Ross Freeland. The organization was inspired by Freeland, as the literal translation means “I am Third.” Ani Shlishi has Freeland’s DNA infused within it.

This is how the fundraiser will work: Throughout November, participants will train to perform one set of as many push-ups as possible while seeking sponsors. Individuals interested in being a sponsor will donate to the fundraiser by pledging “x” amount of dollars or cents per every participant performed. On November 30th, participants will post a video of themselves performing the push-ups. Every cent will be used to help Ani Shlishi provide opportunities for young people classified as at risk through the funding of vocational courses.

Due to lack of funding, Ani Shlishi currently has to say “no” to kids who desperately need help…kids who want to work, improve, and develop a purpose. This simply shoves them back in the circumstances that made them “at risk” in the first place. Every dollar helps them say “yes.”

Thank you for your time and remember every push-up counts!