Throughout the years, we have held various car washes, misc. donations, etc. until we came up with a dodge ball tournament in 2012 called, Dodge for Josh. This was the year Josh would have graduated high school and we wanted to do something fun in his memory so his classmates could honor him in their senior year. We expected maybe 5 teams of students playing in his memory. However, it was hugely successful, and we had more than 65 teams that first year. By March 2020, just prior to Covid lockdown, we had more than 100 dodge ball teams and more than 1,000 people attended the tournament at Irondequoit High School.
This family-friendly dodge ball tournament at IHS has enhanced our community and allowed us to continue to emotionally and financially assist bereaved families suffering the loss of a child in the Rochester, NY area. Literally, thousands of people have brought smiles to our faces and inspired us with their sportsmanship, support, and unwavering devotion to our cause. We are humbled by each player, spectator, and supporter over the years. Thank you so much!!
Along with Dodge for Josh, we've held a number of other events, including The Josh Rojas Used Soccer Equipment Drive, which ran from May 2006 to June 2016. It was created by Katrina the year after Joshua passed away. Thanks to everyone’s thoughtful donations, we were able to provide thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment to communities not only in our area, but throughout the world.
We also held The Josh Bouts, which were held between March 2007 – 2009. For three years our foundation held a few boxing matches at Aquinas Institute between area police officers, fire fighters, etc. My husband, Pat Rojas (Josh's dad, MCSO) participated in two of the events and boxed in memory of Joshua. It began as a light-hearted event between friends. All proceeds went to our foundation.
We have been blessed by the generosity of many amazing people. Whether our foundation has been chosen to be the charitable recipient in memory of a person gone too soon, a personal fundraiser in honor of a birthday, or a United Way or Amazon Smile donation, we continue to be humbled by the support of our community. Every single dollar donated to us, goes directly to the support of the bereaved. Thank you so much for your continued devotion to our foundation, even in the midst of a pandemic.
We realize that the past several years have been challenging. Please continue to stay safe and healthy, and focus on your own family's well-being. Blessings to you all!
In memory of the beautiful children, gone too soon.
Pat, Kristan, Katrina & BOD