Share Print
Back to News Main

Pirates Support America’s Grow-A-Row: Nearly 50 student-athletes help harvest over 30,000 servings of corn

By Seton Hall Pirate Athletics on Sept. 22, 2014

MILFORD, N.J. – For a third-consecutive year, Seton Hall student-athletes turned out in full force to harvest crops and assist America’s Grow-A-Row in the fight against hunger.

Nearly 50 student-athletes from 10 different varsity teams combined to produce a record-breaking harvest that generated over 30,000 servings of corn that will be distributed to local food banks.

“Each year we have great confidence in knowing that the Seton Hall student-athletes will not only bring out a solid number of volunteers, but also that they will work at the highest level possible,” said Chip Paillex, Founder and President of America’s Grow-A-Row (AGAR). “It’s a great feeling to know that Seton Hall is completely committed to give back and help their neighbors who are food insecure and that we can rely on them each year to help us with our mission.”

The connection between Seton Hall and the Grow-a-Row organization extends far beyond Sunday’s efforts. Former SHU basketball star Jerry Walker and his charity Team Walker have been deeply involved with Grow- A-Row as Jerry brings a group of young kids out to the farm every summer for them to learn about farming and share the harvest from the day with their families.

In the three years since it began, the partnership between The Hall and AGAR that has continually borne record-breaking results. Last fall, over 50 Pirates helped harvest 36,500 pounds of squash in two hours.

This initiative has become a central part of The H.A.L.L. (Helping Athletes Learn to be Leaders) Program’s community enrichment efforts and is one that is immensely popular among the student-athletes.

“I think this is definitely one of our favorite service projects of the year,” said baseball’s Luke Cahill. “You see so many people from all the different teams working together – everybody really buys in and the enthusiasm produces some great results. It’s a great feeling to come out here and help make a difference.”

“I was really happy to get the chance to be a part of Grow-A-Row, such a great initiative that gives back to the community,” added women’s golfer Macky Fouse. “I feel lucky to have chosen to play golf at Seton Hall because aside from all the support we receive as student-athletes, we also get opportunities like this where we can help support the community.”

About America’s Grow-A-Row

With the support of 4,000 volunteers, America’s Grow-a-Row is on target to hit the goal of donating 1.2 million pounds of free fresh produce this year to various hunger relief agencies in New Jersey while at the same time educating people of all ages about hunger, the importance of agriculture, and healthy eating.  For more information and to support America’s Grow-a-Row, visit www.americasgrowarow.org or contact Chip Paillex at chip@americasgrowarow.org or at 908-331-2962.