INTRODUCTION

The Gift of Sport started as an individual fundraising initiative created in 2021 by (at the time, 12 year old) Finnley Ritter to help support Camden student-athletes. Finnley's goal was to raise, donate, and provide funds and sporting goods / equipment to various Camden-based youth athletic organizations so that they would be better able to serve their young athletes. In the past, she also funded pre-paid performance training for Camden sports teams / athletes through the Parisi South Jersey speed school. During the time that The Gift of Sport operated as an individual fundraising initiative, Finnley raised and donated $30K to SUPPORT UNDERSERVED CAMDEN ATHLETES : providing training and also donating both money and goods to ensure these deserving athletes had the necessary foundation and equipment to safely and successfully participate and compete in their chosen sport(s). Given Finnley's desire for this initiative to grow and to continue in the future, The Gift of Sport now operates as a club at Haddonfield Memorial High School. Finnley's goal has always been, and remains, to help give Camden youth athletes the gift of sport, through which they can build mental and physical strength, self-confidence, and self-worth.

THE HMHS GIFT OF SPORT CLUB

2025 - 2026:

In 2025, Finnley decided to shift operational gears in order to guarantee that her vision would continue after she graduates from high school in 2027.

researched how to start a club at her school: Haddonfield Memorial High School (HMHS)
contacted the appropriate individuals / authority figures to initiate the full year process
sought out / recruited a faculty advisor
gathered enough signatures of interest within the student body for approval
pitched and presented The Gift of Sport Club to all student council officers and delegates
the Student Council voted on the proposed club
The Gift of Sport was awarded pilot status at HMHS in the fall of 2025
Finnley ran elections for officers
Finnley now serves as the President of The Gift of Sport Club at HMHS, with other student club members acting as Vice Presidents, Secretary, and Treasurer
this website will continue to provide updates for historical context, but the club has now taken over fundraising / volunteering/ discovering and managing contacts within the Camden community / social media / general operations / etc.
attained official club status at HMHS in the fall of 2026

Original Inspiration / Role Models:

Why sports?? Why community service??

"The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members."

- Coretta Scott King

"Alone we can do so little; together, we can do so much."

- Hellen Keller

"Sport can create hope where once there was only despair."

-Nelson Mandela

Finnley Ritter

Donor Comment Highlight:

"Manny Rosner wants to make a donation to "The Gift of Sport" for his 8th birthday. In lieu of party favors, his class at Kresson Elementary school in Voorhees, NJ and his friends at his birthday party will receive a certificate that states that a donation was made on their behalf in honor of Manny's birthday. Manny loves sports and wants all kids to be able to enjoy them the way he is able to. Furthermore, Manny's grandfather, David Butler, passed earlier this year. He used to volunteer at Urban Promise, so this donation is that much more special to our family. He taught Manny that giving back to those less fortunate is very important." - Lauren Rosner

Thank you for your donation, Manny! We are so pleased that our initiative resonates with you and your family! We cannot wait to positively impact other athletes using your donation as well as the donations of others! Happy 8th Birthday to you, and keep paying it forward!