Our Story

Play for Us was established after one of the worst of life’s tragedies occurred.  On April 10, 2009 four extraordinary young men lost their lives in a horrific car accident.  In a moment gone were Joey Ruzecki, Keith MacCollom, Nate Richardson & LeShawn Smith.  All between the ages of 15 to 17 years old, they were well known and loved in their community, outstanding athletes and high academic achievers.

The outpouring of love and support that the families of Joey, Keith, Nate and LeShawn received from the communities of Seminole and Largo was heartfelt and incredibly powerful.

The sole survivor of the accident, Corey Lepore, wanted to make sure his four best friends were never forgotten, as a tribute to their memories and to have their names and spirits live on, Play for Us was created in 2009 as non profit 501 (C) (3) Memorial Foundation.  To date over $64,000 in grants have been given so that kids in our Seminole & Largo communities, who would not otherwise have had the opportunity, were able to play a community sport.

We want to ensure that as many underprivileged youths in our Seminole & Largo communities have the opportunity to play the community sports that helped shape the lives of these young men.  Each grant we provide to a child to play a community sport not only enriches their life but also keeps the memory & spirits of Joey, Keith, Nate & LeShawn alive.