About the Get Some Purple

WHEN:	July 14, 2024
WHERE:	Cedar Springs, MI
FEES:	$175/team
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Monday, Jul 1, 2024
PAY TO:	Get Some Purple; Need mailing address

	#gsp

On October 6, 2017, Cora Gonzales was tragically struck by a passing car as she waited to cross the street. For 20 days she fought for her life as the community and her family prayed for her to pull through. Unfortunately, on October 26, 2017, Cora returned to the Lord succumbing to her injuries sustained during the accident.

Cora was an amazing young lady who at all of 11 years old was so caring and full of life and shared that joy with others around her. She found her greatest joy on the soccer field where she was passionate about the sport but also showed amazing sportsmanship and talent. At the time of her accident she was participating in GVSA soccer through AYSO United in Cedar Springs. AYSO United has retired her number 5 jersey to honor Cora’s memory. Cora’s large family of 3 brothers and 6 sisters, along with her parents, coach, referee, and play soccer along with other sports. After Cora’s passing her father George and Mother Cornelia (better known by Cookie), wanted to do something special to honor her memory. They decided what better way to help honor their daughter than to provide an opportunity for others to be able to play the sport Cora loved so much. So started the Cora Gonzales Memorial Scholarship Fund.

The first Purple Out Games were held in 2018 as a fundraiser for the scholarship fund. Players were encouraged to Deck themselves out in purple, except for their jerseys, to honor Cora’s memory. At this time the GSP board held a silent auction where proceeds went to the fund. There were also shirts, headbands, purple socks, car decals and many other items to purchase for the event that would benefit the scholarship fund. The response was so overwhelming we raised $4k for the fund. In 2019, we held our second Purple Out Games and raised an additional $3.5k. Unfortunately, with 2020 being an ever-challenging year, we have not been able to have the auction due to COVID restrictions. We celebrated Cora’s life in 2020 with purple masks for our Purple Out Weekend. Along with masks, there was a small flyer with instructions on how to apply for a scholarship which has been extended to all AYSO and Club players. 2021 an event was held at Sparta AYSO at the Sparta Sports Park. 2022 we took the year to regroup and start planning for the future and trying to get information out about the scholarship.

Our newest Games for 2023 was the 3v3 tournament held at the end of summer in Cedar Springs at Skinner field. It was a small but successful tournament where everyone had fun. We are so honored to be able to host this and raise funds to help more youth soccer players that we have now made this an annual event and hope to continue it for many years to come.