CRVS Futsal Fundraiser For Smathers Family A Huge Success Despite Electricity Outage

on 16 March, 2026 at 13:51

Photos courtesy CRVS – Smathers family (L-R) Liz, AJ, Sophia and Jim

Who needs electricity when you are playing for such a great cause? The Clarion River Valley Strikers brought their own electricity.

What began as a less than ideal way to start off a fundraiser (loss of power to the entire Clarion Area High School) turned into a community rallying together to let nothing stop this wonderful day from happening.

Generators and extension cords were quickly offered and provided power to the concession stand and the DE Sports’ T-Shirt press. Additional lighting was even brought in just in case.

**Dave and Andrea Estadt at their AJ Tough apparel printing area**

The day turned out to be a huge success. Hundreds of people came out to support AJ and his family.

**Concession Stand Workers (L-R) Evan Huber holding Denver Stevenson, Bre Simpson, Megan Laird with Jaxon Laird, Anna Stevenson and Katelyn Delay**

Over 70 Chinese Auction items were donated. Food was donated from local businesses like Pizza Pub and Wendy’s.

**Lobby Helpers – Beth Uckert (Left) Jamie Baker (Right) with Grace Baker in front**

This in addition to the many items that were donated from CRVS members, along with friends and family of AJ.

**Folks at the Chinese Auction Table in the Lobby**

The generosity spread across so many businesses. Munsee Law, Leadbetter Auto, Rooted Dental, and Nick’s Auto Body, all provided generous donations. As did All American Awards and Engraving, Vinyl Graphics and Central Garage to name just a few.

Central Clarion Wildcats High School Team – Front (L-R) Quinn O’Neill, Matt Weaver, Brendan Bettwy and Chance Hetrick Back (L-R) Laken Smith, Danny Schweitzer, Coach Don Montgomery Jr. and Samson Gao

On the futsal side of things, Central Clarion-Blue and North Clarion played an exciting high school championship match that featured a last second goal by Central Clarion’s Danny Schweitzer to tie it up during regulation and send it to penalty kicks. Central Clarion managed to pull off the victory.

**AJ congratulating Central Clarion’s Brendan Bettwy**

In the Middle School Division, Brookville was able to handle most teams with ease throughout the day until a rematch against Bulldog United (Redbank) in the final. It was all tied up until the final few minutes of this championship match, before Brookville eventually pulled away at the end to take the victory.

**North Clarion High School Team with AJ (L-R) Cyrus Troup, Dom Carulli, Jake Reisinger, AJ Smathers, Logan Bish, Carter Phillips, Liam Bish and Kaden Baumcratz**

The day concluded in the Main Gym with a medal presentation.

Before passing out medals, the Smathers family addressed the crowd and expressed their overwhelming gratitude for all of the support that had been shown to them throughout this difficult season of their lives.

Futsal ball on Bobcat logo on court

Continued prayers are still appreciated and needed for this family as AJ is doing better, but the journey is not yet complete.