Remembering one of Long Beach's own through helping others

Scott Gernhardt had an immense love for sports. He was frequently playing basketball, baseball and soccer, both leisurely and to represent the Long Beach School District.

He also loved going to the gym, both for his own fitness goals and to help others achieve theirs.

Gernhardt passed away in 2021 at age 21. His parents, Scott and Phyllis, wanted to ensure his memory would forever be kept alive. So, they created the Scott Strong Athletic Fund, which holds numerous fundraisers and events throughout the year, and offers scholarships to graduating Long Beach seniors.

“Every year, our main fundraiser is a softball tournament that we do each summer,” Gernhardt’s father, Scott, said. “With the money we raise, we help kids in Long Beach who need athletic gear. We buy it for them because he was always big on sports. Then whatever we have leftover we give as scholarships to graduating seniors.”

This year’s Scott Gernhardt Memorial Softball Tournament will be the third annual, and will be held on Saturday, July 20. Games will begin on the Recreation Center fields at 9 a.m. Games will be played in a round-robin format, with the championship game starting at 6 p.m.

Along with the games, people will be able to donate to the fund by participating in some raffles. There will be a 50/50 raffle and plenty of gift baskets for people to try to win. Community members and local businesses give donations and gift cards to help make up the baskets. Gino’s Pizzeria, East End Pizza and Greek Cove are some of the local establishments that have contributed to the fund.

One of the big-ticket items being raffled off is an autographed Kris Kreider New York Rangers jersey.

“To give an idea of what it’s all about,” Gernhardt said, “it’s about raising funds to give back to the community, all while focusing on sports.

Scott played on the Long Beach High School varsity soccer team for three years. Some of his best memories are from him playing on that team, he really enjoyed it. Because of this, Gernhardt likes to ensure that one of the graduating seniors receiving a scholarship is on the team.

“I take one kid from the soccer team, one senior from a soccer team, and they’re going to get a scholarship,” he said. “Then I’ll take a couple other students for the other scholarships. The only requirement to get a scholarship is they play a varsity sport and is known to have good sportsmanship. That’s the kind of person we want. They don’t have to be the most talented player on the team, but we want somebody who’s a team leader and has great sportsmanship.”

For those who can’t make the tournament and won’t be able to put in raffles for the baskets, donating is still possible. By calling them at (516) 360-8752 or emailing at Gern801@yahoo.com, you can stay in contact with the Gernhardt’s. You can also Venmo them @ScottStrong20.