Harrison Phillips, left, and Pat Smeraldo, right, hold up a banner announcing new events for children with different abilities created through a partnership between Phillips’ Harrison’s Playmakers organization and Smeraldo’s Children’s Collaborative Solutions. Submitted photo

Collaborative Children’s Solutions is adding new events to its already lengthy schedule as the local non-profit expands its partnership with Harrison’s Playmakers.

Collaborative Children’s Solutions stepped in to save the annual downtown Jamestown Christmas parade, has helped organize the city’s Labor Day Festival and the past few Turning of the Chadakoin River Green on St. Patrick’s Day weekend. At the same time, it has created its own events as well, including Christmas in July celebrations in Jamestown and bringing back the Gus Macker 3 on 3 basketball tournament.

Now, the schedule is expanding with the help of Collaborative Children’s Solutions’ signature sponsor, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, and with support from Harrison’s Playmakers, a non-profit organization founded by Harrison Phillips, a former Buffalo Bill and current player for the Minnesota Vikings.

“To continue our work with Harrison’s Playmakers of Buffalo, Minneapolis and Omaha along with its founder, former Buffalo Bill and current Minnesota Viking, Harrison Phillips and his incredible director and board is a true dream come true for CCS” said Patrick Smeraldo, president of Collaborative Children’s Solutions. “Harrison is not a three-time nominee for the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of The Year Award by accident. The time and commitment Harrison dedicates to his Playmakers is a true testament that the man of character he truly is and to share in that commitment by bringing unique opportunities to the children of Chautauqua County represents the backbone of Collaborative Children’s Solutions, and we are better off because of this opportunity.”

New events include:

CHRISTMAS IN JULY WITH THE TARP SKUNKS

FRIDAY JULY 26

Christmas in July will partner with the Jamestown Tarp Skunks organization at Diethrick Park! There will be baseball, fun Games with giveaways, characters mingling with the kids and a spectacular Fireworks show to end the night as we welcome our Playmakers Pups and their Families from all over Western Ny! This game will be a total buyout providing free admission sponsored by Collaborative Children’s Solutions, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, Culture Care Senior Living and Harrison’s Playmakers! It will also feature our very own family friendly sensory zone for those who desire to use it.

INAUGURAL GUS MACKER 3 ON 3

UNIFIED DIVISION

On Saturday, Aug. 10, the Gus Macker 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament will return to Jamestown NY and Harrison’s Playmakers will serve as the sponsor for the inaugural mixed Unified Division. Boys and girls ages 14-18 are invited to create mixed four-person teams (three athletes play at a time) to come to Jamestown and be included in the Gus Macker action. To register a team email Collaborative Children’s Solutions at ccsolutions716@gmail.com.

ANTHONY SENSKE SENSORY FRIENDLY HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR

In October, Collaborative Children’s Solutions and Harrison’s Playmakers will host the Anthony Senske Sensory Friendly Halloween Spooktacular party. The event is named for Anthony Senske, a loving young man who was a member of Harrison’s Playmakers and a JHS student who passed away in March. The event will offer the opportunity to experience trick or treating and Halloween fun in a family friendly, sensory friendly atmosphere.

Follow along for details on all the events that will have the full support of Harrison’s Playmakers on Collaborative Children’s Solutions’ Facebook page or www.ccsolutions716.com.

“Anthony was a special young man not only to myself and my wife Jill but literally To everyone in his life including his family, teachers, friends and people in our Community” Smeraldo said. “With the importance of creating an inclusive community comes the creation of opportunities for all children to enjoy a special time like Halloween and all that comes with it in a safe, friendly and welcoming environment. Anthony was a Harrison’s Playmaker long before CCS and Pat Smeraldo got involved, so it’s only fitting that this event is named for such an incredible young man.”