LOWELL, Mass. – The UMass Lowell Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) held its first annual "Adam Keenan Santa Bash" on Wednesday, December 2, in support of former baseball player Adam Keenan and the American Heart Association.
 
Adam Keenan played just one season with the River Hawk baseball team, but left a lasting impact. In 2011, at the age of 20, he unexpectedly passed away due to Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC) while out on the field playing the sport he loved. Every year since his passing, SAAC members have come together to hold a fun event on campus to raise money for "Adam's Team."
 
"We were blown away by the support from student athletes and staff," said SAAC President Kelly Freitas (Manchester, N.H.). "We had an amazing turnout and I think the athletes had a lot of fun. Even though most never knew Adam, it's incredible to me that we all still look to him as a teammate and can support his family with these fundraising efforts every year. Its a pretty special experience." 
 
The night was full of games, fundraising and performances in which over 250 student-athletes attended the event which helped raise over $600 which will be donated in Keenan's name to the American Heart Association. The night also brought in well over 100 pounds of canned food which will be donated to a local food pantry, helping families around Lowell and the Merrimack Valley.
 
"I believe the Adam Keenan Santa Bash was very successful in raising money, canned goods, and awareness for two really great initiatives that SAAC partners with," said SAAC Advisor Mike Anderson. "It's amazing to see an idea our SAAC Officers envisioned, come together into such a successful event. Having over 250 student-athletes attend and participate in our activities and talent portion made the evening exciting. It's truly great to see our student-athlete body together for two great causes!"