We are organizing a fundraiser for Josh Magnus, a founding father of the Brooklyn Rugby Football Club, and a long ambassador of the sport. Like many of us, Josh joined the rugby family soon after stepping on the campus of Carnegie Mellon University. After graduating university, he moved to NYC and continued playing and spreading the game with the Village Lions. It wasn't too long before he and a few other Brooklyn rugby players realized that the largest New York Borough was long overdue for its own club, and Brooklyn RFC was founded in 2008.
Recently wed, Josh retired from playing a few years ago but remains a passionate fan and was an important member of the 2009 Four Leafs Tournament Social Division and North Bay Tournament Champions, Josh was an important member of the squad that went undefeated for that entire spring season.
We are now coming together to help Josh, as on August 2nd, just a week after the birth of his first child, his life changed forever when he lost control of his car and hit a tree. With both legs pinned, it took emergency workers over an hour to cut him free. Josh was in critical condition, having sustained significant damage to his legs and despite multiple surgeries, his left leg had to be amputated above the knee.
We request that you and the wider rugby community of Greater New York and New England, come join us on September 12, 2015 at McGettigans Bar on W36th and 6th Ave in Manhattan at 6pm until late for either the main fundraising event, where we will have music from bands and DJs, Silent Auctions, Raffles and more fundraising activities for Josh and his family in the evening. You can also come down early in the day and join in or just enjoy watching the first of many Rugbypaloozas on Randall's Island where you’ll find kindred spirits in the rugby community and can enjoy food, drink, and lots of fun for the kids.
This is all to support Josh and his family as they heal and move forward from this very difficult time. All donations, whether money or items for the Raffles and Silent Auctions, will be tax deductible through Brooklyn RFC 501(c)3 status. This is a great opportunity for the NYC and NY Region to get behind and support one of their own when he and his family need us most.