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Krempels Center gratefully receives $5,000 grant from Bank of America
Hank Gill Day Celebrated
at Gill Stadium in Manchester
After nearly 50 years, city resident Hank Gill returned to Manchester's Gill Stadium, named after his grandfather, Ignace Gill, and where he and two other generations of his family have played baseball.
Gill, joined by family, friends and his Krempels Center family, watched as he threw the ceremonial first pitch before American Legion Post 79 played Exeter on Sunday, June 26. Gill, 67, suffered a brain injury in a car accident 11 years ago and went on to become a founding member of Krempels Center.
Kristi Scarpone, development director at Krempels Center, helped organize the event and said its purpose highlights the center's mission to improve the lives of people living with brain injury. "We look to engage our members in meaningful and productive, enriching experiences and connect them with the larger community," said Scarpone, who noted more than 90 people will join Gill on his return to the stadium.
For Gill, this kind of support has helped him live a quality of life after his brain injury. "Krempels has provided me with the opportunity to share my thoughts and feelings with my friends and that experience grows each day," he said.
As for throwing out the first pitch among his friends and loved ones, Gill said, "I find it hard to believe — it's amazing. I don't deserve that kind of attention, but I appreciate it."
Carol Davis, senior program coordinator at Krempels Center, said all of its members deserve this kind of attention. "Hank is an important member of our community," said Davis, who added the center offers enriching experiences including sports, yoga, creative arts, photography and cooking groups. "You're more than your illness. For members, it's all about choices." (Courtesy of Rob Levey)