Callum Cup IX Brings Community Together, Raising $20,000 for Fragile X Research
MILLBURN, NJ: Millburn FC’s annual intra-club charity match, now the marquee event of the club’s calendar, raised more than $20,000 for FRAXA Research Foundation, supporting research on Fragile X syndrome. With this latest total, the Callum Cup has generated approximately $167,500 for Fragile X research over its ten-year history.
The match is played in honor of Callum Murphy, son of Millburn FC goalkeeper Andrew Murphy. Callum was diagnosed with Fragile X at age two and is now a senior at Bridgewater-Raritan High School. Known for his laid-back, upbeat personality, he loves his iPad and enjoys traveling around New Jersey to visit chickens, his favorite pastime.
This year’s fundraising effort was helped once again by generous support from Shionogi, a pharmaceutical company with U.S. headquarters in Florham Park, NJ, which is currently developing a treatment for Fragile X syndrome.
The match drew around 50 Millburn FC members for a morning of friendly rivalry and community spirit. Our special guest referee was none other than Santa Claus, who gamely took on officiating duties despite nursing an Achilles injury.
For the fourth consecutive year the custom-designed Callum Cup shirts were produced by Spectrum Designs of Long Island, a company renowned for high-quality work and for employing exceptionally talented individuals on the autism spectrum.
Festivities continued after the final whistle at St. James’s Gate Publick House in Maplewood NJ, affectionately known as “The Gate”, the official home of the Callum Cup. The trophy is proudly displayed behind the bar year-round. The celebration wrapped up with a live performance from a bagpiper, who played a mix of Scottish classics and holiday favorites, adding the perfect festive flourish to the day.
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Since 2007, Andrew Murphy and his wife, Amanda, have been passionately involved in the world of Fragile X, a journey that began with a personal connection and grew into a deep commitment to the cause. Their pursuit of knowledge and understanding has been a cornerstone of their involvement. Believing firmly in the power of research as the key to meaningful progress in Fragile X, they are dedicated supporters of FRAXA’s mission. Through ongoing learning and advocacy, Andrew and Amanda remain devoted to making a lasting difference in the Fragile X community.