SWAMPSCOTT — With NFL rosters making their final cutdowns this past weekend, and a new football season just starting up this week, NFL agent and former professional football player Sean Stellato is plenty busy these days.
But it’s still important to get back in the community, give back and have some fun for a good cause. That’s what Saturday’s NFL cookie tailgate kickoff party at The Cookie Monstah on Paradise Road in Swampscott is all about.
“It’s going to be a cool event,” Stellato said. “Any time you can get out in the community like this, it really puts into perspective what our mission really is.”
Everyone who enters will be given an ice cream cookie — one of which Stellato and his family highly vouch for — with a snow cone maker also making some sweets. The event, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., will also feature raffles provided by the Patriots, Celtics and Red Sox.
“The Cookie Monstah, they’re like the Patriots of the cookie space, they do a good job,” Stellato said. “My kids have all been advocates. My oldest daughter is a baker and they definitely have her approval.”
Social distancing requirements will be in full effect, including the wearing of masks, but Stellato hopes the day can be a distraction for kids and families who have missed out on sports during the pandemic.
“A lot of kids have seen their sports and other events get canceled this summer,” Stellato said. “We’re trying to inspire these kids because they’re going through a lot.”
Along with running Stellato Sports and representing NFL players around the country, Stellato has also written a pair of books that will be available at the event.
No Backing Down: The Inspirational Story of the 1994 Salem High School Football Team tells the story of a Witches team that banded together under coach Ken Perrone while a teachers’ strike jeopardized the season. Football Magic, a children’s book, tells the story of a football player named Buddy, with the backdrop of a magical Salem that Stellato says is not only relatable for kids but brings back nostalgia for parents.
“We’ll have the books out and we’re encouraging kids to read, enjoy the ice cream and really just talk about football,” Stellato said.
A portion of sales from the tailgate will go to two causes that mean a lot to Stellato, literacy and the Juvenile Arthritis Foundation for Children.
“We’re really excited,” Stellato said. “Anytime you can raise awareness for Juvenile Arthritis it’s important. My daughter was diagnosed and thankfully went into remission. It should be a real impactful day.”
“In terms of autoimmune diseases, it’s great to be an advocate and spread awareness,” Stellato said. “There are 300,000 kids that suffer from it domestically.”
Growing up, Stellato himself struggled with a learning disability.
“As a kid, I felt like it was hard to relate to a lot of books, plus I had a learning disability. I really didn’t get into reading until high school and prep school. I’ve been fortunate to write a series of books and been able to work on them with my daughter. A second one is dropping at the end of this month.
“It’s a great combination (of charities),” Stellato said. “Whether you have a learning disability or not, knowledge is power and it’s important to find relatable books.”
Families planning on visiting can preregister for the event and have books ready for them at a number of places including Stellato’s website seanstellato.com, email [email protected] or even call The Cookie Monstah in Swampscott at 1-(339)-440-5529.
Daniel Kane can be reached at [email protected].
