Save Our Sports: City Must Step Up To The Plate

“Last night's fundraiser at Two Steps was a wonderful success,” said Lorraine Amaral, organizer of many of the events for Save Our Sports.

By 9:30 pm, more than 200 friends, neighbors, colleagues and supporters who had read about the efforts showed up at Two Steps Downtown Grille. All had arrived to take a stand for freshman sports at Danbury High School.

 “The numbers aren't in yet, but with t-shirt sales, the amount raised so far is $26,500. We are making huge strides and we have more fund raisers to go,” said Amaral.

 While each fundraiser brings the small group of about nine volunteers closer to their goal, they are still only a third of the way there. “People keep concentrating on the minimum we need to start in the fall, which is $43,000, and I think we aren't setting our goals high enough. We need to set our goals for the full amount, to the $70,000 for the whole year,” Amaral said.

 The biggest donations have come from the community, but only a few were as large as $1,000. One of those donors was Michelle Barbarie, who donated $1,000 and gift cards for dinners to be raffled off. In order to close the gap, many donors, individual and businesses, must come forward with similar gifts.

 Incoming ninth grader Chloe Hennig plays soccer and basketball, and she has been selling raffle tickets to do her part in this effort. “People are brave enough to stand against the budget cuts,” she said. “Kids know when they play sports, they have to keep their grades up. It helps them stay healthy and helps them make friends.”

 Danbury High School teacher Justin Morgan was dining with his family at Two Steps. A 1997 graduate of DHS who played freshman sports, his opinion about the issue is personal. “I played football, and it was the first time I ever played on a team. The work ethic, the teammates, being able to start school knowing 60 guys, all that made the transition to a large school so much easier.”

 “I know people say that this doesn't matter if they don't have kids, but eliminating freshman sports effects everybody. This will effect the future of our community, because, what are our children going to be doing with their extra time? Are they going to be hanging out at the mall? We could be talking about hundreds of children,” said Amaral.

 “I understand that the budget is tight but they have $30,000 for the dog park,” Amaral said. “Maybe we have to get back to basics and put more where we need it, and be a little less frivolous. Priorities have to come first. I was brought up in the way there is a need and a want, needs come first, wants come second. This is a need for the whole town.”

 According to Mayor Mark Boughton, the money for the dog park will not be coming from tax payer money, it is being raised privately. “I could give a hundred grand to restore freshman sports, but under state law, we cannot direct the way the Board of Ed spends it. Out of the $100 million plus budget, I cannot understand why the Board of Ed cannot find it,” said Boughton.

 The mayor said that the group is doing a great job, “I applaud Lorraine. I support Lorraine. She is doing a great job, but it is not my decision to make.”

 “I know teachers have to come first, even with sports,” said Amaral. “But there has to be a give and take, even if they came up with half. Right now, most of the parents of the students are not pleased with the way board seems to be voting without even trying to meet us halfway. We are doing all of the work and they are not trying to meet us.”

 Each fundraiser has been well attended, but Amaral believes that unless corporations come forward, the goal will be hard to meet.

 “The community has been overwhelming. The community wants the freshman sports, and the city needs to step up to the plate,” said Amaral. Our next thing is to target business that have been frequented by DHS high school students. We have been supporting them, we are now asking them to give back.”

Other fundraising events are planned:

 Chilis Grill and Bar on Newtown Road:  Mention freshman sports and a portion will be donated. From noon to 10 pm, Wednesday, August 11.

 First and Ten Sports Bar and Grill will be raffling off a vacation to Hawaii or Vegas, and they will also be donating proceeds. All evening, August 12, 507 Danbury Rd Rte 7, New Milford (on the Brookfield line)

 Police vs. Fireman Softball Game, August 17, time and place to be determined

 Other events will be announced.

 To make donations to the 501 C3 non-profit and tax deductible Hatters Athletic Booster Club, mail checks to: The Savings Bank of Danbury, 12 Hayestown Road, Danbury CT 06811

 For more information, email Lorraine Amaral at lamaral@wpsir.com