Sayville REALLY Cares

For a $5 admission, Sayville Middle school students enjoyed, Sayville Cares, an evening of fun that simultaneously helped a few worthy causes: the ALS Ride for Life, several local scholarships, and the Charitable Foundation. Featured events for the evening included an eighth-grade Volleyball tournament and a Karaoke contest for everyone.

 “We had an impressive turnout of Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth graders,” Mrs. Susan Rafferty remarked. “When we opened the doors, students poured in, many with their singing voices ready and others wearing eyeblack, ready for volleyball.”

 Throughout the evening Mrs. Thorvaldson sold paper “baseballs”as part of the ALS fundraiser. Chosen for its symbolic link to Lou Gehrig, (the famous baseball player who passed away from ALS), the paper baseballs bore the name of each student who contributed and were then displayed in the front windows of the Middle School building. Personalizing the students' donations in this way was a nice touch that added to the evening. As an extra bonus, Principal Tom Murray surprised the winners of the volleyball tournament with prizes.

When the fun settled down by the end, the students had raised $500 for their charities. “Whether they participated in an event, or just came to watch,” Mrs. Rafferty added, “all the student shared a piece of their hearts that night.”

Special thanks go to Middle School Principal Tom Murray, the figurehead who planned and organized this charitable and fun-spirited event, Cathy Thorvaldson who raised money for ALS Ride for Life, PE teacher Patricia Sidnam who oversaw the Volleyball event, Fred Diekkman and Kerri VanBoxel who “orchestrated” the Karaoke event, Sue Rafferty, Tara Felice and everyone else who planned, organized or volunteered to make Sayville Cares a great success.

 “It was uplifting to see so many students and staff members come together for such a fun and charitable night.” Mrs. Rafferty concluded.