WESTFIELD-The leaders of Westfield Youth Football/Cheer are organizing four fundraisers this summer to raise needed funds to support the organization.
“The last year plus has hit everyone pretty hard financially and shut down many of the resources youth sports rely on to provide our youth with the safest, newest equipment possible while still affordable to the average family,” said Melanie McNamara, vice president.
McNamara said one of the goals of the organization is to keep youth engaged in activities that are good for them – physically and emotionally.
Westfield Youth Football/Cheer logo. (SUBMITTED BY WYF)
“Many kids and their families have been isolated for so long, youth football and cheer is a safe way to get them integrated back into the community and teach them teamwork and commitment and other such values that will be important later in life,” said McNamara.
While fundraising is necessary for all organizations, McNamara is hopeful that area residents will enjoy the fun events planned.
“We have always fundraised but with no major funding coming in during the last year and costs of everything continuing to increase, this year more than ever we need to push to keep our program running affordably,” she said.
Westfield Youth Football has four teams – flag, pee wee, juniors and seniors, and Westfield Cheer has three teams – mini, pee wee, and senior.
The four fundraisers include the annual golf tournament, slated June 5; a Board & Brush event on June 5; a Ladies Night Out Bingo party on Aug. 5, and a corn hole tournament on Aug. 13.
The golf tournament, planned rain or shine, will observe a scramble format with a 1 p.m. shotgun start at the East Mountain Country Club. The cost is $95 per player and includes cart, greens fees and dinner (prime rib, swordfish or vegetarian). Contests during the afternoon will include the longest drive, closest to the pin, and hole-in-one. Registration begins at noon and the deadline to register is May 31.
The organization is still in need of raffle prizes for the event and inquiries can be made by emailing McNamara to [email protected].
Also at East Mountain Country Club on June 5, hobbyist Ashley Hawkins will lead a Board & Brush event from 2:30-5:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person and may be purchased through the WYF Board & Brush Event Facebook page, or by contacting McNamara via email.
“Board and Brush events are great ways to create decor for you or a loved one,” said McNamara, noting boards, sanders, paints, brushes and stencils will be provided for participants.
The deadline to purchase tickets for the Board & Brush gathering is May 31.
The Ladies Night Out Bingo gathering will feature “bingo, bags and raffles” at the Shaker Farms Country Club from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person and can purchased through the Bingo, Bags and Raffles Facebook page, or by contacting McNamara via email.
“I feel like everyone is itching to get out and get back to normal,” said McNamara. ‘Women love to shop and love to go out with their friends. This event combines both those things and for $35 you could take home a designer purse valued at 6-10 times that amount. What is better than that?”
Among the name brands of purses to be won that evening include Coach, Kate Spade, Longchamp, Tory Birch, Michael Kors, and Ralph Lauren.
“We also have a 10th bingo prize from Tiffany,” said McNamara.
Raffles are also planned during the evening and include a wide selection of gifts.
“I don’t want to give away all of the surprises but will post pictures in the Facebook event page,” said McNamara, noting spa treatments, sessions with local photographers, name brand wristlets, costume jewelry, gift cards and Vera Bradley items will be among the items raffled off.
“Participants must be age 18 and older to gamble,” said McNamara, adding, “and 21 and older to purchase beverages. Food will also be available during the event.”
McNamara said at press time, logistics are still be planned for the corn hole tournament at the Westfield River Brewery.
For more information on any of the fundraisers, visit westfieldyouthfootball.org, call McNamara at (413) 575-0202, or send her an email.
