Rec. Department golf fundraiser cancelled
Published on September 28th, 2005
The Recreation Department cancelled a late-September golf tournament at the Beverly Golf and Tennis Club intended to benefit the ailing town office after only 24 participants signed up for the fundraiser.
Announced on the same day that Music is Art representative Barbara Morash would hand over a $6048 check raised through the citizen-volunteer production of "Cinderella's Enchanted Ball" this summer, the tournament's cancellation was a disappointing set-back for the drive to fund the cash-strapped youth service department.
According to Recreation Director Christine DelRossi, her duties at this summer's parks program prevented from giving her undivided attention to the tournament, although various town volunteers made a gallant effort at bringing the golf event to fruition.
"I only had 24 people who were paid to play. I needed about 100," said DelRossi. "I ended up losing $500 because I had to put down a deposit. So I'm a little disappointed, because I'm a penny-pinching person and that's just like letting $500 go out in the wind."
"I just didn't have enough time to advertise and put the word out. I knew I wouldn't to begin with, but other people who were supposed to help also didn't have the time," DelRossi remarked, thanking those who labored for the fundraiser.
Despite the cancellation, both DelRossi and Selectman George Seibold - who originally suggested that a golf-tournament be held to raise money for the zero-funded office - vowed to work twice as hard during the next few months to ensure that the event can be held in the spring.
"Definitely. We're going to get the tournament going in the spring. I think it's going to work," said a determined Seibold, when asked if he planned to tackle the fundraiser again.
Remaining upbeat about the efforts to fund the Recreation Department through private donations - which have totaled at least $10,000 to date - the municipal employee recalled numerous instances of citizen generosity.
From local businessman Alan Melkonian paying $100 for a slush at Town Day, to Morash's immensely successful children's production, even the cancelled Golf Tournament brought in a number of donors willing to help - despite the outcome of the event.
"I really thank them for their interest in helping the Recreation Department. I'm very grateful," said DelRossi, saying Stoneham Youth Softball, Stoneham Little League, Attorney Charlie Houghton, and the Stoneham Fire and Police Associations donated close to $1500 for the tournament.
Perhaps the most successful event to date, Morash presented a $6048 to the Selectmen recently from the "Cinderella's Enchanted Ball" production last July. According to the Stoneham resident, who sang the National Anthem during the town's Memorial Day parade and has been a regular contributor and fundraiser for the Stoneham Police Department, the production raised a total amount exceeding $7000.
Estimating that over 100 citizens from Stoneham and beyond volunteered for the effort, Morash encouraged the Selectmen to lobby for additional events, as the activism leaves residents with a positive feeling instead of a depressing state of melancholy over Stoneham's hurting financial picture.
According to both Seibold and DelRossi, the next opportunity for residents to help the Recreation Department will be on this Oct. 26, when Texas Hold'em fanatics can test their skills at a local tournament.
Looking for event participants and volunteers, the rookie Selectman is also hoping a non-profit organization will offer a forum for the October event. According to DelRossi, any interested citizens can contact her in Town Hall at 781-279-2630.
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