“I hope our offensive unit gains as much momentum as our raffle,” Ted Nelson, one of several Johnston High Football fans who’s coordinating the Thursday, Sept. 15 Friday Night Lights Fundraiser, was saying while showing off a wine basket. “We are working hard to have lots of prizes on hand.”
To date, Nelson – along with football folks like one-time Panther star Tony Cimaglia and Al Pennacchia – have devised a “playbook” they say will hopefully bring in some serious dollars to help support the Panthers’ program both this year and in the future.
For starters, the Friday Night Lights Fundraiser will be held at The Last Resort Restaurant, Bar and Recreation Center (401-349-3500) located at 325 Farnum Pike in Smithfield. Tickets have been priced at $25 and include food and wine tasting.
Moreover, the night will feature what Nelson said will be “victory cigars” and a cash bar for those Panthers promoters “who are of age and want to enjoy a beverage.”
The volunteer committee has two goals in mind, the first being to increase Panther Pride for the 2016 JHS football season, and second to ensure that Head Coach Joe Acciardo can have the necessary funds for equipment and technology that is not covered by the athletic department budget.
Perhaps even more important is that Nelson, Cimaglia and Pennacchia have made a plea for parents of all JHS football Panthers who come and have food, fun and fellowship on Sept. 15 and to bring a friend or family member to help support the 2016 campaign.
“This is going to be a great night to support our sons’ football season and program,” Nelson went on. “David DiDonato – who owns and operates The Last Resort – has gone above and beyond in donating the use of his entire facility because he knows the value of what such a fundraiser will mean to the total (JHS) football program.”
The Friday Night Lights Fundraiser will be the second in as many years that Nelson and his committee have hosted, however, as he said the other night during a press briefing: “This year’s event will be bigger and better and hopefully include twice the number of attendees as last time.”
Nelson also emphasized “this event is not just for the men; we want mothers of players … as many people as possible to show their support for the 2016 football team. It’s all about helping to grow the Panthers’ football family.”
People who’d like to attend the Friday Night Lights Football Fundraiser should call Nelson at (401) 338-5446, Cimaglia at (401) 569-2433 or Pennacchia at (401) 654-9224.
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