Unique yard sale kicks off cheerleaders' fundraising for bowl game trip

TALENTED TRIO: Victoria Calabro, center, demonstrates a routine while standing atop a one-person trampoline that she and the Johnston High cheerleaders had on sale during Saturday’s yard sale. Calabro is flanked by Keely Fowler, left, and Gabby Spina.

Johnston Sun Rise photos by Pete Fontaine

SUPER SIX: The Johnston High School cheerleaders’ first-ever yard sale was so unique Saturday, they even sold items like a scarecrow in hopes of raining money for their upcoming trip to the nationally televised Gator Bowl n Jacksonville, Fla. The girls are, from left, Paige Grenkiewicz, Madison Paolucci, Veronica L. Sloane, Fallon Davis and Sophia Ferrario.

CAPTAIN’S CREW: Cheerleader co-captain and senior Taylor Russo, center, stands behind three different sets of golf clubs and bags she and teammates Lauren Petrozzi, left, and Adriana DiNobile sold during Saturday’s unique sale.

Posted Thursday, August 14, 2014 2:13 pm

Pete Fontaine

There was a rather unusual and unique yard sale Saturday in Johnston.

When they weren’t greeting and helping shoppers, adults sat in sand chairs soaking up the morning’s sparkling sun. Meanwhile, 11 teenagers – who were dressed in matching garb – scooted swiftly about, helping set up items like a one-person trampoline and a myriad of clothing.

It may have been something out of central casting, a preview of sorts for those 11 energetic teens and their teammates who will – if events like Saturday’s yard sale are successful – be in front of national television cameras on Jan. 2.

For starters, the young girls ranging from freshmen to seniors make up the Johnston High School football and basketball cheerleading squads.

And because of their efforts both on and off the field and court, as well as in school and in the community, the cheerleaders have been selected to participate in the nationally-televised halftime show of the 2015 Taxpayer Gator Bowl that will be televised live from EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Fla., on Friday, Jan. 2 on ESPN. Kickoff is 3:20 p.m.

To say that excitement is running rampant among the girls on coach Sue Parillo’s squad would be an understatement.

However, there’s just one catch. The squad’s selection to participate in the prestigious college football bowl game comes with a high price, as the girls have to raise money for their flight, hotel and other expenses connected with the trip.

And that’s why ladies like Cynthia Rotondo and other parents worked Saturday for hours to begin what those connected with the group hope will be a successful fundraising campaign.

“Our budget is about $1,500 for a cheerleader and chaperone,” Rotondo said. “It’s steep, but we’re going to work real, real hard in hopes of getting the girls to Florida.”

Each and every one of the items on sale Saturday was donated especially for the day’s fundraiser. It was a special start, if for no other reason than the event enabled the cheerleaders to showcase what they’ll tell you is “Panther Pride” – an extraordinary trait that the girls hope will carry Parillo’s Pack all the way to Florida.

“The expense of the trip is unfortunately put on to each squad member,” Parillo explained. “We would sincerely appreciate your consideration of being a sponsor that will be directly routed through this public school affiliated account.”

Anyone who’d like to donate to the JHS Cheerleaders should make checks payable to the JHS Football Boosters and send them to Parillo, 24 Jasmine Lane, Johnston, RI 02919.