This past Saturday was a special day for HAA basketball. Teams from third though eighth grade gathered at Bromfield to play their final games of the season, and at the same time raised money for the Peterson Family Support Fund. Our community showed its true colors as numerous families came together in an incredible show of support for the Petersons, who lost their daughter, Jessie to a tragic accident March 14.
With only one week to plan the event, we were amazed at the enthusiasm that took hold. HAA coaches Bob Thurston, Clark Siddiqui, Tom Aciu-kewicz, Matt Flanagan, and Rolf vandeVaart all worked together to make the event happen. Many others volunteered their time throughout the day, or came by simply to watch the jamboree, make a donation, and join the community spirit for the Petersons.
Snacks and baked goods were sold all day, as well as tickets for a silent auction prize of a guided half-day whitewater raft trip in Vermont, donated by David Cudmore, owner of Still River Outfitters of Bolton. Another significant donation was delivered by Sam Pierce on behalf of Bolton Youth Basketball. We were humbled by the tremendous show of support for the event, showing that our towns can be competitive on the field but equally caring in the efforts to remember such a fine young student as Jessie.
We would like to thank the many people who made the day special: all of the families who contributed food and drinks to the bake sale and to Alison Flanagan, Charlene vandeVaart, Stu Sklar, Deb Pierce, Amy Jackson, and Maggie Green for helping to staff the sale table and take donations throughout the day. Special thanks to Bromfield Coaches Tom Hill and Kate Maki for tirelessly officiating at the jamboree.
Those who would like to donate to the Peterson Family Support Fund are invited to visit www.petersonfamilysupport.com, as online donations will be accepted in the near future.
Jon Green and Ed Frackiewicz
Jamboree organizers
