News

CAF keeps giving in Chatham
More than $11,000 given to area programs

Tired of hearing the complaints about field conditions and canceled events, a group of Chatham parents had enough and decided to do something about it. The Chatham Athletic Foundation (CAF) started just about two years ago and has already raised close to $400,000 towards its $650,000 goal as well as the completion of a major field project. Now the CAF has announced four grants that will continue to enhance its mission of promoting youth athletic opportunities and educating about sports safety.

This past spring, the CAF set aside $20,000 for grants that would address any needs matching the foundation’s mission. “There was money sitting in the bank waiting for the second field project and we didn’t want it to just sit there,” said Bob Budlow, secretary of CAF. “The residents have been so supportive and so generous that we want to keep the momentum going and fund as many projects as we can.”

Up to $4,000 will be given to the Atlantic Neuroscience Institute's Concussion Center and will create the beginning of a concussion awareness program for all Chatham Recreation kids at least 10 years old. The CAF will pay $3 per child, where the normal rate is $23, for children in the recreation program to receive an ImPACT test, which is a computerized test that sets a baseline for a player. If the player then has a concussion, the baseline test can be used to determine when or if it is safe for the child to play his or her sport again. This program is being run with help from Chatham Township resident Dr. Jack Knightly, who is the program director for the Concussion Center.

The CAF gave the township $2,500 to support the refurbishment of an existing room into a multi-sports recreation room in the township municipal building. This new room will be available for wrestling and baseball and will also free up the main gym space for several sports including football, baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse especially when there is inclement weather.

The recreation wrestling program was given $4,400 for refurbishment of mats to be used in a newly created Mountainview recreation room mentioned above. The fourth grant was given to the girls’ recreation softball program in the amount of $1,500 for a new pitching machine and $500 for supplies.

And there is more to come. “We’ve been working cooperatively with the Athletic Boosters to determine if some grant requests can be funded jointly to allow for larger projects,” said Mr. Budlow. “And we hope that more people will apply for the next round of grants in January 2008.” A description of the grant process and the application requirements can be found on the CAF website at www.chathamathleticfoundation.org .

In the meantime, the CAF will continue its fundraising efforts with the annual CAF Gala scheduled for September 28. “We hope for another great turn out and encourage residents to come out and enjoy an evening of fun and entertainment with friends and neighbors while supporting the critical needs of Chatham’s youth athletics,” said Mr. Budlow. This year’s gala features gourmet Captain’s Stations, open bar, dancing, live and silent auctions and casino-style gaming. Those interested in attending can go to the CAF website, register and pay online.

© 2011 Chatham Athletic Foundation

Email: theboard@chathamathleticfoundation.org