News

CAF is a group worth supporting

To the editor:

Following years of field shortages and game cancellations due to poorly draining fields in Chatham, a group of concerned parents banded together to initiate a private fundraising effort to improve fields in the Chathams, thereby establishing the Chatham Athletic Foundation

Many went into this endeavor thinking the fund-raising would be the difficult part, but in fact the CAF ran into some unexpected opposition. The Board of Trustees worked tirelessly to address the valid concerns of some very vocal residents, attending numerous meetings with the community and local governments. The board members gave up many dinners at home with their families (not to mention daytime hours that probably should have been devoted to their "real" jobs) to help work through these issues. They ultimately succeeded, as evidenced by the new turf field at Lum Avenue and the beautiful fencing that surrounds it.

They fought to improve the fields not just for their own kids; not just for the sports they themselves are passionate about; but rather, for the entire community, current and future. For this, we'd like to offer the Board of Trustees of Chatham Athletic Foundation a big THANK YOU. Headed by Tom Winter, those board members include Adam Acone, Bob Budlow, Rich Connors, Tom Fox, Tony Lind, Jim Lonergan, Russ Pierce, Rob Raiola, Steve Reed, Todd Rogers and Karl Schmidt.

The CAF has other worthwhile projects they would like to fund. Please support their efforts by attending the 2nd Annual CAF Gala to be held on Sept. 28 at the Madison Hotel. If it is anything like last year's inaugural gala, it is guaranteed to be a first class blow-out! Check out the many other ways you can support the CAF by going to their website at www.chathamathleticfoundation.org.

Sharon and Jack Knightly

© 2011 Chatham Athletic Foundation

Email: theboard@chathamathleticfoundation.org