Brewster Sports Foundation raises funds for school fields
By Marcela Rojas • The Journal News • February 14, 2008

The Brewster Sports Foundation netted $70,000 toward its Fields of Dreams campaign at the first of what is to be an annual fundraiser last weekend, attended by several sports celebrities.

"It's overwhelming the gratitude we have to the community for coming out and supporting it and being as generous as they were," said foundation President Jim Hogan.

The parent-driven initiative began a year and a half ago for athletic fields to the Brewster schools. The goal is to raise $1 million by June 30 and to install an Astro Turf field at Brewster High School this summer. That money would be matched by a grant from the CV Starr Foundation, Hogan said.

The campaign has raised $300,000, Hogan said.

"It's very difficult for the Brewster sports programs to compete in Section 1 without a turf field," Hogan said. "Brewster is the only school district in Putnam County that doesn't have turf."

Saturday night's event, held at the Starr Ridge Banquet and Conference Center in Southeast, brought in 240 people. Four retired athletes made appearances, including former heavyweight boxer Gerry Cooney; Wesley Walker, former wide receiver for the Jets; Karl Nelson, former tackle for the Giants; and Billy Sample, a former Yankees outfielder.

Developer Paul Camarda also delivered $25,000 of the $100,000 he pledged toward the campaign that night, Hogan said.

Reach Marcela Rojas at mrojas@lohud.com or 845-228-2271.