Community Effort Underway to Salvage Seaford MS Winter and Spring Sports

A widespread community effort is now underway in Seaford to salvage the winter and spring middle school sports seasons after they were cut from the budget. 

After Seaford’s proposed $55.2 million budget on May 17, $329,623 was slashed for a vote on a revised spending plan, which was also a month later putting the district on for the first time in six years. Among these cuts were $141,000 to athletics which as a result means only the sports fall season will be funded. Parents and other community members are now in the process of raising funds to salvage the winter and spring seasons.

“We want the community to rally at this time and come together to benefit the kids,” said Alice A. Soliwoda, who along with Kathy Lemere is chairing a collection box committee raising funds to salvage winter and spring middle school athletics. “Sports are a critical part of every child's education.”

Seaford Superintendent Brian Conboy said during a school board meeting last month that necessary funds for middle school sports need to be raised prior to each season. The winter season is scheduled to begin in November while middle school spring sports starts practice in March. Some of the boys and girls sports that would be retained at Seaford Middle School if enough funding can be raised include basketball, lacrosse, baseball and softball.

Among the upcoming fundraisers planned to save Seaford Middle School winter and spring sports is a benefit this Thursday evening being organized by Stacy DeNatalie of Pampered Chef. The fundraiser is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on 2171 Paddock Rd., Seaford and will feature a live kitchen show.

A bowling fundraiser is also scheduled for Aug. 17 on behalf of saving Seaford Middle school winter and spring sports. The Aug. 17 benefit will take place from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at 300 Long Island Bowling on 895 Walt Whitman Rd., Melville and will feature two hours of unlimited bowling, show rental, pizza and soda for $25.

Organizers behind the effort to save Seaford Middle School winter and spring sports are also trying to get the word out online through a new website and facebook page. Organizers of the group Save Seaford Sports are also seeking volunteers to help out on a Restaurant Week Committee that will be calling and visiting local establishments to see if they are interested in supporting their fundraising efforts. An e-mail has also been distributed asking for volunteers to go door to door gathering donations.

One local business getting behind the Seaford sports fundraising effort is Brooklyn Square Pizza on 3620 Merrick Rd., which is donating a portion of its proceeds on Aug. 15 to the cause. Other establishments in both Seaford and neighboring Wantagh are also allowing green donation boxes to be places within the business.

“We can't sit idly by while our students are deprived of the chance to participate and compete,” said Soliwoda. “Now is the time for the community to rally behind these fund-raising efforts.”