The Viking Pride Foundation is gearing up for its second annual fundraiser.
Riding high after the success of its first-ever concert fundraiser featuring Tavares, the Foundation will host a concert at Miller Field on Saturday, August 6 with Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes as the headliner and Evelyn “Champagne†King as the opening act.
“Last year we had about 800 people and everyone has a fantastic time so we’re hoping to get an even bigger turnout and I’m sure everyone will have a great time again,†said Vincent Crossman, Viking Pride chairman.
Crossman and the committee consisting of Mark D’Ambrosio, Robert Deeb, Richard Fucillo, Cathie Gallivan, Scott Kinsella, Trucy Macero, Vasili Mallios, Al Petrilli, Stefano Spinali, Chris Tsiotos, and Angelo Vigliotta have been planning the event for the past year.
The committee will be selling tickets in French Square this Saturday (July 30) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the concert.
Crossman said a large concert stage will be set up on Miller Field. There will be food items available for purchase from local vendors. Guests have a choice of VIP seating ($50 per ticket) on the field or general admission ($20) seating in the bleachers.
“If we can get 1,000 people for the event, it would be great for the school system,†said Crossman, noting that the event raised $25,000 last year. “All proceeds go to Viking Pride which in turn goes right to the kids.â€
A 1997 graduate of Winthrop High School, Crossman has been chairman of Viking Pride for the past two years.
“We have a lot of community support and we’ve done a lot of good things for the kids,†said Crossman. “Our school bus program is proceeding smoothly and it’s saving the school system about $30,000 a year.â€
The Viking Pride Foundation was founded in February, 2004. Richard Fucillo was its first chairman and the charter board members included Chris Tsiotos, Nick Tsiotos, Al Petrilli, Bob Deeb, and Gus Martucci. Since that time, the Foundation has donated more than $600,000 to the Winthrop school system.
Last year the Foundation made a donation of $50,000 toward the reduction of athletic user fees.
(In addition to Saturday’s ticket-selling event in French Square, people may purchase tickets at Luna Boutique and Christopher’s Flowers).