Viking Pride at $750,000 Mark Large Donation Milestone

The numbers are simply astounding in our news story that the Viking Pride Foundation — an organization that was started to help students with athletic user fees — has reached the $750,000 mark in donations to our town. That’s right: Three-quarters of a million dollars. It’s hard to believe that there is a town anywhere of Winthrop’s size and socio-economic makeup that can match such a remarkable total of contributions for the betterment of our community.

The Viking Pride Foundation has positively affected many lives in our town, but notably it has greatly advanced the athletic and academic experiences of our students. Their bold decision to purchase four buses for the schools has turned out to be an outstanding one and has resulted in annual savings and opportunities for our children. Every student who has gone on a field trip via one of the town’s buses owes VPF a thank you for their generosity and foresight. More than a few people have commented how impressive a sight it is when a Winthrop teams pulls up to an opposing venue in a new Viking Blue bus.

When other communities (such as Gloucester) launch their own fundraising groups, they contact Viking Pride officers, who have set the standard of excellence for such organizations, for advice.

When you attend a Winthrop High basketball game this season, you’ll see a brand new basketball court that Viking Pride helped make possible with a sizable donation. It is but one of the many noble deeds Viking Pride has done for the benefit of our students and townspeople.

We thank founder Richard Fucillo, past Chairman Al Petrilli, current chairman Vincent Crossman, and all the VPF board members for making so many great things possible with their volunteers’ effort, ingenuity, vision, and generosity.

And we can’t wait for the next major fundraising event which always is top-notch, fun, and well attended. (We remember the incredible performance two years ago by Evelyn “Champagne” King who truly brought her ‘A’ game to Miller Field and wowed the crowd, especially when she performed her No. 1 hit, “Shame.” If that didn’t bring you chills and a turning back of the clock to the disco years of the late 1970s, then nothing will.)

Congratulations to Viking Pride on a tremendous milestone in its history. We know we join with all residents in thanking you for all that you have done for our town.