News release from Ed Hayward, MHS Lacrosse

More than 50 players from the Milton High School Boys Lacrosse program recently provided more than 225 hours of service to families, neighbors and friends as part of a spring clean-up project that raised more than $2,000 to support the program.

Varsity Head Coach Ben Midura organized the first-time fundraiser as a way to build team morale, assist Milton residents and raise needed funds to support the program, which fields varsity and junior varsity teams.

The response from players’ families, neighbors and friends exceeded Midura’s expectations for the event, which was held Saturday, March 31. The players spent a rainy and cloudy day raking leaves, spreading mulch and sprucing up more than 30 different properties, including the Milton Council on Aging on Walnut Street.

“The players provided more than 225 hours of service, helping their families, friends and neighbors with annual spring clean-up tasks,” said Midura. “Despite the cold and rainy weather, they put forth a great effort on behalf of the program, spending their Saturday working for the benefit of their community, while helping to raise funds to support the boys lacrosse program at Milton High School. Everyone was sore and tired by the end of the day, but that was well worth the positive impact on the Milton community.”

Midura, a Milton resident, credited his wife, Brie, with suggesting the idea as the two tried to come up with a project that would benefit players, the town and the program. “Brie mentioned it and I ran with it,” said Midura.

Milton High School sports teams are funded by a $250-per-player-per-sport fee, contributions from the Milton High School Boosters and some school department funds. But teams still need to find additional support for uniforms, training gear, equipment and other expenses. Certain types of traditional fundraising activities have been restricted, with a new emphasis placed on projects that promote team building, said Midura.

“The funds raised will go towards expanding the program’s supply of equipment and uniforms,” said Midura. “Teams deserve quality equipment, uniforms and training gear. Community support for events like this one allows us to make purchases that are essential to building and maintaining a successful program.”

Following their assignments, the players gathered at the coach’s home for a cookout. Midura thanked Shelly Gallagher, mother of varsity player Brooks Gallagher, for helping to coordinate the service assignments.

“I want to thank the players for their commitment to the team and the town, as well as all the support we received from parents, who booked the boys to help with those outdoor clean-up tasks that we all have to get done,” said Midura. “This has contributed to getting the season off to a great start.”