The Martha’s Vineyard Youth Football (MVYF) team will hold a benefit pasta dinner at 5 pm, Thursday, Oct. 29, at VFW Post 9261 on Towanticut Avenue in Oak Bluffs.
The event is part of a season-long MVYF campaign, Touchdowns for the Troops, designed to raise funds for and awareness of the needs of returning Island members of the armed services. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children.
Steve Quinn, head coach of the 31-player MVYF team, which also features a cheerleading squad, came up with the concept. Mr. Quinn developed a pledge program in which individuals and local businesses pledge donations based on points scored by the team during the 2015 season.
To date, the team’s on- and off-the-field effort has raised about $2,000, with one game and the Oct. 29 dinner remaining. The funds will be distributed by VFW Post 9261, working with Island veteran’s agent Jo Ann Murphy.
Final results will be announced at the dinner.
“A lot of people and businesses have made donations, and we can’t thank Rick Mello of Martha’s Vineyard Screenprinting Co. enough for his help in providing jackets, T shirts, and materials for the team and the fundraising,“ Zeke Vought, MVYF coach, said.
“The kids have really enjoyed this,” Mr. Vought said. “We’ve scored 19 points in three games. We haven’t won yet, but it’s great to see kids, many of whom haven’t played football before, embrace the sport.”