Port Washington Lacrosse Helps Others

BY: John Crawley

Port Washington Varsity and JV boys lacrosse – led by Head Coach Tom Rooney and Coaches Issac Neal, Henry Stanziale and Jared Le Verne – have transformed this group of boys into a dedicated, conscientious lacrosse team.

The team's recent fundraising initiative is dual purposed. It provides
an affordable spring trip and create acomprehensive lacrosse community. School teams have a unique connection to a community that disconnected travel venues cannot offer.

The Vikings celebrate this via their community campaign to help local business and create a more vibrant Main Street. Players want to give back to Port Washington by frequenting successful businesses that are here. Although the team recently raised $1,300 dollars for Long Beach Lacrosse (Sandy Relief), the heart of their program is the Nicholas Center for Autism. The Nicholas Center creates real opportunities for young adults with autism. The Center for Autism is a life-skills center that is dedicated to fostering skills that lead to fuller, more independent lives. This inspires the team of gifted athletes to do
what they can to help those who cannot.

In a few short months the following businesses partnered with our vision: Bayles Garden Center for its pumpkin sale, Main Street Bakery for its pie
sale, and currently Lou Babs & Moogs is helping with the candle sale. Other businesses, including Pig Pen Design, Vikis Gourmet Foods, Om Sweet
Om, Arena Graphics and Pablo Flecher of V.I.P. Pools, helped the team
during its fundraising campaign. The Vikings (shown) gave a $500.00 gift to the Nicholas center to acknowledge all of their hard work.

Another highlight of the season includes meeting North Hempstead Councilwoman Dina DeGiorgio.