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Sports

Community Rallies Around Hilltopper Football Team

The Summit Football Boosters hosted a social event to raise money to offset costs of end-of-the-season banquet

NEW PROVIDENCE, N.J.—Shortly after the Hilltoppers finished out their regular season, seemingly the whole town attended the football fundraiser at Creative Wallcoverings & Interiors in New Providence.

The event was spearheaded by the mothers of football captains Matt Rea, Joe Jaskolski, and Kevin McNany.  The whole community pitched in to make the event a success.  Among the attendees were parents, teachers, school administrators, alumni, coaches, the town councilmen, and people who are just fans of the team.

“This is really nice because everyone is excited,” said Judy Rea.  “At the Governor Livingston game there were 4,000 people there.  We haven’t had a game like that in a long time.  It gets the kids excited, it gets all of us excited.  It’s been great.”

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Watching the football team has become a Saturday event for the whole town, not just the families of the players.

“The community has really been talking about the team,” said Sandra Jaskolski.  “This morning at the team breakfast Mayor (Jordan) Glatt and Councilman (elect) (Steve) Murphy came and talked about the team.  The teachers too, have gotten really involved.”

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Newly elected Councilman Steve Murphy was among the attendees and spent the night serving drinks and laughing with everyone.  He smiled as he talked about the honor of being invited to speak at team breakfast.

“Basically the message that was delivered by the mayor was that the community is very proud of what the team has done and they’re on their way to a very, very successful season,” said Murphy.  “I gave the team that message that it really is about teamwork.  It’s watching out for the person next to you and the team as a whole.  And when you have a common goal, collectively, you can do great things.”

Rea, Jaskowski and Denany worked as a team getting donations from the community.  From Bella Luna food and Starbucks coffee at the event to the gift baskets, everyone got involved. Baskets that were donated for the silent auction included signed football from the 2009 Jets, a signed game ball from the 2009 Hilltoppers, tickets to a Rutgers football game from Investors Savings Bank, brunch for two at Winberries, and seats on the closed set of Mad Money just to name a few.

How did they manage to get such fabulous donations? 

“We asked, they said yes,” said Susan McNany.  “I thought it this economy it was going to be tough but a lot of people stepped up.  No one said no to us.”

The mothers have managed to organize a great deal this season.  From the team picnic, to a fundraiser at the Elks, to this social they are really feeling the support of the community.  One of the most impressive events they organize is the weekly team breakfast.  It is catered by Town Deli, because high school football players can eat.

“Scrambled eggs, Taylor ham, sliced London broil, French toast, potatoes, bananas, rolls, and Gatorade and water,” laughed McNany.  “And it comes with seconds.  They eat a lot.”

McNany, Rea and Jaskolski stressed that they were not alone.  Not only have all of the other parents really been doing everything they can for the team, the idea for the event actually came from Coach Liberato’s wife, Virginia Liberato.

“Gary and Rachel Kapner, our owners, have been opening up the space to anyone that needs it for a charity event or to host a meeting,” explained Mrs. Liberato who is one of the interior decorators at Creative.  “Just because we have this great new space now and they like the idea of being able to help whoever needs it.  So when realized that we needed money for the football team I suggested the idea of having the fundraiser here.”

All of the money from the event goes toward the end of the season team banquet.  It will help offset the cost of attendance as well as the cost of the senior gifts.

“We have 25 seniors,” said Coach John Liberato, “which is the most we’ve ever had. And what we like to do is get each of the seniors an action shot.  A 20x16 framed picture that they can have for their lifetime.”

Also out mingling with everyone were the school administrators. 

“It’s very easy to get behind someone like Coach Liberato and his team,” said Assistant Principal Stacy Grimaldi.  “They bring a great message to the students and they’ve come together as a team.  So it’s very easy for the school, the community, the administration to get behind someone like him.”

One of the greatest parts of an event like this is really seeing the town pull together and support a common cause.

“It’s something that makes Summit unique,” said Coach Liberato, “but more importantly it’s something that makes Summit great.”

The top-seeded Hilltoppers will begin their battle for the state title in the first round of playoffs this Saturday at Metro Homes Field against eighth-seeded Ridgefield Park.

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