The burgers and music were both fantastic, but it was the many Sachem track and Tom Toscano supporters coming together that made the June 29 barbecue and fundraiser so special.
Hosted by Irish Times Restaurant and sponsored by Asics NY, the list of special guests was impressive. Tom’s wife, Jessie, was there, as were Foundation Principals Guy Nicosia and Scott MacDonell. Sayville legend and fellow Rutgers Alumni Pat Gubbins, retired educator Ellen Burke, East Coach Dan Schaub, and countless other Alumni and Friends joined current team members and their families to add to the festivities.
Former New York City Marathon Champion Gary Muhrcke of Asics NY donated 40 pair of Asics Running shoes and New York State Blues Hall of Fame inductee Tommy Keys, Chris Visco and Pete McNeill, and Buoy 34 provided the musical entertainment. Amongst the many raffle prizes that were given out was official USA Team Gear donated by Alumnus and Olympian Maria Michta, who won her 5th consecutive US Championship just one day earlier. Mike Schimmoller, former Head Groundsman for Sachem Schools, was the lucky- but deserving- winner!
Funds raised will go towards various Sachem Track program supplement expenses, with Cross Country Camp assistance the main focus of this particular fundraising event. Last year the Foundation donated $ 3000 to Sachem Scholar-Athlete Alumni that were fighting cancer- the terrible disease that took Sachem Coach and Administrator Tom Toscanos’ life. The Foundation continues his good deeds in many ways and this event certainly was a true celebration of Tom Toscano and his legacy.