Published: August 04, 2008 11:54 am      

Win car or cash with Greenway fundraiser

CUMBERLAND - For the second year in a row, community members can help the Greenway Avenue Stadium project and have a chance at winning a new vehicle or cash prizes.

"The tickets are on sale now," said Mia Perlozzo, public relations specialist for the Allegany County Board of Education.

The drawing will take place during half-time of the Allegany/Fort Hill homecoming game Nov. 8. The holder of the sixth ticket pulled will be the grand-prize winner, who will have the choice of a 2009 Dodge Journey or $25,000 in cash.

The first ticket pulled will be worth $500; second, $1,000; third, $1,500; fourth, $2,000; and fifth, $2,500.

Last year's raffle netted approximately $30,000 for the stadium project, according to Perlozzo.

In addition, Fort Hill and Allegany student organizations that sold tickets last year received $3,700 from the proceeds.

"I would encourage everyone in the community to purchase a ticket, especially graduates of Fort Hill and Allegany; they could purchase tickets individually or as a class, and not only are they contributing to a good cause, they have the chance to win something of value," said Henry Roberson, a member of the Greenway Avenue Stadium Committee.

Tickets cost $50 a piece and are available at Allegany and Fort Hill high schools by calling (301) 777-2570 or (301) 777-8110 and the board central office by calling (301) 759-2092. Tickets are also being sold at Printers Inc. on Virginia Avenue, Christopher Professional Imaging on Oldtown Road and Susquehanna Bank on Baltimore Street.

A total of $7 million is needed for the entire stadium renovation project.

The stadium committee has raised $380,000 and the Allegany County Board of Education has designated $1 million toward the project. The county commissioners have agreed to contribute $400,000 in state Program Open Space funds. A $50,000 state bond bill has been obtained and $150,000 is available in the stadium fund, according to Perlozzo.

A variety of stadium naming opportunities that range in price from $500 for a name on a seat to $1 million for a name on the front of the stadium are still available.

Removal of the old field turf has been completed. Installation of the new surface should be complete by the end of the month, according to board facilities director Vince Montana. The new turf has been purchased from Field Turf, which has made improvements from the old material and now guarantees the product for 10 years rather than seven. The old turf was in place for 10 years.

The new turf will have alternating light and dark green stripes every 20 yards. All lines and field markings will be in-laid to eliminate the need for paint.

Workers also have begun construction of a concrete curb around the field.

For more information, call Perlozzo at (301) 759-2092.

Contact Jennifer Raley at jraley@times-news.com.