Athletic Foundation Fundraiser Expected to Draw Hundreds

An organization that works to improve K-8 athletics in the Chathams is holding an outdoor fundraising party this month after a similar event a year ago proved successful.

The Chatham Athletic Foundation's Septemberfest was held outdoors under tents at Firehouse Plaza last year. Previous gatherings had been held at the Madison Hotel.

It turned out the less formal fundraiser "was a hit," Chatham Athletic Foundation President Paul Ivans said. "People loved it."

The band was great and attendees danced into the morning.

Around 400 people attended last year's event and organizers are anticipating a bigger turnout this year.

Septemberfest is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 28, from 7 p.m. to midnight. 

The event is for adults over 21 and includes auctions, food, an open bar and live music. Tickets are $125.

Safe rides are available for attendees who drink. Auctions will include Disney trips, an on-field sideline experience at a New York Giants game, and a Jim Cramer/Mad Money TV show experience. Golf and spa packages, sporting event tickets and memorabilia, and theme baskets also will be up for bid.

Ivans thanked the Chatham Borough Council and police and fire departments for their support, as well as the hundreds of benefactors who support the foundation, which has funded large-scale field redevelopment projects at Lum and Shunpike fields, and awards smaller grants to individual team, club and Chatham Recreation sports. Recent grants have been awarded for the creation of a lacrosse wall at Lum Field, renovations to the Chatham Skate Park, and Chatham Girls Field Hockey program.  

To register for Septemberfest tickets or for more information visit www.chathamathleticfoundation.org.

Businesses interested in Septemberfest 2013 sponsorship opportunities can contact Melissa Crouse at 862-206-9464 or melissacrouse@yahoo.com