DERBY – Anyone looking to take a break from cooking and support a worthy cause for Derby kids at the same time, can make tracks to McDonald’s on Division Street Aug. 21.
An “End of Summer Party Night” fundraising event will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 21. at McDonald’s, 44 Division St. During the three-hour event, 15 percent of all drive-through, dine-in and delivery orders will benefit the Bradley School Playground Project.
Parent Eric Lazowski and his wife, Heather, have been spearheading a grassroots effort to replace the 30-year old playground at the elementary school. Over the past year, more than $22,000 has been raised through donations and fundraising events, according to Lazowski.
“We’re having a party at McDonald’s, and all are welcome to come,” Lazowski told the Valley Indy. “It’s a great way to end the summer and get ready for the next school year. Let your kitchen have a rest for the night and come help our kids have a good time and work towards our new playground, so kids of the future will have a new and safe place to play.”
Lazowski said his family, some parents and several current Bradley School students and alumni will volunteer their time to greet customers and help serve food. The event will also feature a DJ, games, toys for kids and more.
Lazowski credited McDonald’s owner Scott Facey, who also owns the McDonald’s on Route 34 across town in Derby, for stepping up to help.
“He told me wanted to get more involved with Derby, the playground project and all Derby schools overall,” Lazowski said, adding another fundraiser was held at McDonald’s this past spring to benefit Irving School.
Lazowski and his wife launched the fundraising effort last October. As a Bradley School alumni, Lazowski said he remembers the current playground being built when he was a student there some 30 years ago.
Lazowski said the existing playground is outdated and in need of maintenance. While the playground is still being used by students, Lazowski said some equipment had previously been removed for safety reasons. He envisions a new playground to include a zipline, along with some beloved classics including bridges, slides, tire swings, money bars, a rock wall and ADA compliant swing for disabled children.
Lazowski initially said the fundraising goal for a new playground would be $100,000 after he spoke with one contractor for an estimate. He since said he’s spoken with several other vendors, and the fundraising goal has been upped to $200,000 to better reflect the safety features and other equipment he’d like to see in a new, modern playground for kids.
“We’ve got a ways to go,” Lazowski said.
Lazowski said in addition to fundraisers, he’s working with city officials in trying to secure state grant money. Linda Fusco, Derby’s chief of staff, said she is pursuing some leads on available grants. Fusco also said Derby Public Works offered to remove the old playground when the time comes, clean up the grounds, add wood chips and prepare the area for the new playground. Lazowski said the in-kind services from the city would save about $10,000.
Some donations that have rolled in for the project, to date, have included $6,000 from a previous McDonald’s fundraiser, $4,000 in proceeds collected at Splash Car Wash during its grand opening earlier this year, a $1,000 donation from the Derby Paraeducator’s union and $700 from the public at large, when Lazowski set up a table about the project outside A.M. Bagel.
Looking ahead, Lazowski said another fundraising event is being planned for November 9. He’s teaming up a second time with the Bridgeport Islanders for a hockey night, similar to a fundraiser Lazowski organized last year with the team. More information about where to purchase tickets will be coming soon, Lazowski said, and will be updated on the group’s Facebook page and website.
Anyone interested in making a donation to the Bradley School Playground Project can visit this link to donate.
Information and updates about the project can be found on Facebook.
For more information, contact Lazowski at bradleyplayground@gmail.com
