Foundation steps up for basketball team

SANDUSKY — On Tuesday, coinciding with an important date for a local foundation, area residents provided a major assist to the Sandusky Blue Streaks boys basketball team. Those affiliated with the Friends of 2083 Foundation donated $5,000 to Sandusky's athletics program. All funds aim to offset travel-related expenses incurred by team personnel coming up this weekend. More specifically, the money will cover costs for: • A charter bus for the cheerleaders • Overnight lodging for the boys team • Dinner for team personnel • Other incidentals "The generosity of The Friends of 2083 Foundation has enabled the Sandusky High School basketball players, coaches and cheerleaders the opportunity to travel a great distance in comfort," Sandusky's interim athletic director Steve Camella said. "We have embarked on a historic weekend for our athletes and student body. This helps to make it more memorable." Following their win this past weekend against Lima Shawnee — a Division III regional championship — the Blue Streaks advanced in the tournament, reaching their first-ever final four. Sandusky plays No. 2 Cincinnati Aiken in a state semifinal contest at 3 p.m. Sunday at Wright State University in Dayton. But what about the actual players? How will they get to and from Dayton? Just like this past week, Firelands Health will, once again, pay for a charter bus to take players to and from the game site. "It is a historic run, and we are proud to support our hometown team," Firelands CEO Jeremy Normington-Slay said. "We have many Sandusky alums and parents at Firelands Health, and this team means a great deal to all in the Sandusky community." Additionally, according to Robert Sartor, the school's assistant athletic director, he noted how "Sandusky fans and supporters — and even rival team supporters — have contributed over $1,000 toward student tickets to the game." "The pep club will receive a trip to the game, a meal and a T-shirt," he said. "We currently have three full buses (of students) taking the trip down to Wright State. This should be a great experience for everyone involved." Facts on the foundation Greg Hall, an Erie County Sheriff's Office deputy, serves as the foundation's president. He receives help from fellow board members: Joe Lamb, Justin Dority, Matt Dunn and Ken Rankins. Hall provided some information on his foundation and why it made the donation to Sandusky High School: • The donation: "Our foundation made the donation to support and relieve any financial hurdles the Sandusky High School basketball team may face. Hopefully, this will allow them to focus on the task at hand and represent our community to the best of their ability. And we are blessed to be able to support them in Andrew S. Dunn's name." Note: Dunn, 30, died in a shooting on March 19, 2011, while on patrol. He was the first city officer to die in the line of duty in more than a century and the first killed by gunfire. The No. 2083 represents his badge number. • The purpose: "The Friends of 2083 Foundation supports numerous community events and teams throughout Erie County. Our logo is Andy's badge with wings on it." • The significance: "It is significant because Andy was a 1999 Sandusky High School graduate and a city of Sandusky police officer when his life was taken from him on March 19, 2011. Andy was very proud of his school and community. This is our way to keep his name and legacy alive within our community." • The donation date: Tuesday was "bittersweet as it was Andy's birthday, March 11, and his end of watch being March 19, 2011." • The hope: "Our goal is to help our community and help support the Sandusky Career Center's police academy where Andy attended. We have supported the police academy for several years with updated training gear and equipment, which allows our cadets to have the most up-to-date training. We also fully support the Andrew S. Dunn Scholarship Fund through the Sandusky Career Center Police Academy." • The appreciation: "All of this is only possible because of this amazing community. The generosity of the businesses and citizens supporting our foundation allows us to provide these types of donations."