The Howard/Suamico Optimist Community Foundation donated $1,000.00 to the Duck Creek Pop Warner Football Organization to purchase an AED Unit in “Memory” of John Blazei. John suffered a fatal heart attack last year. He was a Charter Member and has been part of our Optimist Family for 40 years. He was extremely involved in the Community. Upon his death he donated a large sum of money to the Howard/Suamico Optimist Community Foundation. Annually, the Committee donates some of these funds to Youth Programs or wherever we see a need in our Community.
The Committee agreed that donating some of these funds for an AED would have been something that John would have approved of. He was a Member of the Foundation Committee and his Daughter, Barb Erlandson, proudly stepped into his position. The DCPW trailer houses all of the equipment for the football teams as well as the donated AED unit that is proudly displayed for “quick” access on the inside wall. The trailer also has a pop up scoreboard on the top that will display the scores at all the games. I can’t tell you how many times Pat Hockers (Pop Warner Coach) has come up to me and expressed the gratitude on behalf of “all” the Parents, Players, Staff, Volunteers etc that will benefit from our Community Service and acts of kindness. And what a wonderful way to continue the Legacy of such a wonderful man. Coach Hockers had a recent heart attack and realized how beneficial it would be to have an AED Unit on site for the Children, Parents, Grandparents etc. in the event of an emergency.
We are meeting at Idlewild Park on Saturday September 13 to do a ceremonial presentation of the check that was donated to purchase the AED unit for the trailer and also provide some exposure on the continued Community support from the Howard/Suamico Optimist Club and Howard/Suamico Optimist Community Foundation .
A little History on the Duck Creek Pop Warner Football:
Serving all children in the community and surrounding areas such as: Howard, Suamico, Seymour, Pulaski, Oconto, Oconto Falls, Krakow, Little Suamico, Abrams, Sobieski, Sampson, Anston, Kunesh, Hobart, Oneida or Pittsfield. Duck Creek Warner Football is committed to teach the concept of good sportsmanship, fair play and team work while providing a safe environment for the area youth to learn the fundamentals of football. Success in the classroom is equally important as any type of victory on the field.
Thank you “all” for your continued support and helping to make a difference in the lives of our Children and this Community! Hopefully this AED Unit will never be used but if needed, it could save a Life someday. Please join us on September 13 from 10:00-10:30AM at Idlewild Park to help continue the Legacy of John.