Gerald Neal memorial project nears goal
KINGSTON, N.Y.
>> More than two-thirds of the money needed for the Gerald W. Neal Memorial Basketball Court Project has been raised, but the push is on to reach the target.
Dedication of the resurfaced basketball court and a commemorative monument/plaque at the Rosendale Recreation Center will be near the end of October.
To date, $8,675.53 has been raised toward the goal of $12,000.
Neal, a beloved member of the school community, was involved in crisis interventions such as suicide, domestic violence and runaways and gave guidance to fresh-
men that led to a Senior/ Freshman mentor program. He died in 2001.
The funds are to be used for the plaque, to resurface the outdoor court, replace nets and hoop hooks, paint the players’ bench and provide new balls.
Five percent of all proceeds will be allocated to the American Lung Association’s Open Airways for Schools program. Neal was diagnosed with Asthma at age 5. Although he strugged with Asthma attacks, he played junior varsity and varsity basketball at Rondout Valley High. He graduated in 2000.
Donation checks may be made in person at any Rondout Savings Bank branch office where a memorial bank account has been established.
Checks can be sent to: Gerald W. Neal Memorial Basketball Court Project, c/o Rondout Savings Bank, 130 Schwenk Drive, Kingston, N.Y. 12401.
Donation levels are double platinum ($1,000), platinum ($700), gold ($250), brass ($150) and copper ($75 or other).
For more information, contact Terri Gittens, Project President and Neal’s mother, at (845) 687-7772 or at gittensst@yahoo.com