Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
‘Sopranos’ star hosts Meadow’s Movement
BOCA RATON — Living in Long Island in 1999, a Sunday night staple for Andrew Pollack included watching HBO’s hit show “The Sopranos.”
One of the breakout stars from the series was JamieLynn Sigler, who played Meadow Soprano, the teenage daughter of mob boss Tony Soprano. The name, Meadow, resonated so much with Pollack that he named his daughter after her.
On Saturday, Sigler traveled to South Florida to host a fundraiser for Pollack, whose daughter in the mass shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School. One of the 17 victims from the Feb. 14 attack, Meadow was 18.
“When you witness the tragedy they had to go through, you want to be involved and you want to feel like you can offer anything,” Sigler said. “By sharing the namesake with this beauti“It ful soul that was lost makes a difference and I’m happy to be here.
“No parent should ever have to lose a child. I lost a brother two years ago, and to see what my parents went through — it’s unfair. To see the way Andrew has taken such strength and power in his daughter’s name to fight for is just beautiful.”
Hosted by WISH Boca, more than 200 people attended the “Meadow’s Movement” fundraiser, which included food, drinks, music and a raffle at the two-story Mizner lounge. A group of Stoneman Douglas students performed their hit song “Shine” during the event.
Proceeds will go toward building a playground in Meadow’s memory. While they haven’t finalized a date for breaking ground, the playground will be in Coral Springs at Betti Stradling Park.
Since the shooting, Pollack has been a prominent advocate in his quest to improve school security.
really means so much for all these people to come out and support what I want to do,” Pollack said. “And that’s about school safety. We want to keep our kids safe and our teachers safe.”
WISH Boca owners Joe and Lisa Valkow became close with Pollack after the shooting and said they wanted to do anything they could to help.
“My son was in the freshman building [during the shooting],” Joe said. “I don’t think I’ve ever been inspired the way [Pollack] inspired me. He really just wants to see kids safe and he touched us in a way I didn’t think [was possible].”
Pollack plans to hold another fundraiser later in the month. On May 27, Pollack will host “Ride for Meadow,” in which motorcycle riders will travel up A1A from Pompano Beach to Fort Lauderdale’s 27 Bar and Lounge.