Joyful, giving, and hopeful are just a few of the words that aptly describe four young Wayland residents who sadly lost their lives way too soon. It seems only fitting to honor and remember their lives by bringing joy into the life of a young person facing a life-threatening medical condition.
So this summer WayCo Amateur Sports Development, Inc. (WASD), is launching a fundraising drive to benefit Make-A-Wish® Massachusetts and Rhode Island in memory of Lauren Astley, Dan Burgess, Eric Chase, and Marina Keegan, who were all under the age of 22 when they passed away.
WayCo is a non-profit organization that brings basketball and softball games to Wayland each summer. It was formed in 2008 to honor Dan Burgess, who with his 19-year-old friends had founded a softball league for young guys in 2007. Typically, WayCo donates raffle proceeds amounting to around $1,000 each year to local organizations, such as Parmenter Food Pantry, athletic teams at the high school, or to local families facing difficult circumstances.
“This year we decided to take on a bigger challenge,” explained Dave Burgess, WASD’s president and Dan’s brother. “I decided this would be WayCo’s goal this summer: to bring joy into the life of a young child or teenager, and Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island seems like the right organization for us to support. This is an organization that brings happiness to lots of kids and their families so it seems like a good fit for us.”
And rather than give in Dan’s name only, the Burgess family decided to remember three other young people. Explains WayCo treasurer Connie Burgess: “Our players have connections to the Astley/Dunne family, to the Chase family, and the Keegans so this is meaningful for them. We wanted to honor Lauren, Eric, and Marina, too, and we want their families to know that we are always thinking of them and remembering their loved ones.”
WayCo is hoping to grant the wish of a child interested in a sports-related wish experience, such as meeting a famous athlete, taking lessons in a specific sport, or attending a sporting event in another city. All of the family’s expenses associated with the wish are covered by Make-A-Wish® Massachusetts and Rhode Island. To help sponsor a child’s wish, WayCo’s goal is to raise close to $4,000.
While that amount is a more ambitious sum than past summers, organizers are optimistic.
“We are asking each player to donate $10 and we’re seeking the support of the local business community,” explained Connie Burgess. “Dave got married in June, and his florist, Blooms of Hope of Belmont, is helping to kick off our effort by donating $600, a portion of the proceeds from the wedding’s floral arrangements. This will get us started, and we’re hoping WayCo families, past and present, will support our efforts.” WayCo is also seeking support from community and business members.
Players who donate are entered into a raffle with prizes including Celtics, Red Sox, and Patriots tickets.
WayCo is working with Make-A-Wish® Massachusetts and Rhode Island, which will be the beneficiary of its fundraising efforts. For more information about the Make-A-Wish® Massachusetts and Rhode Island, go to: www.massri.wish.org or contact Alexandra Van Strien, Special Events Coordinator, at (617) 367-9474.
Donations should be payable to: WayCo Softball League, 136 West Plain Street, Wayland, MA 01778. Please write: Make-A-Wish in the memo section of the check.
