West Alumni Association rolls out red carpet to supporters

The Cranston Herald ·

Hollywood is stepping up to support Cranston High School West’s Alumni Association in its auditorium renovation drive.

As part of the ongoing fundraiser aimed at restoring the space, alumni are stepping forward to help with the cause from coast to coast. Moviemaker and 2002 graduate Tom DeNucci has made a YouTube video encouraging students, alumni, and any others interested in participating in the drive to go out and sell as many $10 tickets for a newly launched raffle fundraiser as they can, stating that one lucky winner will get to have a visit to the set of his next movie.

The link to the video can be found on the association’s website, cranstonwestalumniassociation.org, or its Facebook page. Each person who sells 20 tickets will have a seat with a nameplate on it and will be entered into the raffle, which has 75 prizes available.

In addition, David C. DiMaio, the association’s president, has noted support from other Hollywood greats including producer John Ryan Jr., who has helped to secure Facetime “visits” with other actors, actresses, and groups such as Big Time Rush in order to keep the donations coming in.

Currently, the goal of $200,000 has seen steady progress, and $50,000 has already come in through the four-tiered seat sponsorship drive, with an additional $25,000 in verbal commitments as well. The association also is grateful to have received the full support of the Cranston School Committee in pursuing this endeavor.

“Anyone can participate in the raffle and fundraisers, including current students and former students,” DiMaio said. “We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, so all donations are completely tax deductible.”

He continued: “The group is known for its commitment to Cranston West and has given out scholarships to recent graduates over the past years if they have a direct relative that is an alumni. Our goal has always been to have former students getting involved to help current students in achieving their goals at Cranston West. Our motto is ‘Once a Falcon, Always a Falcon,’ and we truly believe that.”

On Oct. 28, the association will once again set up a tent at the homecoming game at Cranston Stadium, and will also be at the upcoming Nov. 6 Future Falcon Open House at West.

“You will see us at every event, and we try to help out with many other things along the way in addition to this renovation project,” DiMaio said.

He noted building relationships between former graduates, local businesses, and current programs within the school, such as the art program that had recently lost its sponsorship for framing senior art projects. The alumni association was able to make new connections for the program in order to keep the senior art show going strong.

The group also was able to work with the NFL to bring a golden football and Mark Van Eeghen to Cranston West. The group is currently working with the class of 1977, which is approaching its 40th reunion and includes many people with current students at the school.

As donations and prizes continue to roll in, the association is looking to increase its membership and grow community partnerships for the project while continuing to sell seat sponsorships.

The seats are available in four tiers – Platinum Falcon, Gold Falcon, Silver Falcon, and Bronze Falcon. Those wishing to donate, help with the project, or otherwise become involved may visit the assocation’s website or contact DiMaio at 401-588-1313.

“This is a grassroots fundraising effort, and we are looking for any help that people are willing to give,” he said. “If every person reached out to two other people, we could get this job done.” 1

COMMUNITY SPACE:

The 653-seat Cranston High School West auditorium is used by the entire Cranston community for major events, and is the focus of a fundraising drive by the Cranston West Alumni Association. (Photo courtesy of David C. DiMaio)