Nearly $2,300 raised for football team

DOWNEY - A fundraiser at Stay Gallery last week raised nearly $2,300 in less than three hours, with the proceeds going to Downey High School's CIF championship football team. The football team, which won its first CIF title in more than 50 years, is raising money to purchase championship rings.

The fundraiser attracted more than 200 alumni, students and community members, including members of Downey High's football teams from the 50s, 80s, 90s and 2000s.

"We are very happy to have raised $2,297.50 in less than three hours," said Laura Hurtado, program director for Stay Gallery. "It's very encoruaging to see former alumni and community members get together and gather money for a good cause.

"Coming from La Puente, it was awesome seeing different generations of Downey alumni all together in one room, telling stories and sharing community values. This is the start of a Downey Alumni Association that will get together a few times a year to help fundraise for the football program."

The gallery raised money by auctioning sports memorabilia and through merchandise sales.

Lash Stevenson, a member of Downey's CIF championship team from 1956, called the event "one of the best experiences of my life."

"For all of you that thought about coming and didn't, you missed out on a well-run and inspirational event," Stevenson said. "You would have been proud that the tradition of being a Downey Viking is in good hands."

********** Published: February 28, 2013 - Volume 11 - Issue 46