Annual New Haven Kick for Nick Night, in honor of fallen soldier, moves to Regal Beagle
Updated 5:00 pm, Wednesday, October 18, 2017
NEW HAVEN — The 7th annual New Haven Kick for Nick Night has found a temporary home this year at the Regal Beagle after a fire above its usual host Trinity Bar and Restaurant made the space unavailable.
The fundraising event honors the late U.S. Army Pvt. Nicholas A. Madaras, a Wilton native, who died in combat in Iraq in September 2006. After learning about his death, Ken Dartley of Wilton suggested starting a program to honor Madaras’ passion for soccer, according to the Kick for Nick website.
Kick for Nick has distributed more than 49,072 balls in 42 countries, nearing its overall goal to distribute 50,000 soccer balls. Last year, organizers were able to collect more than 500 soccer balls. This year’s total is expected to exceed that number thanks to corporate and institutional partners, according to the event website.
According to VFW New Haven Post 12150, one of the organizers of the event, Southern Connecticut State University women’s soccer coach Adam Cohen hosted a soccer ball collection during their Oct. 14 games against Bentley.
Cohen said Wednesday the collection drive netted about 100 soccer balls. “We’ve been doing this for the past several years and we feel fortunate to be connected with Kick for Nick,” Cohen said.
Organizers are asking for donations of new or used soccer balls or a $15 donation at the door. Friday’s event will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Regal Beagle, 422 State St. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/2zAU4Vg.
The fundraiser will include a silent auction, raffles, drink specials, hors d’oeuvres and bagpipers from the New Haven Country Firefighters Emerald Society. Organizers include Trinity Bar and Restaurant, the VFW New Haven Post 12150, the American Outlaws New Haven Soccer club and the Kick for Nick Foundation.
http://www.nhregister.com/news/article/Annual-New-Haven-Kick-for-Nick-Night-in-honor-of-12288481.php
