“Footballs for Freedom” - An Overview – February, “05

A Nicholas Michael Fatse Fundraising Initiative

Supported by his Dad, Michael, Mom, Sheryl, and Sister, Rachel

125 Highrock Rd, Sandy Hook, Ct. O6482

203-426-1557 –nickforfreedom@aol.com

October of “04 – John Sullivan, 4^th grade teacher at Middle Gate School asked his students to write a letter to Navy Seals stationed in Iraq. Nicholas Fatse (then 9 yrs. old) wrote to “Airman Anderson” and proposed to his Mom, Dad and Sister Rachel (12 yrs. old) that he wanted to send a football with his letter. It was his belief that he works better in school after he gets to play football on the playground . “These soldiers need to have some fun and they need to know that we are thinking of them”. They agreed to help him to raise money to send “more than one “ football. After a great deal of brainstorming around the kitchen table, Nick decides to call his effort “Footballs for Freedom”. Piggybanks were emptied and the next day several friends and work associates remarked on the promise of the effort. More contributions and pledges were made.

A week later Nicholas created a *letter asking for funds from family and friends. He had already received $300 just through word of mouth. Nick wanted to reach more people and involve more kids. Several letters with envelopes attached were given out to adult friends who took a special interest. Dad and Mom carried one each. Dad also sent out Nick’s letter to friends via the internet. Nick spoke about the project to anyone who would listen. Mr. Sullivan arranged for Nick to go into each 4^th grade class and talk about helping out. Mom researched the cost and suppliers of leather footballs. Rachel got down to the business of being treasurer.

Through November and December, donations were collected from various sources. Nick collected $71.00 in loose change from his 4^th grade classmates. Checks came to our mailbox everyday with personal notes saying “great job!” and thanks to Nick. His friends big and little were working hard to meet the newly established deadline to get the footballs to Iraq for the Superbowl!

Dad contacted Wilson Sporting Goods, who agreed to supply footballs at cost for “Footballs for Freedom”. Mom, and Dad made necessary contacts to find out

how to ship all these footballs and who would get them. This turned out to be challenging due to the holiday overload and security. Also, once we identified who we were shipping to, we had to check in and make sure we had accurate addresses right up until ship date.

Late November, Nick selected an awesome, professional size leather football.

In mid December, having collected $3000 we are able to order 360 Wilson footballs.

Christmas, Nick presented his first “Freedom Football” to Reservist Mike Giacomazzi after services at Christ the Savior Orthodox Church. Mike was home on leave. He shipped out to Kuwait 4 days later. This was an incredible experience for Nick, and Mike spent a great deal of quality time with him. “Thank you Mike”, “our prayers are with you!”

Continued..

Jan 8^th, football signing day. A hand picked group of family, teachers and friends gathered at Dads printing plant, Fabco, Inc., to sign each and every football with a message of support and hope. Each ball got a *sticker with Nicks email on it, then Nick, Rachel and their friends wrote personal messages in silver permanent marker on every football. Most of the messages were from the children. Some favorites follow:

“Be safe, be strong and never be sorry!” – Nick, 9

“When ever I see the American Flag, I will think of you,

and how you will protect my future”. – Aliza, 8

“Preserve the fighting strength!” – Julie, 12

“I put my hand across my heart and hope

your journey will end soon”. – Will, 8

Each box shipped out contained 25 signed footballs, hand pumps, disposable cameras donated from Kodak, an envelope to ship back the cameras, and a *flyer made on the computer with the story of the footballs, for each recipient.

Mission Accomplished! The Week before the Superbowl the footballs landed in various parts of Iraq. Some*emails to Nick are attached from those overseas who received their “Freedom footballs”.

*********

Nick wants to thank everyone who donated money and time to “Footballs for Freedom” and especially those who inspired him or allowed themselves to be inspired. Some of those people and organizations are listed below.

My Dad, my Mom and Rach, the best sister ever!

All of my family, near and far…

Mr. Sullivan, and the 4^th Graders who helped at Middle Gate School

The DeAngeles Family, ABUSTA!

“OX” and the Wizards

Mom’s friends at Karen’s Fitness Studio

Mr. Robert Lee and Friends

My “cuz”, Derek

“The Gelfands”

Sergeant Jack LaBreque

Father Aleandro, and Mr. Mark Anderson from Christ the Savior Church

Miss Marion and Family, and her 3^rd grade writers.

My Mia, my biggest fan.

Uncle Paul, “the packmaster!”

“The Myrtles”, Miss Terry, Katie and Caroline

My Bud, “Richie” Griffin

Meghan “Trigianni” Bridges

“The Meyer Men”

Capt. (Sel) Scott Gibney

My Popu, Dad and Fabco, Inc.

Ms. Julie Jasieniecki, Wilson Sporting Goods

Uncle Muskie and The Kodak Corp.

The Buffalo Bills kids club

*means a sample is provide

Return to coin story