EAST PROVIDENCE — The Friends of Townie Athletics Organization officially launched its “Leave Your Mark, Pave the Way” fundraising commemorative brick project to enhance the entrance to the new East Providence High School in May of this year and the effort continues.

FTAO members Stephanie Vinhateiro, Paul Pimentel and Missy Andrade are coordinating this project with the assistance of East Providence District Athletic Director Gregg Amore.

Since its inception in 1993, the FTAO has been providing East Providence High School and Middle School student-athletes with college scholarships, annual banquets, trophies, awards, equipment, a scoreboard and sound system (EPHS soccer and lacrosse teams), pitching machines (both middle schools), and other items that Townie Athletic Teams may need.

The FTAO is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose sole purpose is to support and promote athletic and physical education in the East Providence Schools. The organization is made up of volunteers, many of whom are graduates of East Providence High School. The FTAO is led by President Clarence “Junior” Butler, Vice President Mildred (Millie) S. Morris, Treasurer Gregory S. Dias, Assistant Treasurer Kevin Monagle and Mrs. Vinhateiro as Secretary.

Over the last 27 years, over $275,000 has been distributed to the Townie Athletics program. This money has been raised through fundraising donations and our annual golf tournament. This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament was cancelled, and all fundraising efforts have been focused on the commemorative brick fundraiser.

These commemorative bricks would make an outstanding holiday gift for past, present and future Townies. East Providence residents, townie graduates, East Providence High School Hall of Fame members, graduating classes, businesses, organizations, and supporters of East Providence Townie Athletics are invited to purchase a brick to honor and/or memorialize a family or loved one, graduating class or to promote a business or athletic team. The bricks will be installed in front of the main entrance of the high school where they will be visible to all staff and visitors.

Bricks are available for purchase in two different sizes. Purchasers have the choice of: A 4”x8” brick (with inscription only) 3 lines of text, and 20 characters per line without a graphic logo for a cost of $125. The 4”x8” brick with one of the chosen graphic logos with 3 lines of text and 16 characters costs $150. A larger option is available with the purchase of an 8”x8” brick (with inscription only) 5 lines of text, and 20 characters per line without a graphic logo for a cost of $225. The 8”x8” brick with 5 lines of text and a graphic logo costs $250. Along with the purchase of a Commemorative Brick, purchasers may also buy a mini replica of their brick which may be used as a paper weight or displayed as memorabilia. The cost of the mini brick is $30.

Anyone interested in purchasing a commemorative brick may do so by visiting www.4everbricks.com/donors/FTA or requesting an order form at friendsoftownieathleticsorg@gmail.com. The deadline for the purchase of these Commemorative Bricks is April 1, 2021.