Blue Devils Team Up with 1987 Alum for Kids

Huntington varsity boys and girls basketball players participated in a fun community service project last Sunday. The athletes went shopping at Target on Jericho Turnpike, selecting gifts for children that might not otherwise have a happy holiday.

Huntington alum Michael Brown contributed $3,000 and the parent of a player on the Blue Devil girls’ team kicked in another $250. Mr. Brown owns the Empire Automotive Group. The holidays will be much brighter because of the generous benefactors and the players who participated in last Sunday’s project.

A 1987 Huntington graduate who played on the Blue Devil football team and won All-County honors with the track team, Mr. Brown went on to obtain undergraduate and graduate degrees at Boston University and has been in the automotive business his entire professional career.

Blue Devil boys’ basketball varsity assistant coach Kevin Thorbourne coordinated the project. He’s been close to Mr. Brown for 40 years. Players met at Target for a quick orientation before being separated into shopping groups. The teenagers were given the ages of children and their respective interests and then they went about searching for gifts.

The Blue Devils shopped for 58 families. Each child will receive as many as three gifts. “The players really took the time to pick out each gift to make sure it was special,” said Marissa Bergmann, the Huntington girls’ basketball varsity assistant coach.

Once shopping was complete, the players and coaches went to Empire Toyota of Huntington on Oakwood Road and wrapped up all the goods. A gift giving extravaganza was planned for this week at the dealership complete with food and Santa Claus.

“This was a great day,” Coach Bergmann said. “The players were so excited to pick out presents for kids and make sure they had a smile on their face for the holidays. I am so proud to coach such wonderful young ladies who love giving back to their community. A great time was had by all.”