Play It Forward
After years of wanting to have a “give back” element to Blue Lollipop Road that encouraged traveling and the importance of staying active in community and in life, I brainstormed with a long-time soccer friend during one of my many road trips, about how best to honor our two lost teammates who’d gifted us so many happy times during our years together in high school and on the soccer field. We came up with a plan for an event weekend & travel scholarship, and Play It Forward was born! Now, each summer in Southern Vermont, BLR hosts Play It Forward, which brings hometown community members together to reconnect, celebrate, and honor our lost friends. The weekend kicks off with a Welcome Back Party Friday night, and Saturday includes a gifting of the Blue Lollipop Road Memorial Travel Scholarship, an Alumni Soccer Game, and evening Celebration Cocktails.
About the scholarship
Through playing sports and having coaches who were incredible mentors growing up, I learned about teamwork and confidence. I learned that by taking care of my body and exercising, I would take care of my mind and soul too. I also found that no classroom education taught or stretched me like travel does. I decided Play It Forward should have a travel scholarship that would be gifted to high school students who embody the spirit and zest for life our friends did, to support their travel goals.
Since the first BLR Play It Forward Event in 2012, we have gifted scholarships to 6 students and impacted thousands of people in the community. Our numbers grow each year with more and more participation during our weekend long celebration.
Play It Forward Weekend 2019!
Schedule of events:
*** FRIDAY JULY, 12TH ***
Ramunto’s Bennington
Welcome Back Party
7PM – ?
Family friendly – EVERYONE is welcome!
(Pizza, craft brews, and plenty of room for kiddos to play in the patio area.)
*** SATURDAY JULY, 13TH ***
The Miller’s Toll Lounge
Celebration Cocktails
7:30PM – ?
EVERYONE 21+ is welcome!
(Craft cocktails, appetizers, and a chance for adults to relax and catch up.)
(Poster sample below from previous events)
We’ve had so many wonderful individuals/organizations donate goods & services throughout the years! HUGE thanks to:
Tracy Bushee Designs
Clear Brook Farm
Ramuntos Brick Oven Pizza
Pangaea
Willy’s Variety & Bakery
The Town of Bennington
Home Depot
E.P Mahar and Son
Curtis Lumber
Staples
Dunkin Donuts
Hannaford Supermarkets
Vermont Roofing
Michele Burdo Photography
WBTN Radio
We appreciate all of you!
Get event information updates on our public Play It Forward Facebook page here.
Questions about Play It Forward or want to get involved? Awesome! Contact Diane.
REGISTER FOR PIF
All registrations for the Play It Forward event are considered donations as they go towards the scholarship fund. You can register now by clicking the donate button below.
BUY A SHIRT
Our t-shirts represent so much more than a brand. They represent community. We created the Play It Forward event with a goal to “REMEMBER. CELEBRATE. LIVE.”
MAKE A DONATION
Donations made to Play It Forward go towards the Blue Lollipop Road Memorial Scholarship Fund. Please click “Donate” below to contribute. Thank you for making a difference!