WEST MILFORD — The West Milford PBA Local #162 Civic Association presented a generous donation to the West Milford Band Parents Association (WMBPA) in support of the Highlander Band.
WMBPA President Julia Ligosh publicly acknowledged and thanked the PBA on behalf of the band for their support, which she said will serve to help provide some of the many amazing opportunities for the Highlander Band students on their continuing quest for musical excellence - through participation in special performances and workshops during their biennial tour of Scotland and England, as well as their return appearance marching in the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade last month.
“West Milford Police Benevolent Association (PBA) Local 162 is comprised of the 42 sworn law enforcement members of the West Milford Police Department. In 2007, to further community outreach and play an active role within the community, PBA members voted to create the West Milford PBA Local #162 Civic Association," according to West Milford Police Detective Eric Darnsteadt, vice president of PBA Local #162. "The purpose of the Civic Association was to provide financial donations and support to local causes that directly impact the community of West Milford.”
Since its inception, Darnsteadt said the West Milford PBA Local #162 Civic Association has provided financial assistance to several local athletic programs including West Milford Little League as a major sponsor of opening night, West Milford Midget Football, West Milford Wrestling Club, and West Milford Softball as a multi-team sponsor.
The association also routinely supports local food pantries both financially and with food donations, and the Civic Association seeks out families in need during the holidays, providing Thanksgiving dinners or gift cards, and shops for gifts for local children in need during Christmas.
He said the Civic Association also joins the West Milford Fire Department Burnout Fund in making financial donations to victims of non-suspicious fires.
“PBA Local #162 Civic Association also likes to recognize those in the community who have excelled in academics, civics, or music by sponsoring academic scholarships to graduating high school seniors, sponsoring local students for American Legion Boys and Girls State, as a booster for the annual West Milford High School Play, recognizing all Eagle Scouts with special Eagle Awards, and supporting the West Milford Band Parents Association and the award-winning West Milford High School Music Programs,” Darnsteadt said.
The West Milford PBA Local #162 Civic Association has one annual Beefsteak fundraiser and does not solicit donations outside of the beefsteak.
“It is the money raised from this single fundraiser," Darnsteadt said, "that allows the West Milford PBA Local #162 Civic Association to continue serving the community beyond the Uniforms of its members.”